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Barstow sits in San Bernardino County's high-desert corridor, where USDA-eligible properties start around $200,000. At that price point with zero down, your monthly payment runs $1,151 for principal and interest alone.
The county's median household income of $82,184 stretches comfortably here. Most Barstow buyers are drawn to the lower entry price and the zero-down structure. USDA loans make sense when you want to own without saving a 20% down payment first.
5.625%
Interest Rate
$1,151
Monthly P&I
740
FICO Minimum
$0
Down Payment
0.35% of balance
Annual Fee
USDA Loans in Barstow
USDA loans require a 740 FICO minimum and zero down payment. Income limits cap at 115% of the area median — roughly $94,512 for a single borrower in San Bernardino County. If you're above that threshold, USDA won't work. Below it, you're eligible.
Debt-to-income ratio typically maxes at 43%, though some lenders go to 50% with compensating factors. You'll need a valid Social Security number and lawful residency. The property must be in a USDA-eligible rural area — Barstow qualifies.
Local decision guide
Use this guide to connect usda loans eligibility, lender expectations, and local market factors before comparing payment options in Barstow.
Barstow sits in San Bernardino County's high-desert corridor, where USDA-eligible properties start around $200,000. At that price point with zero down, your monthly payment runs $1,151 for principal and interest alone.
The county's median household income of $82,184 stretches comfortably here. Most Barstow buyers are drawn to the lower entry price and the zero-down structure. USDA loans make sense when you want to own without saving a 20% down payment first.
USDA loans require a 740 FICO minimum and zero down payment. Income limits cap at 115% of the area median — roughly $94,512 for a single borrower in San Bernardino County. If you're above that threshold, USDA won't work. Below it, you're eligible.
USDA loans are backed by the U.S. Department of Agriculture, not Fannie Mae or Freddie Mac. That means fewer lenders carry them compared to conventional or FHA. Brokers and some retail banks originate USDA loans, but the pipeline is narrower than conforming.
Underwriting takes 30 to 45 days on average. USDA has strict property and income rules, so appraisals and verifications take longer than conventional. Rates are competitive with FHA but without the lifetime mortgage insurance.
USDA financing wins in Barstow when you're under the income cap and have a 740+ FICO. At $200,000 purchase price with zero down, you avoid the burden of saving a down payment while keeping your rate competitive.
USDA doesn't work if your income exceeds 115% of the county median or if the property sits outside USDA-eligible boundaries. For buyers who fit the box, it's the clearest path to ownership. For those above the income line, conventional or FHA becomes the play.
FHA loans also work in Barstow at similar rates but require 3.5% down and carry lifetime mortgage insurance if you put less than 10% down. USDA asks for zero down and no mortgage insurance at all. If you have $7,000 saved, FHA works.
Conventional loans require 20% down to skip PMI entirely — that's $40,000 on a $200,000 purchase. USDA's zero-down structure and no-insurance rule make it fundamentally different.
Barstow's location on I-15 makes it a logistics hub for Southern California. The city has invested in infrastructure and commercial development over the past decade. That kind of growth supports property values for buyers who plan to stay long-term.
The high desert climate means lower property taxes and no coastal premium. Schools and services are improving as the population stabilizes.
Yes — USDA loans are designed for zero down. You can put money down if you want, but it's not required. The program's entire purpose is to help rural buyers skip the down-payment savings phase.
Principal and interest run $1,151 per month at 5.625% interest on a 30-year loan. Add property taxes, insurance, and the annual USDA fee (0.35% of loan balance, roughly $58/month) for your total housing cost.
Your income must be at or below 115% of San Bernardino County's median, which is roughly $94,512 for a single borrower. If you're above that, USDA won't approve you. Call to verify your exact limit based on household size.
No — USDA loans carry no mortgage insurance, ever. You pay an annual fee of 0.35% of the loan balance instead. That's about $58 per year on a $200,000 loan, far cheaper than PMI.
Expect 30 to 45 days from application to clear-to-close. USDA has strict income and property rules, so appraisals and verifications take longer than conventional loans. Plan accordingly.