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Ontario sits in San Bernardino County where USDA-eligible rural properties offer zero-down financing for buyers who meet income limits. At 5.625%, a $200,000 purchase carries a $1,151 monthly payment (principal and interest).
The county's median household income of $82,184 qualifies most working families for USDA loans here. Properties must sit in USDA-designated rural zones — Ontario has pockets that qualify, though not every neighborhood does.
5.625%
Interest Rate
$1,151
Monthly P&I ($200K)
740
FICO Minimum
$0
Down Payment
$94,512
Income Limit
USDA Loans in Ontario
USDA loans require a 740 FICO minimum (though some lenders go as low as 620). You put zero down — that's the whole point. Your debt-to-income ratio caps at 41-43%, meaning your total monthly debt (mortgage, car, credit cards, student loans) can't exceed...
San Bernardino County's median household income is $82,184. USDA income limits run 115% of that, or roughly $94,512 for a single household. A family earning $90,000 annually qualifies.
There's no upfront mortgage insurance and no annual fee like FHA carries. USDA charges a 1% upfront guarantee fee and 0.35% annual fee, both rolled into the loan. Over 30 years, that's cheaper than PMI on a conventional 5% down loan.
Local decision guide
Use this guide to connect usda loans eligibility, lender expectations, and local market factors before comparing payment options in Ontario.
Ontario sits in San Bernardino County where USDA-eligible rural properties offer zero-down financing for buyers who meet income limits. At 5.625%, a $200,000 purchase carries a $1,151 monthly payment (principal and interest).
The county's median household income of $82,184 qualifies most working families for USDA loans here. Properties must sit in USDA-designated rural zones — Ontario has pockets that qualify, though not every neighborhood does.
USDA loans require a 740 FICO minimum (though some lenders go as low as 620). You put zero down — that's the whole point. Your debt-to-income ratio caps at 41-43%, meaning your total monthly debt (mortgage, car, credit cards, student loans) can't exceed...
USDA loans are portfolio products — lenders keep them on their books rather than selling to Fannie Mae or Freddie Mac. That means fewer lenders offer them, and those who do have tighter overlays.
California brokers typically close USDA loans in 30-45 days. The USDA guarantee process adds time compared to conventional loans, but it's predictable. Appraisals must meet USDA standards (no properties in flood zones, no manufactured homes on leased land).
Recent guideline updates from the USDA affect income calculations and property eligibility. Work with a broker who tracks those changes — outdated knowledge kills deals.
USDA makes sense in Ontario when you're income-qualified and the property sits in an eligible rural zone. The zero-down structure beats saving 5-10% for a conventional loan. At $200,000, you avoid $10,000-$20,000 in down payment savings — that's real money.
Where USDA breaks down: properties just outside the rural boundary, or buyers over the income cap. If you're at $95,000 income and the limit is $94,512, you don't qualify — there's no wiggle room. Verify eligibility before you make an offer.
Conventional loans at 5% down require $10,000 in cash upfront and carry PMI until you hit 80% LTV. USDA puts zero down and skips PMI entirely. Over 30 years, that PMI cost runs $100-150 per month on a $200K loan — $36,000-$54,000 total.
The tradeoff: USDA has stricter property rules and income limits. Conventional works anywhere in Ontario. If you're over the income cap or the property's outside the rural zone, conventional is your only path.
Ontario's location between Los Angeles and the Inland Empire makes it a commuter hub. If you work in either direction, a zero-down USDA loan here lets you buy sooner than saving for a conventional down payment. That's years of rent avoided.
San Bernardino County's economy runs on logistics, manufacturing, and distribution. Stable employment in those sectors qualifies you for USDA's income limits.
No — USDA loans require zero down payment. You borrow 100% of the purchase price, subject to income and property eligibility. That's the defining feature of the program.
At 5.625% (as of April 23, 2026), principal and interest run $1,151 per month on a $200,000 loan. Add property taxes, insurance, and the 0.35% annual USDA fee (about $58/month) for your total housing cost.
Most USDA lenders require 740 FICO. Some go as low as 620, but expect tighter terms and higher rates below 700. Call to confirm your lender's floor.
Yes — the property must sit in a USDA-designated rural area. Ontario has eligible zones, but not every neighborhood qualifies. Check the USDA eligibility map before making an offer.
The limit is 115% of the county's median household income, or about $94,512. If you earn more, you don't qualify. There's no exception or appeal — it's a hard cap.