Are USDA loans available in Northern Kentucky in 2026?

Yes. Many areas of Northern Kentucky remain eligible for USDA loans in 2026, particularly outside major city limits. Eligibility is based on property address.

Do USDA loans require a down payment?

No. USDA mortgage loans offer 100% financing with no down payment required.

Are there income limits for USDA loans?

Yes. USDA loans have household income limits that vary by county and household size. All adult household income is counted.

Map of Northern Kentucky showing USDA Eligible areas for the Kentucky Rural Housing Program

USDA Mortgage Loans in Northern Kentucky (2026 Eligibility, Income Limits & Map)

Looking to buy a home using a USDA mortgage loan in Northern Kentucky in 2026? USDA Rural Development loans remain one of the strongest no-down-payment financing options available for buyers purchasing outside dense urban areas.

This page covers current Northern Kentucky USDA property eligibility, updated 2026 income limits, and how to confirm whether a specific address qualifies.

Map of Northern Kentucky Showing USDA Eligible Areas

In Northern Kentucky, USDA eligibility is determined by property location, not just the county name. Portions of Boone, Kenton, and Campbell counties remain eligible outside city limits, while Jefferson and Fayette counties are fully ineligible.

Check USDA Property Eligibility by Address (Live 2026 Map)

Enter a property address below to verify USDA eligibility using the official Rural Development mapping system.

How USDA Mortgage Loans Work in Northern Kentucky

USDA home loans are backed by the USDA Rural Development program and are designed for owner-occupied primary residences.

100% financing with no down payment
Lower mortgage insurance compared to FHA
30-year fixed-rate options
Flexible credit guidelines
Seller-paid closing costs allowed

2026 USDA Income Limits for Northern Kentucky

USDA loans are income-restricted, but limits are higher than many buyers expect. Income limits vary by county and household size.

All adult household income is counted, even if not on the loan.

View official income limits directly from USDA Rural Development:

https://www.rd.usda.gov

USDA Eligible Counties in Northern Kentucky

Many Northern Kentucky counties have full or partial eligibility depending on location. Always confirm eligibility by address.

USDA Property Eligibility Text Description County List for Kentucky

Who Is a Good Fit for a USDA Loan in Northern Kentucky?

First-time homebuyers
Buyers relocating to Northern Kentucky
Households within USDA income limits
Buyers seeking zero down payment financing

USDA vs FHA vs VA vs KHC Loans in Northern Kentucky

Many buyers compare USDA loans with other popular programs:

Choosing the right loan depends on property location, income, credit profile, and long-term goals.

Start a USDA Mortgage Pre-Approval in Northern Kentucky

The first step is confirming property eligibility, income limits, and credit qualification. A full pre-approval ensures accurate pricing and payment estimates.

Start Your USDA Loan Pre-Approval

Last Updated: 2026

NMLS #57916 | Equal Housing Lender | Not a commitment to lend. Loans subject to credit, income, property, and underwriting approval. Program guidelines subject to change. nmlsconsumeraccess.org

Louisville Kentucky Mortgage Lender for FHA, VA, KHC, USDA and Rural Housing Kentucky Mortgages: How to Get Approved for a Kentucky Mortgage Loan w...

Louisville Kentucky Mortgage Lender for FHA, VA, KHC, USDA and Rural Housing Kentucky Mortgages: How to Get Approved for a Kentucky Mortgage Loan w...: Published: December 2024 • Updated: January 2026 • Author: Joel Lobb Kentucky FHA Loans with Bad Credit (2026 Guide)...

Kentucky USDA Loan Requirements : Your Guide to 100% Financing

Your Guide to USDA Rural Housing Loans in Kentucky

Dreaming of owning a home in the beautiful rolling hills of Kentucky, but worried about saving for a down payment? A USDA Rural Housing loan might be the perfect solution for you. This guide will walk you through everything

you need to know about qualifying for a USDA mortgage in Kentucky, even if you've faced financial challenges like bankruptcy or foreclosure. We'll cover the requirements, the application process, and the incredible benefits of this government-backed loan program.

What is a USDA Loan?

A USDA loan, also known as a Rural Development Guaranteed Loan, is a mortgage option offered by the U.S. Department of Agriculture to encourage homeownership in rural areas. These loans are designed for low- to moderate-income households and offer significant advantages, including the possibility of 100% financing, meaning you may not need a down payment at all. [1]

USDA Loan Requirements in Kentucky

Qualifying for a USDA loan in Kentucky involves meeting specific criteria for your credit score, income, and employment history. Here’s a breakdown of what you’ll need:

Requirement	Details
Credit Score	A minimum credit score of 640 is generally required for automated approval. However, with manual underwriting, you may be approved with a score as low as 580. [2]
Income Limits	Your household income must not exceed 115% of the median household income for your area. In Kentucky, most counties have limits of $119,850 for households of 1-4 people and $158,250 for households of 5-8 people. Northern Kentucky metro counties (Boone, Campbell, Gallatin, and Kenton) have higher limits of $128,600 and $169,800 respectively. [3]
Debt-to-Income (DTI) Ratio	Your DTI ratio, which is your total monthly debt divided by your gross monthly income, should not exceed 41%.
Employment History	You’ll need to show a consistent employment history of at least two years, preferably in the same field.

Navigating USDA Loans After Bankruptcy or Foreclosure

One of the most significant advantages of the USDA loan program is that it offers a path to homeownership even after financial hardship. Here’s what you need to know if you’ve experienced bankruptcy or foreclosure:

•Chapter 7 Bankruptcy: You’ll need to wait three years from the discharge date before you can apply for a USDA loan. However, this waiting period can be reduced to as little as 12 months if you can demonstrate that the bankruptcy was caused by extenuating circumstances. [4]

•Chapter 13 Bankruptcy: You may be eligible to apply for a USDA loan after just 12 months of making consistent, on-time payments under a court-approved repayment plan.

•Foreclosure: A three-year waiting period is required after a foreclosure is complete.

Property Eligibility in Kentucky

As the name suggests, USDA loans are for properties in designated rural areas. In Kentucky, this includes a vast portion of the state:

•Fully Eligible Counties: 92 of Kentucky’s 120 counties are fully eligible for USDA loans.

•Partially Eligible Counties: 23 counties have both eligible and ineligible areas. You’ll need to check the specific property address on the USDA’s eligibility map. [5]

•Ineligible Counties: Only 5 counties, which are home to Kentucky’s major metropolitan areas, are entirely ineligible.

The USDA Loan Application Process

Applying for a USDA loan in Kentucky is a straightforward process:

1.Check Your Eligibility: Use the USDA’s online tools to verify your income and the property’s location.

2.Get Pre-Approved: Work with a USDA-approved lender to get pre-approved for a loan. You’ll need to provide documentation of your income, assets, and debts.

3.Find a Home: Once you’re pre-approved, you can start shopping for a home in an eligible area.

4.Close on Your Loan: The closing process for a USDA loan typically takes 30-45 days.

Benefits of a Kentucky USDA Loan

USDA loans offer several key advantages for Kentucky home buyers:

•100% Financing: No down payment is required.

•Fixed Interest Rates: Your interest rate will be fixed for the life of the loan, providing you with a stable and predictable monthly payment.

•No Private Mortgage Insurance (PMI): Unlike conventional loans, USDA loans do not require PMI.

Conclusion

A USDA Rural Housing loan can be an excellent option for Kentucky residents who are looking to purchase a home but may not have the savings for a traditional down payment. With its flexible credit requirements and forgiving guidelines for those who have experienced financial setbacks, the USDA loan program is making the dream of homeownership a reality for many Kentuckians.

Frequently Asked Questions (FAQ)

Q: Can I get a USDA loan if I’m not a first-time home buyer?

A: Yes, you can. The USDA loan program is available to both first-time and repeat home buyers.

Q: What is the maximum loan amount for a USDA loan in Kentucky?

A: There is no maximum loan amount for a USDA loan. Your loan amount will be determined by your ability to repay, based on your income and DTI ratio.

Q: Are there any fees associated with a USDA loan?

A: Yes, there is an upfront guarantee fee of 1% of the loan amount and an annual guarantee fee of 0.35% of the outstanding principal balance.

References

[1] USDA Rural Development [2] USDA Loans .Net [3] My Louisville Kentucky Mortgage [4] Neighbors Bank [5] USDA Eligibility Map

Contact Joel Lobb - Kentucky Mortgage Loan Officer

Specializing in Kentucky First-Time Homebuyers

📧 Email: kentuckyloan@gmail.com

📞 Call/Text: 502-905-3708

NMLS Personal ID: 57916 | Company NMLS ID: 1738461

Kentucky Mortgage Loans Only | Equal Housing Lender

Over 20 Years Experience | 1,300+ Kentucky Families Helped

This website is not endorsed by the FHA, VA, USDA, or any government agency. It is an independent platform created to educate and assist homebuyers with expert advice and accessible tools.

Kentucky USDA Rural Housing Mortgage Guide For Home Loan Approval

Kentucky USDA Loan Resources - Joel Lobb NMLS #57916

🗺️ Kentucky USDA Eligible Counties

Important: Most of Kentucky is USDA eligible! Use this guide to identify the best opportunities in each region.

USDA Eligible

Partially Eligible

Not Eligible

🌄 Eastern Kentucky

⚠️ Boyd County (partial)

✅ Breathitt County

✅ Knott County

✅ Leslie County

✅ Perry County

✅ Pike County

✅ Wolfe County

🌾 Western Kentucky

⚠️ Christian County (partial)

✅ Crittenden County

⚠️ Daviess County (partial)

✅ Graves County

⚠️ Henderson County (partial)

✅ Hopkins County

✅ Livingston County

✅ Lyon County

✅ Marshall County

✅ Trigg County

⚠️ Warren County (partial)

✅ Webster County

⚠️ McCracken County (partial)

🏞️ Central Kentucky

✅ Casey County

⚠️ Hardin County (partial)

✅ Lincoln County

✅ Oldham County

✅ Rockcastle County

✅ Russell County

✅ Taylor County

❌ Fayette County

🏘️ Northern Kentucky

⚠️ Boone County (partial)

⚠️ Campbell County (partial)

✅ Fleming County

⚠️ Kenton County (partial)

✅ Lewis County

✅ Mason County

✅ Robertson County

💡 Pro Tip: Even if your county shows "partial eligibility," many areas within it qualify. I can help you verify specific addresses and find eligible properties.

🧮 2025 PITI Calculator

Calculate your maximum housing payment under the new USDA rules:

Monthly Gross Income: Credit Score:

*PITI includes Principal, Interest, Taxes, and Insurance. Results are estimates only.

📈 Credit Score Improvement Checklist

Follow this checklist to reach the 680+ score needed for USDA waivers:

Pull your free credit reports from annualcreditreport.com and review for errors

Dispute any inaccurate information found on your credit reports

Pay down credit card balances to below 10% of credit limits (30% maximum)

Set up autopay for all bills to ensure on-time payments

Don't close old credit cards - keep them open to maintain credit history length

Avoid opening new credit accounts for 6+ months before applying

Consider becoming an authorized user on a family member's account with good payment history

Pay off or settle collections - recent collections hurt more than old ones

Checklist Progress 0%

💪 Compensating Factors Worksheet

Check off your strengths to qualify for the 32% PITI waiver:

Financial

Employment

Assets

Low debt-to-income ratio: Total monthly debts less than 36% of gross income

Minimal increase in housing payment: New payment is less than 10% more than current rent/mortgage

Excellent payment history: No late payments in the past 12 months

Job stability: 2+ years with current employer or in same industry

Income growth: Recent raise, promotion, or increase in hours/earnings

Stable profession: Work in recession-resistant field (healthcare, education, government)

Cash reserves: 2+ months of mortgage payments saved after closing

Large down payment: More than the minimum required (if any)

Additional assets: Retirement accounts, investments, or other property

Ready to Get Pre-Approved?

Don't let the new USDA rules catch you off guard. Let me help you navigate these changes and find the best loan program for your situation.

📞 (502) 905-3708

✉️ kentuckyloan@gmail.com

🏆 1,300+ Kentucky Families Helped

Call Now Send Email

Joel Lobb - Senior Loan Officer | NMLS #57916
Specializing in Kentucky USDA, FHA, VA & First-Time Buyer Programs

Kentucky USDA Rural Housing Income Limits 2026 County-by-County Income Eligibility Guide for 100% Financing

Kentucky USDA Income Limits 2026| Rural Housing Eligibility

2026 Kentucky USDA Rural Housing Income Limits

Check your county’s USDA income limits and property eligibility map

Search for Your County: Or Select from the List:

USDA Property Eligibility Map

Use the map below to check if a property address is located in a USDA-eligible area for 2025.

About Me

Your Trusted Kentucky Mortgage Expert I specialize in assisting Kentucky First-Time Homebuyers with mortgage loans, including FHA, VA, USDA & Rural Housing, KHC (Kentucky Housing Corporation), and Fannie Mae programs. With over 20 years of experience in the mortgage industry, I’ve helped more than 1,300 Kentucky families achieve their dream of homeownership or refinance their current mortgages to secure lower payments. Whether you’re a first-time buyer or looking to refinance, I am here to guide you through every step of the process with personalized attention, expert advice, and the best loan options available to fit your unique needs. Down Payment Assistance: For Kentucky first-time homebuyers, we still have down payment assistance available through KHC programs. These funds can make a huge difference in reducing upfront costs and making homeownership more accessible. Why Work With Me? Local Expertise: I know the ins and outs of Kentucky’s housing market and loan programs. Fast Approvals: I offer free mortgage applications with same-day approvals to keep the process moving quickly. Customized Loan Solutions: Whether you’re buying a home or refinancing, I’ll find the right loan program to fit your needs. Personalized Service: I treat every client like family, ensuring you’re supported and informed throughout the process. About My Website Visit my website for a wealth of resources tailored to Kentucky homebuyers. You’ll find: Step-by-step guides for first-time homebuyers. Information on loan programs like FHA, VA, USDA, and KHC. Tools to help you calculate potential payments and affordability. Blog posts with tips and updates on the Kentucky housing market. A secure portal to start your loan application and upload documents. Please Note: My website is not endorsed by the FHA, VA, USDA, or any government agency. It is an independent platform created to educate and assist homebuyers with expert advice and accessible tools. -- 1 - Email - kentuckyloan@gmail.com 2. Call/Text - 502-905-3708 Joel Lobb Mortgage Loan Officer - Expert on Kentucky Mortgage Loans www.mylouisvillekentuckymortgage.com 911 Barret Ave., Louisville, KY 40204 Evo Mortgage Company NMLS# 1738461 Personal NMLS# 57916 For assistance with Kentucky mortgage loans, reach out via email, call, or text Joel Lobb directly. Licensing Info: Kentucky Mortgage Loan Only NMLS Personal ID: 57916 Company NMLS ID: 1738461 www.nmlsconsumeracces.org Equal Housing Lender Email ThisBlogThis!Share to XShare to FacebookShare to Pinterest Joel Lobb, Mortgage Broker FHA, VA, KHC, USDA

Kentucky USDA Rural Housing Mortgage Loan Officer Expert..

I have helped over 1300 Kentucky families buy or refinance their home over the last 18 years. Realizing that this is one of the biggest, most important financial transactions a family makes during their lifetime, I always feel honored and respected when I am chosen to originate their personal home loan. You can count on me to deliver on what I say, and I will always give you honest, up-front personal attention you deserve during the loan process.

I have several advantages over the large banks in town. First, I can search and negotiate for your loan options through several different mortgage companies across the country to get you a competitive priced loan locally. Whereas most banks will offer offer you their one set of loan products. I have access to over 15 different mortgage companies to broker your loan through to get you competitive pricing and loan products that may not fit into the bank's program due to credit, income, or other underwriting issues.

You will not get lost in the shuffle like most borrowers do at the mega banks; you're just not a number at our company, you are a person and we will treat you like one throughout the entire process.

Give us a try or let us compare your options on your next mortgage transaction. Call/text me locally at 502-905-3708. Free Mortgage Pre-Qualifications same day on most applications.

Email me at kentuckyloan@gmail.com with your questions

I specialize in Kentucky FHA, VA ,USDA, KHC, Conventional and Jumbo mortgage loans. I am based out of Louisville Kentucky. For the first time buyer, we offer Kentucky Housing or KHC loans with down payment assistance.

This website is not an government agency, and does
not officially represent the HUD, VA, USDA or FHA or any other government agency.

NMLS# 57916 http://www.nmlsconsumeraccess.org/

Joel Lobb Senior Loan Officer

call/text phone: (502) 905-3708
kentuckyloan@gmail.com

Company ID #1738461
EQUAL HOUSING LENDER
http://www.mylouisvillekentuckymortgage.com/

Customer Testimonials

We just moved here the first of January in 2017 from Ohio to the Louisville, KY area and we found Joel's website online. He was quick to respond to us and got back the same day on our loan approval. He was very knowledgeable about the local market and kept us up-to date throughout the loan process and was a pleasure to meet at closing. Would recommend his services.

Angela Forsythe

"We were searching online for mortgage companies in Louisville, Ky locally to deal with and found Joel's website, and it was a godsend. He was great to work with, and delivered on everything he said he would do. I ended up referring my co-worker at UPS, and she was very pleased with his service and rates too. Would definitely vouch for him." September 2016

Monica Leinhardt

"We contacted Joel back in July 2011 to refinance our Mortgage and he was great to work with. We contacted several lenders locally and online, and most where taking almost 60 days to close a refinance, Joel got it done in 23 days start to finish,I would definetly recommmend him. He got us 3.75% with just $900 in closing costs on our FHA Streamline loan.

Kayle Griffin

“Joel is one of the best Mortgage Brokers I have ever worked with in my sixteen years in the real estate and mortgage business.” May 25, 2010

Tim Beck
“Joel has always worked very hard to keep his word and to work out seasonable solutions to difficult problems. He is truly an expert in FHA and other type loans.” September 1, 2010

Nancy Nalley

“I have worked with Joel since 1998. He is a great loan professional.” I refer most of my Louisville, Kentucky area home buyers to him and he always take special care of them. August 23, 2012

Jon ClarK

“Joel Lobb is a real professional in the lending industry, with many years of experience, he is the one to go to for any mortgage lending needs.” August 22, 2011

RICHARD VOLZ , Residential Sales , Remax Foursquare Realty
“When looking to purchase our new home in 2006, I had the pleasure of meeting Joel Lobb. Not only was he personable and easy to reach, he was extremely knowledgable in his field and made sure to find us the best rate and a top notch mortgage company. We were able to complete the process in less than 3 weeks with his expertise. I find Joel to have the utmost high integrity and I recommend him to anyone who say's they are need of mortgage assistance. He is also fantastic and keeping everyone up to date on the latest in the housing industry through his twitter posts. He provided great results for our family and we still communicate to this day!” August 21, 2010
Stacie Drake

"We first use Joel on our new home purchase in 2007 in St Matthews, Kentucky area and he was great to work with. We have since refinanced our home with him in 2010 when rates got really low and he has always delivered on what he says. I could not imagine using anyone else."

Melody Glasscock March 2014

Absolutely Amazing!! I emailed Joel after I had just got a denial from a bank and just thought i would try to get some advice on what my next steps would be to get a house. I honestly didn't expect to even get a reply because my credit is not great. That was about a week and a half ago. I just signed a contract on a house last night. ONLY because of Joel Lobb. He even worked with us throughout the weekend, which shocked me. Best decision I have ever made. THANK YOU SO MUCH FOR WORKING WITH US THROUGHOUT THE ENTIRE PROCESS.

Cee Bellisle August 2018

😃

Contacted him about buying a home and he was great to work with. I was moving to Louisville Ky to take a new job and he walked me through the entire process. He explained to me all the different options for FHA, VA, USDA mortgage loans and credit score requirements versus Fannie Mae. Since I was a first time home buyer I needed alot of help and guidance. I would definitely recommend him. Fast to respond and available to answer questions that I or my realtor had after hours.
Anderson Johnson April, 2018

We moved from Michigan to Northern Kentucky area and we were really impressed. We got a USDA loan no money down and closed in less than 3.5 weeks. We shopped around online with other lenders but Joel was always first to respond and his rates were just a little better than other lenders. He kept us informed through the process along with our realtor and there was absolutely no surprises like we heard from other co-workers and friends that they experienced in their loan process. We have already referred another co-worker to Joel . He's AWESOME!

Patty Kingston July 2018

😍

betty parsons

Wow, what a great loan officer. I was referred to him by our agent and he was great to work with. We used him for a USDA no money down loan in Shelby County and we were really impressed. We were afraid we could not buy a home since we did not have money saved for a down payment, but Joe l was able to get us a zero down loan and we even got our appraisal fee and good faith deposit back at closing. We actually got money back at closing!!! I Can't think him enough. Our family moved from our apartment in the south end of town to get our own home with 5 acres for our kids and 2 dogs, at a payment that is equal to our rent payment also. .Thanks Again Joel. May god bless you

Patty Locker

We contacted Joel about buying a house on our move from Ohio for my husband's job transfer with Ford. We put a lot of trust in him since we were new to the area and first time home buyers in the Louisville KY market, and he always delivered on what he said. It took us a while to find a home due to the lack of homes, but once we got one, he was always quick to respond our questions via text or email ,and kept us informed through the process. We got to meet him at the closing and he was super nice and even got us a closing gift for our home which we didn't expect at all. Super nice guy 😀!!! I would definitely recommend him for a local Home loan in the Louisville area.

pam dolby

I got a VA loan with Joel and he was great. He is an ex-army guy so he could relate to my past experiences of being a veteran and moving around the country a lot. I had some credit issues that required a little extra work but Joel was able to find A VA lender to approve my situation as far as having past bad credit problems and a lower credit score. We closed yesterday on our home here in Louisville and we could not be happier. We finally have a home of our own thanks to Joel . I would definitely recommend him for a mortgage loan. Great experience and closed 8 days before expected close date so we were able to move in early.

I contacted Joel about the $10,000 KY Housing Grant last month and we were able to get it and I just closed on my home. He was great to work with and if you are a first time home buyer here in Louisville, I would definitely contact him. I met him at his office and he was very nice and knowledgeable and kept me informed through the process. No surprises either so I was very happy. I am new homeowner thanks to Joel .

Website Fine Print

The content provided on this website is presented or compiled by Joel Lobb and is provided for informational purposes only. It does not necessarily represent the views or opinions of his employer.

Joel Lobb or his employer assumes any legal liability or responsibility for the accuracy, completeness, or usefulness of any information disclosed, or represents that its use would not infringe privately owned rights.

The mortgage or financial services or strategies mentioned in this website may not be not suitable for you.

This website is an Equal Opportunity Lender. All rights Reserved.

Legal Disclaimer

This web site is not the FHA, VA, USDA, HUD or any other government organization responsible for managing, insuring, regulating or issuing residential mortgage loans.

**Download Fair Housing Booklet – CLICK HERE

All approvals and rates are not guaranteed, and are only issued based on standard mortgage qualifying guidelines.

Full Disclosure Policy

This blog is a sponsored blog created or supported by a company, organization or group of organizations. For questions about this blog, please contact Joel Lobb 502-905-3708 or email kentuckyloan@gmail.com NMLS# 57916.

This blog does not accept any form of advertising, sponsorship, or paid insertions. We write for our own purposes. However, we may be influenced by our background, occupation, religion, political affiliation or experience.

This blog abides by word of mouth marketing standards. We believe in honesty of relationship, opinion and identity. The compensation received may influence the advertising content, topics or posts made in this blog. That content, advertising space or post will be clearly identified as paid or sponsored content.

The owner(s) of this blog is not compensated to provide opinion on products, services, websites and various other topics. The views and opinions expressed on this blog are purely the blog owners. If we claim or appear to be experts on a certain topic or product or service area, we will only endorse products or services that we believe, based on our expertise, are worthy of such endorsement. Any product claim, statistic, quote or other representation about a product or service should be verified with the manufacturer or provider.

This blog does contain content which might present a conflict of interest. This content will always be identified.

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