How to Check USDA Eligibility in Kentucky
If you want to confirm whether a home in Kentucky qualifies for a USDA Rural Development mortgage, the process is simple and takes only a few minutes. Follow the steps below to avoid guessing and ensure the property truly meets USDA location requirements.
- Visit the official USDA Property Eligibility website: USDA Property Eligibility Tool
- Enter the complete property address, including city and ZIP code.
- Review the map results to confirm whether the property is located in a USDA-eligible rural area.
Pro tip: Many buyers assume a property will not qualify simply because it is close to a city. That assumption is often wrong. Numerous edge-of-town and suburban locations in Kentucky remain USDA eligible, so the map is always the final authority.
USDA Property Eligibility in Kentucky by County
Most Kentucky counties continue to have large areas that qualify for USDA Rural Housing financing. Some counties contain a mix of eligible rural zones and ineligible urban pockets, which makes address-level verification essential.
Adair, Allen, Anderson, Ballard, Barren, Bath, Bell, Bourbon, Boyd, Bracken, Breathitt, Breckinridge, Butler, Caldwell, Calloway, Carlisle, Carroll, Carter, Casey, Christian, Clark, Clay, Clinton, Crittenden, Cumberland, Edmonson, Elliott, Estill, Fleming, Floyd, Fulton, Gallatin, Garrard, Grant, Graves, Grayson, Green, Greenup, Hancock, Harlan, Hart, Henry, Hickman, Hopkins, Jackson, Jessamine, Johnson, Knott, Knox, Larue, Laurel, Lawrence, Lee, Leslie, Letcher, Lewis, Lincoln, Livingston, Logan, Lyon, McCreary, McLean, Magoffin, Marion, Marshall, Martin, Mason, Meade, Menifee, Mercer, Metcalfe, Monroe, Montgomery, Morgan, Muhlenberg, Nicholas, Ohio, Owen, Pendleton, Perry, Pike, Powell, Pulaski, Robertson, Rockcastle, Rowan, Russell, Shelby, Simpson, Spencer, Taylor, Todd, Trigg, Trimble, Union, Washington, Wayne, Webster, Whitley, Wolfe, Woodford.
Counties with Ineligible Urban Areas
The following counties include metropolitan areas that do not meet USDA rural definitions. Homes located inside these city limits are generally not eligible:
- Fayette County – Lexington (entire county ineligible)
- Jefferson County – Louisville Metro (entire county ineligible)
- Daviess County – Owensboro city limits
- McCracken County – Paducah city limits
- Warren County – Bowling Green city limits
- Bullitt County – Hillview, Zoneton, Maryville, Pioneer Village, Brooks
- Scott County – Georgetown (ineligible after October 1, 2023)
USDA Map Changes for 2025 and Beyond
USDA eligibility maps were updated beginning October 1, 2023. Buyers purchasing in 2026 and later must use the most current map when determining property eligibility. Older assumptions based on prior years can lead to costly delays or contract issues.
If a Property Recently Lost Eligibility
In limited situations, a borrower may still qualify under previous eligibility rules if:
- The loan file was submitted before the map update took effect
- The purchase contract was fully executed prior to the eligibility change
- All USDA underwriting and property standards are otherwise met
Why USDA Loans Work So Well for Kentucky Buyers
The USDA Rural Housing program remains one of the most affordable home financing options available in Kentucky, particularly for buyers purchasing outside major metro areas.
- No down payment required with 100 percent financing
- Competitive, stable 30-year fixed interest rates
- Lower mortgage insurance costs than FHA in most cases
- Flexible credit guidelines compared to conventional loans
Work With a Kentucky USDA Loan Specialist
I help Kentucky buyers evaluate USDA eligibility every day, from confirming property locations to structuring income correctly for USDA guidelines. A quick review upfront can save weeks of frustration later.
Joel Lobb, Mortgage Broker FHA, VA, KHC, USDA
NMLS #57916
- Call or text: (502) 905-3708
- Email: kentuckyloan@gmail.com
Apply for a USDA Rural Housing Loan in Kentucky
Whether you are a first-time buyer or purchasing your next home, USDA loans provide a practical path to homeownership with minimal upfront costs. Start by confirming the property’s eligibility using the official USDA map.
Check USDA Property Eligibility
Interactive USDA Property Eligibility Map
Not Sure If Your Address Is USDA Eligible?
The USDA map is the final authority, but interpreting edge-of-town locations, income limits, and underwriting nuances can be confusing. A quick eligibility review can confirm whether a specific Kentucky address and household scenario will pass USDA guidelines.
Check My Address & Eligibility
No obligation. This review confirms property location, income limits, and basic USDA approval factors before you move forward.
