Editor’s Note: This article is up to date as of January of 2026.
As of June 18th, 2025, the USDA Rural Development Single Family Housing Guaranteed Loan Program has updated the USDA home loan income limits for counties throughout the United States, including counties in New York State.
USDA loan income limits vary based on geographic location and household size. This latest update has increased income limits for some regions, while the limits for other areas have remained the same as they were during 2024.
Understanding USDA Mortgage Income Limits
USDA home loans are intended to assist those with modest incomes with purchasing homes. As a result, the USDA has established specific income eligibility requirements, or limits, to ensure that their aid is being utilized by home buyers with low to moderate incomes.
Eligible home buyers must have sufficient income in order to repay the loan, but their household income must be at or below the income limit established for the county in which they are planning to purchase a home.
What is an Income Limit?
Simply stated, an income limit is the maximum amount that a household family can earn and still qualify for the USDA Mortgage program. The income limit represents the total household income – meaning it’s a total of the incomes of each of the individuals living in the household.
The limit changes based on geographic location and based on how many individuals are living in the home.
Why Were the USDA Loan Income Limits in New York Updated in 2025?
The USDA updates its home loan income limits periodically, so it is not overly surprising that income limits for some areas throughout NY changed in 2024. The limits are updated to account for the cost of living increases, economic changes, adjustments in home values, and more.
2025 USDA Loan Income Limits in New York State
As mentioned previously, USDA loan income limits vary by geographic location (county) and household size. Counties with a higher cost of living have higher USDA loan limits than counties that have an average cost of living, and households with 1 to 4 members have lower limits than households with 5-8 members.
Limits vary by county, and they differ in the main areas we serve, including the Capital Region. Give us a call if you have questions regarding the limits in a specific county.
Albany/Saratoga/Schenectady/Troy USDA Loan Income Limits
For this region, the current USDA loan income limits are as follows:
- 1-4 member household: $135,500 (up from $129,000 in 2023)
- 5-8 member household: $178,900 (up from $170,300 in 2023)
Warren/Washington/Glens Falls USDA Loan Income Limits
For this region, the current USDA loan income limits are in line with those for most US counties:
- 1-4 member household: $119,850 (up from $112,450 in 2024)
- 5-8 member household: $158,250 (up from $148,450 in 2024)
In order to be eligible for a USDA home loan, total household income should not exceed these limits.
It’s important to note that in addition to varying by household size, income limits can vary by location in order to account for the cost of living. They also change periodically.
The best way to accurately determine your county’s USDA limit is to review the USDA’s Rural Development Single Family Housing Guaranteed Loan Program PDF.
You can also enter your information on the USDA Income and Property Eligibility Site to learn more about the limits that apply to you based on your income and the county where you’re home shopping.
Do You Meet the Qualifying Income for a USDA Loan in NY?
In order to determine whether or not you satisfy the USDA loan limit requirements, you first have to determine your annual household income.
Your household income includes all expected income for the upcoming year that will be received by adult members of your current household – even members who will not be included on the loan. The gross income amount (the amount you earn prior to any payroll or tax deductions) will be estimated based on historical data about your income collected from W2 forms, pay stubs, and other financial documents.
Income that counts towards your gross household income includes:
- base salary
- commission
- overtime earnings
- tips
- bonuses
Other forms of income may be included as well.
Keep in mind that some lenders have additional requirements you must meet in order to qualify for a USDA home loan. These may include additional income guidelines or employment requirements. Your mortgage broker will be able to guide you based on the requirements of the lenders they typically work with.
It’s also important to keep in mind that property eligibility is also a big qualifying factor for USDA Mortgages. The property you are hoping to purchase must be deemed “eligible” for the Rural Development Loan Program in order for homebuyers to qualify for the USDA program.
More About USDA Loans in New York State
Interested in learning more about USDA Loans in New York State and their qualification requirements? Be sure to check out the following resources for more information:
New York USDA Mortgages – A helpful overview of the basics you need to know about USDA home loans in New York State.
USDA Home Loan Guide – A deeper delve into the important details about NY USDA home loans, including eligibility requirements, benefits of USDA mortgages, and how to begin the USDA loan application process.
Ready to find out if you qualify for a home loan? Contact the experienced mortgage loan originators at Maple Tree Funding and get the process started today. Give us a call at 518-782-1202 or fill out our online contact form to schedule your consultation with one of our experienced mortgage loan originators today!
Editor’s note: This content has been updated as of January 20, 2026.
