Massachusetts USDA Loans 2026
USDA-eligible rural areas in Massachusetts including Berkshire, Franklin, and Hampshire counties — income limits and eligibility for the USDA Section 502 Guaranteed Loan Program explained.
USDA-Eligible Areas in Massachusetts
Massachusetts’s Greater Boston metro area is generally not USDA-eligible, since USDA financing is reserved for designated rural areas. However, Western and Central Massachusetts — including much of Berkshire, Franklin, and Hampshire counties, along with rural portions of Worcester, Bristol, and Plymouth counties — offer substantial USDA eligibility.
| Region | Eligible Areas (Examples) | Notes |
|---|---|---|
| The Berkshires | Rural Berkshire County towns outside Pittsfield | Broad rural eligibility in Western Massachusetts |
| Pioneer Valley | Rural Franklin and Hampshire county towns | Sparsely populated; wide eligibility |
| Central Massachusetts | Rural portions of Worcester County outside the city of Worcester | Eligibility narrows closer to Worcester itself |
| Southeastern Massachusetts | Rural portions of Bristol and Plymouth counties | Excludes denser areas near Fall River, New Bedford, and the Greater Boston commuter belt |
USDA eligibility is determined by exact property address, not by county as a whole. Confirm a specific address using the USDA Rural Development eligibility map.
Income Limits by Massachusetts Region
USDA income limits are set at 115% of Area Median Income and vary by county and household size. All household income counts toward the limit, not just the borrower’s income.
Confirm current income limits for your specific Massachusetts county and household size at rd.usda.gov.
USDA Loan Requirements
| Requirement | Detail | |
|---|---|---|
| Standard limit (most counties) | $122,800 | $162,100 |
Metro-area limits run higher than the standard. USDA publishes a higher moderate-income limit for many metropolitan counties, and those figures change on their own schedule. Rather than print numbers that may be out of date, check your exact county against USDA’s official lookup: USDA income eligibility tool. The authoritative source is HB-1-3555 Appendix 5 (FY 2026, PN 657, effective July 13, 2026).
The 1% upfront guarantee fee and 0.35% annual fee are significantly lower than FHA mortgage insurance, though eligibility is limited to specific rural Massachusetts areas in Berkshire, Franklin, and Hampshire counties, and rural portions of many others.
How to Apply for a Massachusetts USDA Loan
- 1. Confirm property eligibility using the USDA Rural Development eligibility map for your specific address
- 2. Check your household income against the 115% AMI limit for your county and household size
- 3. Get pre-approved with a USDA-approved lender
- 4. Shop for an eligible home within a designated rural area
- 5. Close on your loan with a Massachusetts-licensed attorney conducting or supervising the closing
