Wisconsin FHA Loan Requirements 2026
This guide to Wisconsin FHA loan requirements covers loan limits for every Wisconsin county, credit score and down payment requirements, MIP costs, and how FHA financing pairs with WHEDA’s Advantage FHA and down payment assistance programs.
FHA Loan Limits by Wisconsin County (2026)
FHA loan limits are set by HUD and updated annually based on local median home prices. 70 of Wisconsin’s 72 counties sit at the national floor, while Pierce and St. Croix counties have a higher 1-unit limit because both are part of the Minneapolis-St. Paul-Bloomington, MN-WI metro area.
| County | 1-Unit | 2-Unit | 3-Unit | 4-Unit |
|---|---|---|---|---|
| Pierce, St. Croix (Minneapolis-St. Paul metro) | $552,000 | $706,650 | $854,200 | $1,061,550 |
| Milwaukee, Waukesha, Ozaukee (Milwaukee metro) | $541,287 | $693,050 | $837,700 | $1,041,125 |
| Dane (Madison) | $541,287 | $693,050 | $837,700 | $1,041,125 |
| Brown (Green Bay), Outagamie (Appleton) | $541,287 | $693,050 | $837,700 | $1,041,125 |
| All other 65 counties (national floor) | $541,287 | $693,050 | $837,700 | $1,041,125 |
Only two Wisconsin counties are elevated. Pierce and St. Croix counties have a 1-unit FHA limit of $552,000 — above the $541,287 floor that applies to every other Wisconsin county, including Milwaukee, Dane, Waukesha, Brown, and Outagamie. Limits are set per-county by HUD and updated annually; always confirm your exact county limit using HUD’s official FHA Mortgage Limits lookup tool before making an offer.
Wisconsin FHA Loan Requirements Overview
| Requirement | Standard FHA | Notes |
|---|---|---|
| Credit score | 580 (3.5% down); 500–579 (10% down) | Most WI lenders require 620+; WHEDA Advantage FHA requires 640 |
| Down payment | 3.5% | Can combine with WHEDA Easy Close or Capital Access assistance |
| DTI ratio | Up to 57% with strong factors | 43% preferred |
| Primary residence | Required | Owner-occupied only |
| Property condition | Must meet FHA Minimum Property Standards | Older WI housing stock: check roof, heating system, foundation |
FHA Mortgage Insurance Premiums (MIP)
| MIP Type | Rate | On a $350,000 Loan |
|---|---|---|
| Upfront MIP (UFMIP) | 1.75% of loan amount | $6,125 (typically financed) |
| Annual MIP (monthly) | 0.55%/yr (30-yr, LTV 95%+) | ~$160/mo |
MIP cancellation: FHA MIP is permanent on loans originated after June 3, 2013, with less than 10% down payment. For Wisconsin buyers who put down 10% or more, MIP cancels after 11 years. Many Wisconsin borrowers refinance into a conventional loan once they reach 20% equity to eliminate MIP.
FHA vs. Conventional in Wisconsin
| Factor | FHA | Conventional |
|---|---|---|
| Min credit score | 580 | 620 |
| Down payment | 3.5% | 3–20% |
| Mortgage insurance | MIP (permanent with <10% down) | PMI (cancels at 80% LTV) |
| Max loan limit (most WI counties) | $541,287 | Conforming limit applies ($832,750) |
| WHEDA pairing | Yes — Advantage FHA + Easy Close or Capital Access | Yes — Advantage Conventional + Easy Close or Capital Access |
| Best for | Lower credit, gift/assistance funds, first-time buyers | 680+ credit, plans to cancel PMI, stronger assets |
WHEDA Advantage FHA + Down Payment Assistance Combination
WHEDA’s Advantage FHA (203b) product allows Wisconsin buyers to pair a standard FHA loan with WHEDA’s Easy Close or Capital Access down payment assistance. Here’s how it can work on a $300,000 purchase:
| Item | Amount |
|---|---|
| Purchase price | $300,000 |
| FHA down payment (3.5%) | $10,500 |
| Easy Close assistance (up to 6% of purchase price) | Up to $18,000 |
| Net down payment from buyer | $0 (assistance can cover down payment; remainder available toward closing costs) |
Remember that Easy Close is a repayable second mortgage, not a grant — the assistance amount is repaid monthly over the same term as the first mortgage. Capital Access, WHEDA’s other DPA option, is deferred and due when the first mortgage pays off rather than paid monthly. Confirm current terms at wheda.com.
