Missouri FHA Loan Requirements 2026
This guide covers 2026 FHA loan limits for every Missouri county, credit score and down payment requirements, mortgage insurance premiums, and how FHA compares to conventional financing in Missouri.
FHA Loan Limits by Missouri County (2026)
Every one of Missouri’s 115 counties carries the same 2026 FHA limit — the national floor of $541,287 for a single-family home. Missouri has no high-cost counties, so this figure applies whether you’re buying in the Kansas City metro, the St. Louis metro, or a rural county.
| County | 1-Unit FHA Limit | Notes |
|---|---|---|
| Jackson (Kansas City) | $541,287 | National floor |
| Clay / Platte / Cass | $541,287 | National floor |
| St. Louis City / County | $541,287 | National floor |
| St. Charles | $541,287 | National floor |
| Boone (Columbia) | $541,287 | National floor |
| Greene (Springfield) | $541,287 | National floor |
| Pulaski (Fort Leonard Wood) | $541,287 | National floor |
| Johnson (Whiteman AFB) | $541,287 | National floor |
| All other counties | $541,287 | National floor |
No Missouri county exceeds the FHA floor. Unlike many states with elevated limits in their largest metros, every Missouri county — including Kansas City and St. Louis — sits at the same $541,287 national floor for 2026. Confirm your county at HUD’s official lookup tool.
Missouri FHA Loan Requirements Overview
| Requirement | Standard FHA | Notes |
|---|---|---|
| Credit score | 580 (3.5% down); 500–579 (10% down) | Most Missouri lenders require 620+; MHDC programs require 640 |
| Down payment | 3.5% | Can combine with MHDC First Place or Next Step 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 Missouri housing stock: check roof, heating system, foundation |
FHA Mortgage Insurance Premiums (MIP)
| MIP Type | Rate | On a $300,000 Loan |
|---|---|---|
| Upfront MIP (UFMIP) | 1.75% of loan amount | $5,250 (typically financed) |
| Annual MIP (monthly) | 0.55%/yr (30-yr, LTV 95%+) | ~$138/mo |
MIP cancellation: FHA MIP is permanent on loans originated after June 3, 2013, with less than 10% down payment. For Missouri buyers who put down 10% or more, MIP cancels after 11 years. Many Missouri buyers refinance to conventional financing once they reach 20% equity to eliminate MIP entirely.
FHA vs. Conventional in Missouri
| 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 (statewide) | $541,287 | Conforming limit applies ($832,750) |
| MHDC pairing | Yes — First Place or Next Step covers down payment + costs | Yes — via HFA Preferred/Advantage conventional financing |
MHDC First Place + FHA Combination
FHA is one of the eligible first mortgage types for MHDC’s First Place and Next Step programs. Pairing FHA with First Place lets a Missouri first-time buyer put little to nothing down: the 3.5% FHA minimum down payment can be covered by the 4% forgivable second loan from First Place, with the remainder available for closing costs. This combination requires a minimum 640 credit score under MHDC’s program rules, even though standalone FHA financing allows scores as low as 580.
Here’s how it works on a $400,000 purchase:
| Item | Amount |
|---|---|
| Purchase price | $400,000 |
| FHA down payment (3.5%) | $14,000 |
| First Place assistance (4% of loan) | ~$15,440 |
| Net down payment from buyer | $0 (assistance covers down payment + some costs) |
First Place assistance is based on the loan amount (not purchase price), and is structured as a forgivable second mortgage rather than a traditional loan. On a $386,000 FHA loan (after 3.5% down), a 4% assistance amount equals approximately $15,440 — enough to cover the full down payment and potentially some closing costs. Confirm current terms at mhdc.com.
