Ohio FHA Loan Requirements 2026
This guide to Ohio FHA loan requirements covers loan limits for every Ohio county, credit score and down payment rules, mortgage insurance premium (MIP) costs, and how FHA financing pairs with OHFA’s down payment assistance program.
FHA Loan Limits by Ohio County (2026)
FHA loan limits are set by HUD and updated annually based on local median home prices. Most Ohio counties sit at the national floor, while six Columbus-metro counties have higher limits due to above-average home prices.
| County | 1-Unit | 2-Unit | 3-Unit | 4-Unit |
|---|---|---|---|---|
| Franklin (Columbus) | $591,100 | $756,700 | $914,700 | $1,136,750 |
| Delaware (Columbus) | $591,100 | $756,700 | $914,700 | $1,136,750 |
| Fairfield (Columbus) | $591,100 | $756,700 | $914,700 | $1,136,750 |
| Licking (Columbus) | $591,100 | $756,700 | $914,700 | $1,136,750 |
| Madison (Columbus) | $591,100 | $756,700 | $914,700 | $1,136,750 |
| Hocking (Columbus) | $591,100 | $756,700 | $914,700 | $1,136,750 |
| Cuyahoga (Cleveland) | $541,287 | $693,050 | $837,700 | $1,041,125 |
| Hamilton (Cincinnati) | $541,287 | $693,050 | $837,700 | $1,041,125 |
| Montgomery (Dayton) | $541,287 | $693,050 | $837,700 | $1,041,125 |
| Summit (Akron) | $541,287 | $693,050 | $837,700 | $1,041,125 |
| Lucas (Toledo) | $541,287 | $693,050 | $837,700 | $1,041,125 |
| All other Ohio counties | $541,287 | $693,050 | $837,700 | $1,041,125 |
82 of Ohio’s 88 counties sit at the national FHA floor. Only Franklin, Delaware, Fairfield, Licking, Madison, and Hocking counties (Columbus metro) have limits above the $541,287 floor. 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.
Ohio FHA Loan Requirements Overview
| Requirement | Standard FHA | Notes |
|---|---|---|
| Credit score | 580 (3.5% down); 500–579 (10% down) | Most Ohio lenders require 620+ |
| Down payment | 3.5% | Can combine with OHFA down payment 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 Ohio homes: check roof, furnace, water heater age |
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 Ohio buyers who put down 10% or more, MIP cancels after 11 years. Many Ohio borrowers refinance into a conventional loan once they reach 20% equity to eliminate MIP.
FHA vs. Conventional in Ohio
| 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 (Columbus metro) | $591,100 | Conforming limit applies ($832,750) |
| OHFA DPA pairing | Yes — 3.5% assistance | Yes — 3% assistance |
| Best for | Lower credit, gift/assistance funds, first-time buyers | 680+ credit, plans to cancel PMI, stronger assets |
OHFA + FHA Combination
The most popular OHFA combination in Ohio is pairing down payment assistance with an FHA first mortgage. Here’s how it works on a $250,000 purchase:
| Item | Amount |
|---|---|
| Purchase price | $250,000 |
| FHA down payment (3.5%) | $8,750 |
| OHFA assistance (3.5% of loan) | Up to ~$8,447 |
| Net down payment from buyer | $0–$303 (assistance covers nearly all of the down payment) |
OHFA’s assistance amount is based on the loan amount (not purchase price), and is structured as forgivable assistance rather than a traditional loan — forgiven after 7 years if you stay in the home. Confirm current terms at myohiohome.org.
