Virginia USDA Loans 2025
Zero-down USDA Rural Development loans for eligible Virginia properties — eligible areas, income limits, and how to apply in Virginia’s rural communities.
USDA Loans in Virginia
Virginia has substantial rural geography outside its major urban corridors. Southwest Virginia, the Shenandoah Valley’s smaller communities, the Northern Neck, Middle Peninsula, Eastern Shore, and rural Piedmont counties all have meaningful USDA eligibility. The program’s zero-down-payment feature makes it one of the most valuable tools available to rural Virginia buyers.
Virginia USDA Eligible Areas
Commonly eligible areas include: Southwest VA Appalachian counties (Lee, Scott, Wise, Dickenson, Buchanan, Russell, Tazewell, Bland, Giles), Shenandoah Valley smaller communities (Shenandoah, Page, Rockingham rural, Warren, Clarke), Northern Neck and Middle Peninsula (Northumberland, Lancaster, Richmond County, Essex, Middlesex, Mathews, Gloucester), Eastern Shore (Accomack and Northampton), and Southside Virginia (Henry, Patrick, Carroll, Grayson, Floyd, Pulaski, Wythe). Northern Virginia urban areas, Richmond metro, and Hampton Roads metro are NOT eligible.
Check your property address: USDA Property Eligibility Map
Virginia USDA Income Limits (FY2025)
USDA income limits apply to total household income — all adults residing in the household. Confirm before applying: USDA Income Limits by County (PDF)
| County/Area | 1–4 Person Household | 5–8 Person Household |
|---|---|---|
| Most rural VA counties (SW VA, Shenandoah Valley, Southside) | $112,450 | $148,450 |
| Clarke / Rappahannock / Orange / Madison | $128,300 | $169,350 |
| King George / King William / Gloucester / Isle of Wight | $128,300 | $169,350 |
| Fluvanna / Amelia / Prince George / Dinwiddie | $128,300 | $169,350 |
| York / Poquoson (rural only) | $128,300 | $169,350 |
Income limits shown are FY2025 estimates. Verify current limits at the USDA link above before applying.
USDA Loan Requirements in Virginia
Most USDA lenders require a minimum credit score of 640. USDA targets a front-end DTI of 29% and back-end DTI of 41%. Total household income must not exceed the county limit. USDA loans carry a 1.0% upfront guarantee fee and a 0.35% annual fee — significantly lower than FHA mortgage insurance. Rural Virginia properties with private wells require a water quality test; septic systems require confirmation of proper function.
