2026 FHA Loan Limits: How High Can You Go in Your County?
FHA loan limits rose for 2026, with a floor of $541,287 and a ceiling of $1,249,125. Here's how to find your limit and why it matters.

FHA rates are not set by state, and we do not publish a rate for Pueblo County, CO because any figure would be stale and would not reflect your file. What is local is everything around the rate: the $541,287 county loan limit that caps the loan size, an escrow load of roughly $439 a month at the $282,000 median value, and property-type factors that change lender pricing.
A licensed loan officer reviews your scenario. Approval decisions are made by the lender.
Last reviewed August 23, 2026 against current FHA (HUD 4000.1) guidelines.
Reviewed by the licensed mortgage team at Simply Approved Mortgages (NMLS #2620881) on August 23, 2026 against HUD Handbook 4000.1 and the program administrator’s published guidelines. See our editorial policy.
Lenders price FHA loans off mortgage-backed securities, then adjust for credit score, loan-to-value, loan amount, occupancy, property type and lock period. Two borrowers in Pueblo County, CO on the same day can be quoted very differently on score and property type alone.
Loan size interacts with the local limit: with the 2026 one-unit limit at $541,287 and the HUD reference median value at $282,000, most files here land comfortably below the cap, so loan-amount pricing adjustments are rarely the binding issue.
Front Range hail is the dominant claim type in Colorado, so roof age and prior claims drive both the premium and whether a carrier will write the policy at all, and mountain properties add well, septic and year-round access questions.
Pueblo: Older housing stock means the FHA appraiser looks hard at electrical, heating and peeling paint on pre-1978 homes.
Escrow does not change the interest rate, but it changes the payment used for your debt-to-income ratio — about $439 a month at the local median value — which can change which programs you qualify for.
Discount points are prepaid interest that buy a lower rate; a lender credit does the reverse, raising the rate to pay your costs. Which is right depends on how long you keep the loan — the break-even is arithmetic, not opinion, and our refinance break-even calculator runs it.
A rate is only real when it is locked and shown on a Loan Estimate. Nothing on this page is an offer, a rate lock, a commitment to lend, or a guarantee of approval.
Every figure below is HUD data for this exact place, or arithmetic on it.
Source: HUD CHUMS 2026 forward limit file. Tax and insurance figures are directional values derived from U.S. Census Bureau ACS and NAIC published data. Illustrations only — not a rate quote, an approval, or a commitment to lend.
Buyers pricing an FHA loan in Pueblo, Colorado and the rest of Pueblo County are shopping the same wholesale FHA market as the rest of the state, but the option that fits best still comes down to the individual file. What you are quoted depends on the file — credit profile, base loan amount, down payment, property type, term and lock period each shift FHA pricing. Use the pricing form below to see live FHA options for your file, including provider APR and whether each option costs points or returns a lender credit. The options below are the same live wholesale FHA pricing referenced throughout this Rates guide.
No current pricing snapshot — we never show sample rate figures.
Sample scenario: Florida primary residence, 30-year fixed FHA. Pricing is refreshed once every business day and can change between refreshes.
Snapshot pricing is an example for the sample scenario described above. It is not a quote, an application, a pre-approval, a rate lock, an offer of credit or a commitment to lend, and it is not personalized to you.
APR is supplied by our pricing provider for the exact scenario priced. Other lender or third-party charges listed separately may not be reflected, and the final APR can change. Your final mortgage disclosures control.
A lender credit reduces eligible closing costs only. It cannot exceed those costs and is never cash back to the borrower.
The three cards above are examples from the latest daily snapshot. Enter your own purchase price, down payment, credit score and location to see every eligible FHA option for your scenario, priced right now.
We do not publish a rate figure here. FHA rates change daily and are set by individual lenders based on your credit tier, loan amount, loan-to-value, property type and lock period — a published number would neither be current nor apply to your file. A licensed loan officer can put an actual quote in writing on a Loan Estimate.
FHA does not set rates and does not set them by state. Lenders price nationally off the same secondary market, though state-specific costs — Colorado hail insurance and metro-district taxes — change your payment and your qualifying ratios even when the rate is identical.
HUD's 2026 one-unit FHA limit for Pueblo County is $541,287, with $693,050 for a duplex, $837,700 for a triplex and $1,041,125 for a fourplex.
FHA allows 580 for 3.5% down (500-579 with 10% down), but lender pricing improves in tiers above that, with meaningful breaks commonly around 620, 680 and 720. Improving a score before you lock is often worth more than shopping a quarter point.
Only if you will keep the loan past the break-even. Divide the cost of the points by the monthly payment saving to get the number of months to recoup; if you expect to sell or refinance before then, the points lose money.
No, but it affects the cost. FHA charges 1.75% upfront (normally financed) plus an annual premium collected monthly, which at the 3.5% minimum down payment stays for the life of a 30-year loan. Compare FHA and conventional on total cost, not on the note rate alone.
Most lenders require a property address and an executed contract to lock. Until then, quotes are indicative. Once locked, the lock has an expiration and extension costs, so timing it against your contract dates matters.
Yes. Condominiums, manufactured housing and multi-unit properties typically price worse than a detached single-family home, and each has additional FHA eligibility conditions.
Run the break-even: total refinance cost divided by the monthly saving. An FHA Streamline refinance has a lower cost base because it generally requires no new appraisal and limited documentation, which shortens the break-even considerably.
Yes. Every FHA forward program requires owner occupancy — you must occupy the home as your primary residence, generally within 60 days of closing. Second homes and investment properties are not eligible for FHA financing.
Thirty days of pay stubs, two years of W-2s (or two years of full tax returns if you are self-employed), two months of statements for every account used for funds, photo ID, and a written explanation for any employment gap. Self-employed income is underwritten on net income after expenses, which is usually lower than gross deposits.
Yes. Simply Approved Mortgages LLC (NMLS #2620881) is licensed to arrange residential mortgage loans in Florida and Colorado, including Pueblo County, CO. We are a mortgage broker, not a direct lender, and all loans are subject to lender underwriting and approval.
County loan limits come from HUD's official CHUMS 2026 forward-limit file. Median values are the HUD dataset's reference figures; property tax and insurance figures are directional values derived from U.S. Census Bureau ACS and NAIC published data. Nothing here is a rate quote, a loan offer, or a commitment to lend.
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Talk with a licensed FHA broker about your scenario. Licensed in Florida and Colorado.
Program rules and figures on this page are taken from the primary government sources below, not from third-party summaries.
Simply Approved Mortgages is not affiliated with or endorsed by HUD, FHA, or any government agency.
Complete the short form and we send back a full FHA breakdown: your county loan limit, the minimum FHA down payment, financed upfront MIP, monthly mortgage insurance, and an estimated payment — plus whether down payment assistance can cover your cash to close.
Takes about 3 minutes · No obligation · Summary emailed and shown on screen
Illustration only, generated from the information you enter. Not a Loan Estimate, pre-qualification, commitment to lend, or approval. Subject to appraisal, credit and income review, FHA guidelines, and final lender approval. Equal Housing Opportunity.
Sample figures for illustration only — not a quote, rate lock, offer of credit or commitment to lend. Simply Approved Mortgages · NMLS #2620881 · Equal Housing Opportunity
The trade-offs below are specific to FHA financing. Reviewed August 23, 2026 against HUD Handbook 4000.1 and the current HUD county loan limit file.
A $425,000 example shows the cash and loan structure FHA produces before pricing is added.
| Purchase price | $425,000 |
|---|---|
| FHA down payment at 3.5% | $14,875 |
| Base loan amount | $410,125 |
| Upfront MIP at 1.75%, financed | $7,177 |
| Conventional 20% down for comparison | $85,000 |
Illustration only — not a quote, rate lock, offer or commitment to lend. Subject to lender underwriting and approval.
This is the set an FHA underwriter typically asks for. Having it ready before you write an offer is the single biggest difference between a two-week and a six-week file.
Income documentation is where most FHA files slow down, and it depends on how you are paid. FHA does not apply a different credit score, down payment or county limit to self-employed borrowers — it applies a different documentation standard.
| Item | W-2 employed | Self-employed |
|---|---|---|
| History required | Two-year employment history, with gaps explained. A job change inside the same field is usually fine. | Generally two years of self-employment. A shorter history can sometimes be considered when there is documented prior experience in the same line of work. |
| How income is calculated | Base pay from pay stubs and W-2s. Bonus, overtime and commission generally need a two-year history to be averaged in. | Net income from tax returns, averaged and adjusted for allowable add-backs such as depreciation. Write-offs that reduce taxable income also reduce qualifying income. |
| Documents that open the file | 30 days of pay stubs, two years of W-2s, and a verification of employment. | Two years of personal and business returns, year-to-date P&L and balance sheet, and evidence the business is still operating. |
| Verification at closing | The employer is re-verified shortly before closing; do not change jobs mid-process without telling your loan officer. | Continued existence of the business is re-verified close to closing, typically through a third-party or licensing check. |
| Most common delay | Unexplained gaps, a new job with variable pay, or a VOE the employer never returns. | A declining year over year, or a large deduction that removes the very income needed to qualify. |
| What we suggest | Get the VOE moving on day one — it is the item most often outstanding at the end. | Have your accountant produce the year-to-date P&L before you shop, so qualifying income is known before you write an offer. |
General FHA documentation guidance per HUD Handbook 4000.1, including Update 18 changes to written and electronic verification of employment. Requirements vary by borrower, property, lender and program, and all loans are subject to lender underwriting and approval. Sources: HUD Handbook 4000.1
Prefilled with the 2026 HUD reference median of $282,000 for Pueblo County, Colorado, a 0.45% effective property tax rate and a directional $4,000 annual homeowners premium. Change any input — the interest rate is your own assumption, not an offer.
FHA minimum is 3.5% at 580+ credit.
Your assumption — not a quoted rate.
Figures are illustrations based on the values you entered — not an offer, rate lock, or commitment to lend. Emailing your scenario sends it to a licensed loan officer in Florida or Colorado.
Estimates for general educational purposes only. Interest rates shown are assumptions you enter, not quoted rates, and nothing here is a rate lock, APR, payment quote, pre-approval, offer or commitment to lend. Results exclude HOA dues, flood or wind policies, mortgage insurance changes, points and lender-specific fees. FHA upfront MIP of 1.75% and annual MIP of 0.55% follow HUD Mortgagee Letter 2023-05 for a 30-year term at 3.5% down. Property tax and insurance inputs are directional state references, not a parcel-level bill. Eligibility, terms, conditions and availability vary by borrower, property, lender, loan program and state. All loans are subject to lender underwriting and approval. Equal Housing Opportunity. Sources: HUD Mortgagee Letter 2023-05 (MIP) · HUD Mortgagee Letter 2025-23 (2026 loan limits) · U.S. Census Bureau ACS · NAIC homeowners insurance · CFPB Closing Disclosure
Mortgage pricing moves the payment a little. Property tax and insurance move it a lot, and they are entirely local. These figures are built from the 2026 HUD county dataset for Pueblo County, Colorado and Colorado tax and settlement conventions, reviewed August 23, 2026.
| Cost | Estimate | How it works here |
|---|---|---|
| Property tax | $106 / mo | About 0.45% effective on $282,000 — roughly $1,269 a year. Millage is set locally, so verify the parcel's actual bill. |
| Homeowners insurance | $333 / mo | Directional $4,000 a year for a single-family owner policy in Colorado. Wind, hail and flood may be separate policies. |
| FHA annual mortgage insurance | $125 / mo | 0.55% of the $272,130 base loan at 3.5% down, 30-year term, per HUD Mortgagee Letter 2023-05. |
| FHA upfront MIP | $4,762 | 1.75% of the base loan, normally financed into the $276,892 total loan amount rather than paid in cash. |
| State transfer / documentary tax | CO | Documentary fee $0.01 per $100 of price (one of the lowest in the country). |
| Settlement convention | Title/escrow state | A title or escrow company customarily conducts the closing and issues the policy. |
Hail is the dominant claim type on the Front Range; roof age drives both premium and insurability.
Taxes and insurance are part of the qualifying payment, so a $439 escrow in Pueblo County consumes debt-to-income capacity before a single dollar of principal and interest is counted. Underwriting uses the post-closing figures, not the seller's current bill.
Estimates for general education only — not a quote, rate, APR, pre-approval, offer or commitment to lend. Property tax rates are effective rates derived from U.S. Census Bureau ACS data; actual millage is set by county, city, school and special districts. Insurance figures are directional annual premiums, not quotes. Transfer, deed, recordation and mortgage taxes summarise state-level statutes; counties and municipalities frequently add their own. Eligibility, terms, conditions and availability vary by borrower, property, lender, loan program and state, and all loans are subject to lender underwriting and approval. Sources: U.S. Census Bureau — ACS property tax data · NAIC Homeowners Insurance Report · CFPB — understanding closing costs
Dated changes from the official sources that actually govern an FHA file here, each one linked to the primary source it came from. Nothing below is a rate quote, an offer of credit, a prediction or advice about when to buy.
Reported by U.S. Census Bureau: Effective property tax in Colorado runs about 0.45% of owner-occupied value, and a directional single-family homeowners premium is around $4,000 a year.
What it means in Pueblo County (our analysis): In Pueblo County, Colorado, hail is the dominant claim type on the Front Range; roof age drives both premium and insurability. Colorado is customarily a title/escrow state, and documentary fee $0.01 per $100 of price (one of the lowest in the country). On this pricing page it matters because the loan amount, county limit and escrow costs above are what a lender prices against — not a survey average.
American Community Survey (ACS) housing cost tablesReported by Colorado Housing and Finance Authority (CHFA): The Colorado Housing and Finance Authority publishes the current terms of its homebuyer loans and down payment assistance options.
What it means in Pueblo County (our analysis): Pueblo County, Colorado buyers pair these seconds with an FHA first mortgage, so the assistance amount, lien position and repayment terms change the FHA qualifying picture here. Program terms are set by the agency and change without notice — confirm current terms on the agency page before relying on them. On this pricing page it matters because the loan amount, county limit and escrow costs above are what a lender prices against — not a survey average.
CHFA — homebuyer loan and down payment assistance programsReported by U.S. Department of Housing and Urban Development: The update changed how lenders handle written and electronic verification of employment, restructured Federal Home Loan Bank set-aside treatment for down payment assistance, and revised HECM life expectancy set-aside requirements.
What it means in Pueblo County (our analysis): These are national underwriting rules, not local ones: a file on a Pueblo County, Colorado property is underwritten to the same handbook, so the practical local effect is on how quickly employment can be re-verified before closing here. On this pricing page it matters because the loan amount, county limit and escrow costs above are what a lender prices against — not a survey average.
HUD Single Family Housing Policy Handbook 4000.1Reported by U.S. Department of Housing and Urban Development: HUD's 2026 limit calculation for this county is anchored to a median value of $282,000 inside the PUEBLO area.
What it means in Pueblo County (our analysis): At 3.5% down that implies roughly $9,870 of down payment on a median-priced Pueblo County purchase, before closing costs and prepaid escrows. Reference figure only — not an appraisal, valuation or offer. On this pricing page it matters because the loan amount, county limit and escrow costs above are what a lender prices against — not a survey average.
HUD Mortgagee Letter setting the annual limitsReported by Federal Housing Finance Agency: FHFA publishes conforming loan limits each year alongside HUD's FHA limits.
What it means in Pueblo County (our analysis): In Pueblo County, Colorado the two limits do not match, so above $541,287 a conventional loan can finance a larger amount than FHA — which is why both programs are worth pricing side by side on a purchase here. On this pricing page it matters because the loan amount, county limit and escrow costs above are what a lender prices against — not a survey average.
FHFA conforming loan limitsReported by U.S. Department of Housing and Urban Development: HUD's 2026 county file sets the one-unit insured maximum in Pueblo County, Colorado at $541,287, with $693,050 on an owner-occupied two-unit property.
What it means in Pueblo County (our analysis): The limit applies to FHA case numbers assigned on or after January 1, 2026 — the case number date, not your contract date, controls which year's limit applies to a Pueblo County purchase. On this pricing page it matters because the loan amount, county limit and escrow costs above are what a lender prices against — not a survey average.
HUD county loan limit file (CHUMS)Simply Approved Mortgages originates FHA loans directly, so the guidance on this page reflects how HUD's published rules apply to files we underwrite and close — not general industry commentary.
Have your scenario reviewed against your actual documents before deciding.
SAM is the Simply Approved Mortgages AI assistant, grounded in HUD Handbook 4000.1 and the 2026 HUD county limit file. It answers general FHA questions instantly. A licensed loan officer reviews every scenario before any terms are confirmed.
Hi — I'm SAM. Ask me about FHA loan limits, credit, mortgage insurance, down payment assistance or what an underwriter will need from you. General education only: I don't quote rates, and nothing I say is an offer or commitment to lend.
Ask Simply AI provides general educational information about FHA loan programs. It is an automated assistant, may be incomplete or out of date, and does not provide legal, tax or financial advice. Nothing it produces is a rate quote, APR, pre-approval, offer or commitment to lend. Simply Approved Mortgages LLC (NMLS #2620881) arranges residential mortgage loans in Florida and Colorado. Eligibility, terms, conditions and availability vary by borrower, property, lender, loan program and state, and all loans are subject to lender underwriting and approval. Equal Housing Opportunity.
Continue with the FHA topic that matches where you are, or talk to a licensed loan officer about your own numbers.
What FHA insurance is and who it fits.
Credit, income, DTI and property rules.
580 vs 500–579 and what they change.
3.5% minimum, gift funds and DPA options.
Upfront and annual MIP, and how long it lasts.
County-by-county HUD maximums.
What you pay and what a seller can cover.
203(b), 203(k), streamline, cash-out and more.
Payment, affordability, MIP and break-even tools.
Step-by-step from budget to closing.
Short on cash to close? Ask about the FHA DPA, offered through Simply Approved Mortgages: 2.5%, 3.5%, or 5% of your loan amount toward your down payment and closing costs, structured as a 10-year repayable second lien at your first-mortgage rate + 2%. FICO 580+, primary residence only — it's an option on every loan program on this site.
Enter a purchase price, pick an assistance tier, and confirm property and residency. Results are illustrative — not a quote or commitment.
Simply Approved Mortgages DPA
Estimate 3.5% assistance on the lesser of price or appraisal, layered over a 30-year fixed FHA first mortgage.
Illustrative only — not a quote, lock, offer, or commitment to lend. Binding figures appear only on your Loan Estimate and Closing Disclosure.
Documentable qualifying income?
Willing to complete homebuyer education before closing?
Property in NY, WA, USVI, Guam, MP, or AS?
Answer each question above to see your preliminary result.
Figures are illustrations based on the values you entered — not an offer, rate lock, or commitment to lend. Emailing your scenario sends it to a licensed loan officer in Florida or Colorado.
Preliminary self-check only — no credit pulled. Not a quote, lock, offer, or commitment to lend. Simply Approved Mortgages is not affiliated with HUD, FHA, VA, USDA, FHFA, or any government agency. Equal Housing Opportunity. NMLS# 2620881.
At Simply Approved Mortgages, we believe borrowers deserve clear information, professional guidance, and access to competitive mortgage solutions.
Our company is built around a straightforward philosophy: provide transparent mortgage guidance, maintain a consistent compensation structure on most transactions, and help borrowers make informed financing decisions based on their individual needs and goals.
For many mortgage transactions, Simply Approved Mortgages typically operates using a lender-paid compensation structure of approximately 1.50%. Actual compensation may vary based on lender requirements, loan program, state regulations, loan amount, and other transaction-specific factors.
We believe transparency helps consumers better understand the mortgage process and make informed decisions when comparing financing options.
Mortgage financing should be understandable, transparent, and focused on helping consumers make informed decisions.
Our goal isn't to maximize compensation per transaction. Our goal is to build lifelong client relationships through transparency, service, and competitive mortgage solutions.
Many borrowers spend significant time comparing interest rates, but may be less familiar with how mortgage companies and loan originators are compensated.
Compensation structures can vary among lenders, mortgage brokers, banks, credit unions, and other mortgage providers. Compensation is only one component of a mortgage transaction and should be evaluated alongside interest rates, APR, lender fees, discount points, closing costs, loan features, and overall loan suitability.
At Simply Approved Mortgages, we believe consumers benefit from understanding all aspects of the financing process before making a decision.
Move the slider to compare a hypothetical 1.50% Simply Approved Mortgages compensation structure with a hypothetical 2.75% used by some other lending options. For educational purposes only.
For illustration only. Figures are hypothetical and not a quote, offer, rate lock, or guarantee of savings. Lender compensation is one component of closing costs; actual loan terms, interest rates, fees, APR, and total costs vary by program, loan amount, credit qualifications, property, occupancy, state, and market conditions.
The example below compares a hypothetical 1.50% compensation structure used by Simply Approved Mortgages to a hypothetical 2.75% structure used by some other lending options, solely for educational purposes.
| Loan Amount | Simply Approved Mortgages (1.50%) | Other lending options (2.75%) | Difference |
|---|---|---|---|
| $250,000 | $3,750 | $6,875 | $3,125 |
| $350,000 | $5,250 | $9,625 | $4,375 |
| $500,000 | $7,500 | $13,750 | $6,250 |
| $750,000 | $11,250 | $20,625 | $9,375 |
| $1,000,000 | $15,000 | $27,500 | $12,500 |
These examples are illustrative only and are intended to demonstrate how different compensation percentages may produce different compensation amounts based on loan size.
These examples do not represent borrower fees, interest rates, APR, closing costs, loan terms, pricing, or savings, and should not be interpreted as a guarantee that any borrower will receive lower costs or better loan terms.
Whether you're purchasing a home, refinancing an existing mortgage, consolidating debt, or financing an investment property, our team is committed to helping you evaluate available options and make informed decisions.
The most appropriate mortgage solution depends on each borrower's individual financial circumstances, objectives, qualifications, and preferences.
Important Disclosure: Simply Approved Mortgages LLC typically utilizes a lender-paid compensation structure of approximately 1.50% on many mortgage transactions; however, compensation may vary based on lender requirements, loan program, state law, loan amount, borrower qualifications, and other transaction-specific factors. Compensation is only one component of mortgage pricing and does not, by itself, determine interest rates, APR, lender fees, closing costs, loan terms, or overall borrower costs. The information provided on this page is for general educational and informational purposes only and should not be construed as mortgage advice, a commitment to lend, an offer to extend credit, a rate quote, a loan approval, or a guarantee of savings. All mortgage loans are subject to credit approval, underwriting requirements, property approval, and program eligibility guidelines. Borrowers should carefully review all disclosures, including the Loan Estimate and Closing Disclosure, before proceeding with any mortgage transaction. Simply Approved Mortgages LLC • NMLS #2620881 • Equal Housing Opportunity.
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FHA loan limits rose for 2026, with a floor of $541,287 and a ceiling of $1,249,125. Here's how to find your limit and why it matters.
The FHA's minimum is 500, but lender overlays push the real-world minimum to 580 or 620. Here's what scores actually get approved.
MIP is the FHA's mortgage insurance. There's an upfront piece and an annual piece. Here's the math on what it actually costs.
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