FHA Loan Limits in California (2026)
For 2026, the FHA loan limit in most California counties is $541,287 for a single-family home. 15 higher-cost California counties carry larger limit, up to $1,249,125.
FHA loan limits by county in California
| County | 1-Unit | 2-Unit | 4-Unit | Tier |
|---|---|---|---|---|
| Los Angeles County | $1,249,125 | $1,599,225 | $2,402,475 | High-cost |
| San Diego County | $1,077,550 | $1,379,562 | $2,072,480 | High-cost |
| Orange County | $1,249,125 | $1,599,225 | $2,402,475 | High-cost |
| Riverside County | $541,287 | $692,997 | $1,041,072 | Standard |
| San Bernardino County | $541,287 | $692,997 | $1,041,072 | Standard |
| Santa Clara County | $1,249,125 | $1,599,225 | $2,402,475 | High-cost |
| Alameda County | $1,249,125 | $1,599,225 | $2,402,475 | High-cost |
| Sacramento County | $766,550 | $981,396 | $1,474,326 | High-cost |
| Fresno County | $541,287 | $692,997 | $1,041,072 | Standard |
| Kern County | $541,287 | $692,997 | $1,041,072 | Standard |
| Ventura County | $1,017,750 | $1,303,001 | $1,957,465 | High-cost |
| San Joaquin County | $541,287 | $692,997 | $1,041,072 | Standard |
| San Mateo County | $1,249,125 | $1,599,225 | $2,402,475 | High-cost |
| Stanislaus County | $541,287 | $692,997 | $1,041,072 | Standard |
| Sonoma County | $1,017,300 | $1,302,425 | $1,956,600 | High-cost |
| Tulare County | $541,287 | $692,997 | $1,041,072 | Standard |
| Solano County | $541,287 | $692,997 | $1,041,072 | Standard |
| Santa Barbara County | $1,249,125 | $1,599,225 | $2,402,475 | High-cost |
| Monterey County | $1,017,750 | $1,303,001 | $1,957,465 | High-cost |
| Placer County | $766,550 | $981,396 | $1,474,326 | High-cost |
| Santa Cruz County | $1,249,125 | $1,599,225 | $2,402,475 | High-cost |
| Marin County | $1,249,125 | $1,599,225 | $2,402,475 | High-cost |
| Contra Costa County | $541,287 | $692,997 | $1,041,072 | Standard |
| San Francisco County | $541,287 | $692,997 | $1,041,072 | Standard |
| San Luis Obispo County | $541,287 | $692,997 | $1,041,072 | Standard |
| Merced County | $541,287 | $692,997 | $1,041,072 | Standard |
| Butte County | $541,287 | $692,997 | $1,041,072 | Standard |
| Yolo County | $541,287 | $692,997 | $1,041,072 | Standard |
| Imperial County | $541,287 | $692,997 | $1,041,072 | Standard |
| El Dorado County | $766,550 | $981,396 | $1,474,326 | High-cost |
California's median home price is roughly $765,000. With 3.5% down, an example FHA payment near that price is about $4,125/month including MIP, taxes, and insurance.
Buying with an FHA loan in California
FHA loans are popular with first-time buyers in California because they allow a 3.5% down payment, accept credit scores as low as 580, and have flexible debt-to-income guidelines. The county limits above cap how much you can borrow with FHA financing; above those amounts you would need a conventional or jumbo loan.
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Frequently Asked Questions
- What is the FHA loan limit in California for 2026?
- Most California counties use the national FHA floor of $541,287 for a one-unit home. High-cost California counties go higher, up to the ceiling of $1,249,125.
- What credit score do I need for an FHA loan in California?
- FHA allows a 3.5% down payment with a 580 credit score, or 10% down with scores between 500 and 579. Lenders may set higher minimums.