FHA Loan Limits in Santa Cruz County, California (2026)
Santa Cruz County and the rest of Santa Cruz County, California fall under a 2026 one-unit FHA limit of $1,249,125. As a high-cost county, that ceiling runs above the $541,287 national floor.
| Property Type | 2026 FHA Loan Limit |
|---|---|
| One-unit (single family) | $1,249,125 |
| Two-unit (duplex) | $1,599,225 |
| Three-unit (triplex) | $1,933,200 |
| Four-unit (fourplex) | $2,402,475 |
Every community in Santa Cruz County — Santa Cruz County — shares the same 2026 FHA limits shown above, which differ from those in adjacent Los Angeles and San Diego Counties.
How much home can you afford in Santa Cruz County?
An FHA buyer near Santa Cruz County faces an estimated $1,100,000 median, a $38,500 down payment, and — after California's 0.75% property tax — a monthly cost around $7,941. That suits household income of roughly $307,000, above California's $91,905 median household income, so budget carefully.
FHA payment scenarios in Santa Cruz County
Whether you are buying in Santa Cruz County or a smaller Santa Cruz County community, here is how an FHA payment scales by price (3.5% down, 6.25% sample rate):
| Purchase Price | Down (3.5%) | Est. Monthly Payment |
|---|---|---|
| Entry-level — $792,000 | $27,720 | $5,750 |
| Local median — $1,100,000 | $38,500 | $7,941 |
| At the FHA limit — $1,249,125 | $43,719 | $9,002 |
Estimates include FHA MIP plus California property taxes and insurance. Rates move daily near Santa Cruz County too — get notified.
Buyers across Santa Cruz County pair FHA with local down-payment assistance to keep upfront cash low — often turning the $38,500 down payment near Santa Cruz County into little out of pocket.
Multi-unit FHA limits in Santa Cruz County
Investors and house-hackers in Santa Cruz County and across Santa Cruz County can finance 2-4 unit homes with FHA at just 3.5% down: $1,599,225 for a duplex, $1,933,200 for a triplex, and $2,402,475 for a fourplex.
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Frequently Asked Questions
- What is the FHA loan limit in Santa Cruz County for 2026?
- In Santa Cruz County (Santa Cruz County), the 2026 FHA limit is $1,249,125 for one unit, $1,599,225 for a duplex, $1,933,200 for a triplex, and $2,402,475 for a fourplex.
- What income do I need to buy in Santa Cruz County with FHA?
- For a median-priced ($1,100,000) Santa Cruz County home, plan on income around $307,000 at a 31% housing ratio — about $7,941/month including taxes, insurance, and MIP.
- How much is the FHA down payment in Santa Cruz County?
- 3.5% with a 580+ score — roughly $38,500 on a $1,100,000 Santa Cruz County-area home. Gift funds are allowed.
- Is Santa Cruz County a high-cost FHA area?
- Yes — Santa Cruz County's $1,249,125 one-unit limit tops the $541,287 national floor.