FHA Loans in Idaho
The FHA loan limit in Idaho is $472,030 for a single-family home. FHA loans require just 3.5% down payment and accept credit scores as low as 580.
Idaho's FHA loan limit at the baseline level has become tighter as home prices have risen, particularly in the Boise metro area where median prices have climbed well above pre-pandemic levels. Some Ada County homes now exceed the FHA limit, making conventional loans necessary for the upper end of the market. FHA remains a strong option in the smaller cities — Nampa, Caldwell, Meridian, Idaho Falls, and Twin Falls — where prices generally remain within FHA limits and the 3.5% down payment requirement is a popular choice for first-time buyers relocating from out of state.
By BuyAHomeIn Editorial | Updated 2026-03-02 | Sources: HUD, Zillow
FHA Loan Limit
$472,030
Min Down Payment
$16,521
3.5%
Est. Monthly Payment
$3,395
PITI + MIP
Min Credit Score
580
for 3.5% down
Monthly Payment Breakdown at FHA Limit
| Home Price | $472,030 |
| Down Payment (3.5%) | $16,521 |
| Loan Amount | $455,509 |
| Monthly Costs | |
| Principal & Interest (6.5%) | $2,879 |
| FHA Mortgage Insurance (MIP) | $209 |
| Property Tax | $189 |
| Homeowners Insurance | $118 |
| Total Monthly Payment | $3,395 |
* Estimated at 6.5% interest rate, 30-year fixed. MIP at 0.55% annual. Property tax at Idaho's average rate of 0.48%. Includes upfront MIP of 1.75% rolled into loan.
FHA Loan Requirements
Credit Score
580+ for 3.5% down payment. 500-579 requires 10% down.
Down Payment
Minimum 3.5% of purchase price. Can be a gift from family.
Debt-to-Income
Maximum 43% DTI ratio (up to 50% with compensating factors).
Property Requirements
Must be primary residence. FHA appraisal required (stricter than conventional).
Employment
2 years of steady employment history. Self-employed need 2 years of tax returns.
Mortgage Insurance
1.75% upfront MIP + 0.55% annual MIP. Required for life of loan (unless refinanced).
FHA vs Conventional in Idaho
| Feature | FHA | Conventional |
|---|---|---|
| Min Down Payment | 3.5% | 3-5% |
| Min Credit Score | 580 | 620 |
| Mortgage Insurance | Life of loan | Until 20% equity |
| Loan Limit (Idaho) | $472,030 | $766,550+ |
| Best For | Lower credit, small savings | Good credit, 20%+ down |
