FHA Loans in North Dakota
The FHA loan limit in North Dakota is $472,030 for a single-family home. FHA loans require just 3.5% down payment and accept credit scores as low as 580.
North Dakota's FHA limits at the baseline comfortably cover the state's housing market in all regions. FHA loans are popular in Fargo and Bismarck where first-time buyers enter the market at very affordable price points. In the western oil patch, FHA can be more challenging due to the prevalence of manufactured homes and newer construction that may not yet have established comparable sales for the appraisal process.
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
$3,576
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 | $370 |
| Homeowners Insurance | $118 |
| Total Monthly Payment | $3,576 |
* Estimated at 6.5% interest rate, 30-year fixed. MIP at 0.55% annual. Property tax at North Dakota's average rate of 0.94%. 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 North Dakota
| 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 (North Dakota) | $472,030 | $766,550+ |
| Best For | Lower credit, small savings | Good credit, 20%+ down |
