FHA Loans in Ohio
The FHA loan limit in Ohio is $472,030 for a single-family home. FHA loans require just 3.5% down payment and accept credit scores as low as 580.
Ohio's FHA limits at the baseline easily cover the state's affordable housing market, including the most desirable neighborhoods in Columbus, Cleveland, and Cincinnati. FHA is the dominant loan type for first-time buyers in Ohio, where the combination of low prices and 3.5% down payment makes homeownership accessible with as little as $5,000-8,000 in total upfront costs. Ohio's large inventory of older homes (particularly in Cleveland and Cincinnati) means FHA appraisals commonly flag issues with roofs, electrical systems, and lead paint that require negotiation.
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
$3,721
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 | $515 |
| Homeowners Insurance | $118 |
| Total Monthly Payment | $3,721 |
* Estimated at 6.5% interest rate, 30-year fixed. MIP at 0.55% annual. Property tax at Ohio's average rate of 1.31%. 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 Ohio
| 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 (Ohio) | $472,030 | $766,550+ |
| Best For | Lower credit, small savings | Good credit, 20%+ down |
