The USDA Eligibility Map is a free online tool for homebuyers to determine if a property meets USDA-eligible location criteria for a zero-down mortgage. Users can search by address or explore areas on the interactive map, with eligible zones appearing unshaded. It’s crucial to verify a property’s location on this map, as USDA loans are exclusively for designated rural and suburban areas.
Why It Matters: Location Is Key for USDA Loans
The USDA loan program is only available for homes located in designated rural or suburban areas. It doesn’t necessarily mean farmland or remote towns—many suburban neighborhoods and small cities qualify, even those just outside major metro areas.
Key takeaway: If the home isn’t in a USDA-eligible zone, you can’t use a USDA loan—no matter how qualified you are otherwise.
What You’ll Need Before You Start
To check a property or area on the USDA map, have this info ready:
- Exact property address (if known)
- General city, ZIP code, or county (for broader searches)
- Internet access and a few minutes of time
Step-by-Step: How to Use the USDA Eligibility Map
Step 1: Go to the Official USDA Eligibility Site
You’ll land on the “Property Eligibility Disclaimer” page. This explains that you’re using a federal tool and that eligibility may change.
Click “Accept” to proceed to the map.
Step 2: Navigate the Map Interface
Once inside, you’ll see a large interactive map of the U.S. You can zoom in, drag the map, and use the search bar to narrow in on your desired location.
At the top, you’ll notice two primary options:
- Single Family Housing Guaranteed (most common for USDA loans)
- Single Family Housing Direct (for very low-income borrowers, more restrictive)
Make sure “Single Family Housing Guaranteed” is selected for typical USDA loans.
Step 3: Search by Address or Zoom into a Region
There are two ways to check eligibility:
Option A: Enter a Property Address
Use the search box in the top left corner.
- The map will zoom directly to the address and highlight the eligibility status.
- A pop-up will confirm:
“Property is eligible for USDA financing”
“Property is ineligible for USDA financing”
Option B: Explore General Areas
If you’re still house hunting, zoom in on a ZIP code, town, or county to view eligibility boundaries.
- Orange shaded areas = ineligible
- Unshaded areas = eligible
Pro Tip: Many unshaded areas just outside orange zones qualify and still offer great access to cities and job markets.
Step 4: Confirm Boundaries and Cross Streets
If a property lies on the border of eligibility, zoom in closely.
- Drag the map and toggle between street and aerial views (if available)
- Match streets, intersections, or nearby landmarks
- Use a separate map like Google Maps in another tab to compare
Step 5: Save or Screenshot Your Results
There’s no built-in “print” feature, so use your browser’s print/screenshot function:
- PC: Use Snipping Tool or “Print Screen”
- Mac: Command + Shift + 4 for a screenshot
- Mobile: Take a screen capture of the map
This can be useful to share with:
- Real estate agents
- Mortgage lenders
- Co-buyers or family members helping in your search
Bonus: Check Income Eligibility Too
Location isn’t the only requirement. USDA loans also have household income limits based on the area and number of people in the home.
Use the USDA Income Eligibility Tool to find out if you qualify.
You’ll need to enter:
- County and state
- Number of household members
- Total gross household income (including all adults)
Common Issues and How to Solve Them
Problem |
Fix |
| Can’t load the map | Try using a desktop browser (Chrome or Firefox preferred) |
| Property shows as “ineligible” | Double-check address spelling; zoom out to confirm map accuracy |
| Borderline property | Use parcel maps or call USDA support at (800) 414-1226 |
| Income is over the limit | Consider FHA or conventional loan options as alternatives |
Examples of Surprising USDA-Eligible Areas (2025)
- Lakeland, FL: Eligible zones just outside Tampa suburbs
- Georgetown, TX: Rural edges of Austin metro still qualify
- Merced, CA: Affordable homes in central valley fall within limits
- Spartanburg, SC: Many suburban neighborhoods are eligible
Even some ZIP codes within 20 miles of major cities qualify—don’t assume it’s all farmland!
Why Keep Checking?
USDA eligibility changes annually, based on new census data and population shifts. If you’re not eligible now, your area might qualify in the future—or vice versa.
Recheck eligibility if:
- You wait more than 6–12 months to buy
- The USDA map boundaries in your area are actively changing
- You switch from one county to another
Final Thoughts
The USDA Eligibility Map is your first and most important step in securing down Payment through the USDA loan program. It’s easy to use, but incredibly powerful—it helps you identify where you can buy, so you don’t waste time or energy on properties that won’t qualify.
Pro Tip: Pair the map with income eligibility tools and pre-approval from a USDA-approved lender to streamline your home search.