To qualify for a USDA guaranteed home loan in New Castle County, Delaware, household income must be at or below $141,100 for 1–4 people or $186,300 for 5–8 people (FY2026).
$61,350Very low income, 1–4 people
Limits by household size
| Program | 1–4 people | 5–8 people |
|---|---|---|
| Guaranteed (moderate) | $141,100 | $186,300 |
| Direct: low income | $98,150 | $129,600 |
| Direct: very low | $61,350 | $81,000 |
For 9+ people, add 8% of the 4-person limit per extra person.
Am I under the limit?
A quick check of gross income against the guaranteed limit. Lenders subtract allowed deductions (e.g. $480 per child, childcare, elderly household) to get adjusted income.
Related
- USDA limits across Delawareevery county
- FHA limit, New Castle County$630,200
- New Castle County property tax0.71%
- USDA property eligibility mapcheck an address
Source: USDA Rural Development, Single Family Housing Guaranteed Loan Program income limits, FY2026 (PN 657, effective Jul 13, 2026). Limits apply to adjusted household income (all adult members). The property must also be in a USDA-eligible rural area. Check the address on the USDA eligibility site. Not lending advice.
Major Cities & Counties in Delaware
Largest by population (Census ACS 2020–2024). Property tax for each:
- Wilmington pop. 71,727
- Dover pop. 39,837
- Newark pop. 30,330
- Middletown pop. 24,661
- Bear pop. 22,370
- Glasgow pop. 15,546
- Brookside pop. 15,115
- Hockessin pop. 13,439
- Smyrna pop. 13,165
- Milford pop. 12,803
- New Castle County pop. 577,961
- Sussex County pop. 255,626
- Kent County pop. 187,604
Frequently asked questions
What is the USDA income limit in New Castle County?
To qualify for a USDA guaranteed home loan in New Castle County, Delaware, household income must be at or below $141,100 for 1–4 people or $186,300 for 5–8 people (FY2026).
Does a USDA loan require a down payment?
No. USDA guaranteed loans finance up to 100% of the appraised value, with a 1% upfront fee and a 0.35% annual fee.
Does USDA count everyone's income?
Yes. Eligibility uses the income of all adult household members, even if they aren't on the loan, after allowed deductions.
Is all of New Castle County eligible for USDA loans?
Not necessarily. Eligibility depends on the property address, and larger towns are often excluded. Check the USDA map.