To qualify for a USDA guaranteed home loan in Penobscot County, Maine, household income must be at or below $122,800 for 1–4 people or $162,100 for 5–8 people (FY2026).
$45,950Very low income, 1–4 people
Limits by household size
| Program | 1–4 people | 5–8 people |
|---|---|---|
| Guaranteed (moderate) | $122,800 | $162,100 |
| Direct: low income | $73,500 | $97,050 |
| Direct: very low | $45,950 | $60,700 |
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 Maineevery county
- FHA limit, Penobscot County$541,287
- Penobscot County property tax1.16%
- 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 Maine
Largest by population (Census ACS 2020–2024). Property tax for each:
- Portland pop. 68,854
- Lewiston pop. 38,324
- Bangor pop. 31,938
- South Portland pop. 26,930
- Auburn pop. 24,602
- Biddeford pop. 22,498
- Sanford pop. 22,247
- Saco pop. 20,819
- Westbrook pop. 20,775
- Augusta pop. 19,077
- Cumberland County pop. 308,827
- York County pop. 216,731
- Penobscot County pop. 154,710
- Kennebec County pop. 126,808
- Androscoggin County pop. 113,423
- Aroostook County pop. 67,058
- Oxford County pop. 59,255
- Hancock County pop. 56,460
- Somerset County pop. 50,959
- Knox County pop. 41,003
Frequently asked questions
What is the USDA income limit in Penobscot County?
To qualify for a USDA guaranteed home loan in Penobscot County, Maine, household income must be at or below $122,800 for 1–4 people or $162,100 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 Penobscot County eligible for USDA loans?
Not necessarily. Eligibility depends on the property address, and larger towns are often excluded. Check the USDA map.