The full explanation
The Federal Housing Finance Agency (FHFA) sets it every year using the formula in the HERA law, and high-cost areas have a higher limit. Each county's FHA loan limit is computed from this number.
An example
If your conventional loan is above your county's conforming limit, the bank will treat it as a jumbo loan and ask for more, such as a larger down payment.
With real numbers
Computed with official data for the whole U.S. In your county the numbers may differ.
- Baseline limit, 1 unit
- $832,750
- Highest limit, 1 unit
- $1,299,500
In 3,066 of the 3,222 counties, the conforming limit for a one-unit home is $832,750. In high-cost areas it reaches $1,299,500. A loan larger than your county’s limit is no longer conforming and usually costs more.
Computed with: Conforming loan limits (FHFA) (2026)
In numbers: conforming loan limit
Conforming loan limit (1 unit): it changes by county. Here are the national floor and ceiling, and the middle county of some of the 52 states.
- National floor (one unit)
- $832,750
- National ceiling (one unit)
- $1,299,500
| State | Figure |
|---|---|
| Alaska | $1,249,125 |
| District of Columbia | $1,249,125 |
| Hawaii | $1,249,125 |
| New Jersey | $1,209,750 |
| Massachusetts | $962,550 |
If a lender mentions "conforming loan limit", think of these figures: the limit runs from $832,750, the national floor, to $1,299,500, the ceiling; in Alaska, the middle county reaches $1,249,125, and 47 states have their middle county at the floor.
Sources: Conforming loan limits (FHFA) (2026 data)
Where you see it on the site
You will see it in…
- Your county page, under “Loan limits”
- The FHFA's annual limits table
- Conventional loan offers (“conforming” or “jumbo”)
