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Buying a home

Data from November 2026

Buying a home in Missouri

A typical home in Missouri is worth $230,300 (Average 2020–2024). The FHA limit for one unit is $541,287 depending on the county. Here is the minimum down payment each loan type asks at that price, every county’s limit, and the state’s assistance programs.

Minimum down payment Limits by county
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Typical home
$230,300
median value, Average 2020–2024
31% less than the U.S.
FHA limit
$541,287
one unit, by county
All of Missouri uses the national floor ($541,287).
Conforming limit
$832,750
one unit, 2026 data
Above this amount, the loan is a “jumbo” loan.
Minimum FHA down payment
$8,061
3.5% of a $230,300 home
VA and USDA ask for no down payment if you qualify.

Source: American Community Survey (ACS) 5-year estimates Average 2020–2024 American Community Survey (ACS) 5-year estimates Source: FHA mortgage limits (HUD) Data from 2026 data FHA mortgage limits (HUD) Source: Conforming loan limits (FHFA) Data from 2026 data Conforming loan limits (FHFA)

Down payment

How much each loan asks up front

For a $230,300 home, the typical value in Missouri. The minimum down payment is each program’s rule. The monthly figure is an example of principal and interest over 30 years at the 7.18% average rate (November 5, 2026): no taxes, insurance or mortgage insurance.

Your price, rate and down payment will differ: run the calculator with your numbers. Closing costs are extra.

Minimum down payment and monthly payment for a $230,300 home in Missouri

  1. FHA Program rule

    Minimum down3.5%

    In dollars$8,061

    Per month$1,506

    With a credit score of 580 or more. Carries mortgage insurance (MIP) up front and every month.

    HUD Handbook 4000.1 (Update 18), II.A.2.a.iv — Minimum Required Investment · In effect since September 14, 2016

  2. Conventional Program rule

    Minimum down3%

    In dollars$6,909

    Per month$1,513

    3% is the lowest standard option. With less than 20% down you pay private mortgage insurance (PMI) until you have more equity.

    Fannie Mae Selling Guide B5-6-01 — HomeReady Mortgage Loan and Borrower Eligibility · In effect since January 1, 2024

  3. VA Program rule

    Minimum down0%

    In dollars$0

    Per month$1,560

    For veterans, service members and some spouses. No down payment as long as the price is not above the appraisal; charges a one-time funding fee.

    VA: Purchase loan — benefits · In effect since January 1, 2020

  4. USDA Program rule

    Minimum down0%

    In dollars$0

    Per month$1,560

    Only homes in eligible rural areas and households within USDA’s income limit. Finances the full price.

    7 CFR §3555.103 — Maximum loan amount (Guaranteed Rural Housing Program) · In effect since December 9, 2013

  5. ITIN or other Example, not a rule

    Minimum down15%

    In dollars$34,545

    Per month$1,326

    ITIN loans follow no federal rule: each lender sets its own down payment and rate, and usually asks for more. 15% is an example.

Loan limits

FHA and conforming limit in every county

In 2026 data, every county in Missouri uses the national FHA floor ($541,287) for one unit. The conforming limit is the most Fannie Mae and Freddie Mac will buy; above it, the loan is a “jumbo”.

One unit. For 2- to 4-unit homes, each county page has the full table. Source: FHA mortgage limits (HUD) Data from 2026 data FHA mortgage limits (HUD)

Down payment help

Missouri programs for buyers

1 verified program that put money toward the down payment or closing costs, or give a tax credit. With the source wording and the date we checked it.

Some help is a grant you never repay; other help is a second loan that is forgiven over the years or repaid when you sell. Each program’s tag says which kind it is.

See all programs

  • Next Step Program

    Verified November 5, 2026

    Missouri state commission mortgage for buyers who earn more than First Place allows, with a second loan of 4% of the mortgage for the down payment and closing costs that is forgiven after ten years

    • Forgivable
    See details

What the state publishes

Missouri rules that change the math

Exemptions that lower property tax and taxes paid when the deed is recorded, summarized from the official page each one cites.

Property tax in Missouri

Exemptions and caps

  • Property Tax Credit ("circuit breaker") for seniors and people with disabilities

    The Missouri Property Tax Credit Claim, known as the "circuit breaker," gives certain seniors and 100 percent disabled people a credit for part of the real estate taxes or rent they paid for the year. The maximum is $750 for renters and $1,100 for owners who owned and lived in their home. The credit depends on the taxes or rent paid and total household income (taxable and nontaxable).

    Missouri Department of Revenue · Verified October 24, 2026

When the sale is recorded

  • The constitution bars new taxes on the sale or transfer of real estate

    The Missouri Constitution, in a section adopted November 2, 2010, says that once the section took effect, the state, counties and other political subdivisions may not impose any new tax, including a sales tax, on the sale or transfer of homes or any other real estate.

    Mo. Const. art. X, §25 · Missouri Revisor of Statutes (Missouri Constitution) · Verified October 24, 2026

Your next steps

Where to go next in Missouri

What you can do today, free and without giving personal information. Go in order: your numbers first, then the help.

  1. Run the numbers with your figures

    The Missouri calculator already has the typical value, the average rate and the state’s property tax.

  2. Check whether you qualify for help

    Each program says what it gives, who qualifies and when we checked it.

  3. Talk to a counselor for free

    18 HUD-approved agencies help you prepare to buy; 4 say they serve in Spanish.

  4. Follow the steps to buy a home

    From the budget to the keys, in order.

Frequently asked questions

How much down payment do I need for a typical home in Missouri?

For a $230,300 home (typical value, Average 2020–2024), the FHA minimum (3.5%) is $8,061 and the conventional minimum (3%) is $6,909. VA and USDA ask no down payment if you qualify. State programs can cover part of it.

Are there high-cost counties in Missouri?

No. In 2026 data, every county in Missouri uses the national FHA floor ($541,287) for one unit.

What is the conforming loan limit in Missouri?

In 2026 data, the conforming limit for one unit is $832,750 in every county in Missouri: the most Fannie Mae and Freddie Mac will buy. Above it, the loan is a “jumbo” and each lender sets its own terms.

What would the monthly payment be on a typical home in Missouri?

With $230,300, the FHA minimum down payment ($8,061) and the 7.18% average rate (November 5, 2026), principal and interest over 30 years comes to about $1,506 a month. Tax, insurance and mortgage insurance are missing: the calculator adds them.

What down payment help is there in Missouri?

We have verified 1 state program in Missouri that put money toward the down payment or closing costs, or give a tax credit. Each shows the source wording, who qualifies and the date we checked it.