Find USDA Eligible Properties in Howard County
Looking to buy in Howard County, Iowa?
Select from the list of cities below or use the search feature to find active property listings in a city where you would like to live.
Start your search for USDA loan eligible properties in the cities of Howard County, IA 
* cities most likely to have USDA loan eligible properties for sale.
Bonair • *Chester • *Cresco • *Elma • Florenceville • Lidtke Mill • *Lime Springs • Lourdes• • •
| What is a USDA Loan? |
| The USDA 502 Guaranteed Loan Program is designed to help homebuyers in eligible rural areas secure affordable housing with no down payment required. Backed by the U.S. Department of Agriculture, this loan offers competitive interest rates, flexible credit requirements, and lower mortgage insurance costs compared to conventional loans. Borrowers work with approved lenders, and the USDA provides a guarantee, reducing the lender’s risk and making homeownership more accessible. |
| Take the First Step Toward 0% Down Financing |
• Maple Leaf • *Protivin • *Riceville • Saratoga • Schley • Vernon Springs
There are 93 USDA backed residential loans in Howard county with an average loan balance of $74,373. Over 88% of the loans helped first time home buyers. Borrowers were an average age of 35 years old. The typical appraised home value was around $75,713. On average the rural home size purchased with this loan was approximately 1,361 SqFt. Howard county applies the standard USDA income limits to determine loan eligibility. For a household of upto 4 people the income limit is $90,300. For a household of between 5 and 8 people the income limit is increased to $119,200.
The size of Howard County is roughly 1,225 square kilometers. There are no geographical USDA loan restrictions in this county. The influence score for Howard County is 8. Look below for the interactive county level map illustration below for more details.
A USDA loan is a mortgage option available to eligible homebuyers that is sponsored by the United States Department of Agriculture to promote homeownership in rural communities. USDA Loans, sometimes called "RD Loans," offer 100% financing options on eligible rural properties. USDAProperties can help you find USDA loan eligible properties in Howard County.
View the detailed USDA boundaries and read about general conditions of
Howard County, Iowa
.Howard County, located in the northeastern part of Iowa, was established on January 15, 1851. Originally named "Howard" after General Tilghman Ashhurst Howard, a prominent Indiana lawyer, and politician, the area was initially inhabited by various Native American tribes such as the Sioux, Potawatomi, and Winnebago.
The earliest European settlers arrived in Howard County in the early 1850s, mainly comprising immigrants from Germany, Norway, and Bohemia. The town of Vernon Springs became the first settlement in the county in 1854. Cresco, founded in 1866, later became the county seat after a year-long dispute with New Oregon. The county experienced significant growth in agriculture, milling, and transportation throughout the late 19th and early 20th centuries, thanks to the construction of railroads that connected the county with other parts of the state.
One fun fact about Howard County is that it holds a much-celebrated event called the Mighty Howard County Fair, which was first held in Cresco in 1858. The fair features amusement rides, local exhibits, concerts, and the main attraction - a demolition derby, drawing in thousands of visitors each year.
Featured Cities of Iowa
browse list of realtors working in Howard County🏡 Join the USDA Properties Agent Partner Program - Start for Free!
Get exclusive access to motivated homebuyers searching for USDA-eligible properties. Our Free Membership gives you:✅ Direct USDA Buyer Leads – No Cost, No Lead Sharing
Receive leads matched directly to you in your selected counties. Keep every lead—no sharing.
✅ Your Own Profile in the Agent Directory
Be listed instantly where buyers are searching for trusted local USDA experts.
✅ Automatic Featured Listings
Your property listings are showcased on USDAProperties.com for more exposure—free!
✅ Partner Badge to Display
Showcase your USDAProperties.com affiliation on your website, email, or social media.
It’s quick and easy to get started—no payment required.Upgrade anytime for even more leads and priority exposure with our Pro & Edge memberships!