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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 • Maple Leaf • *Protivin • *Riceville • Saratoga • Schley • Vernon Springs
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 properties in Howard County.
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.