USDA Vs. FHA Pro and Con comparison in Cresco, Howard County, IA

In the year 2026, the USDA loan limit within Cresco, in the county of Howard, IA, amounts to $336,500. In comparison, the FHA limit for a single-family dwelling is $472,030.

Utilize the Lendersa® USDA loan calculator for a comprehensive comparison of today's top USDA and FHA rates. This tool helps you evaluate the income, credit, reserves, and documents needed for qualification. By employing our advanced mortgage calculator, you can visualize the USDA, FHA, Conforming, and VA options side by side, assisting you in making the best choice for your unique financial circumstances in .

Explore loan offers from 100 diverse lenders

2026 Loan Limits and Down Payment Requirements in Cresco, County of Howard, IA

Type of Loan Limit Amount Initial Payment
USDA $336,500 0%
FHA $472,030 3.5%
Conforming $726,200 3%

Available USDA and FHA Loan Options in Cresco, IA

The primary aim of Lendersa® is to promptly secure the optimal USDA or FHA loan, simplifying the process. Choose from three initial strategies that guide you in matching lenders and exploring USDA loan options.

Lendersa USDA loan request and matching results

Understanding the USDA Loan in IA

The USDA home loan, endorsed by the U.S. government through the Department of Agriculture, often referred to as the USDA rural development loan or USDA mortgage, is exclusively available in rural areas. Contrary to FHA loans that require at least a 3.5% down payment, USDA loans do not require any down payment, making them notably accessible to those eligible in rural communities.

Enter your location to find out if it qualifies for USDA rural housing loan?



Cresco Lenders

  • CUSB Bank
  • 111 North Elm Street, Cresco, IA, 52136
  • Lends in Iowa
  • Our bank is small enough to give you the personal attention you want, yet sophisticated enough to provide the wide range of products and services you or your business need. For years our staff has taken great pride in the personal, one-to-one attention that our size enables us to render to our valued customers

  • Decorah Bank and Trust Co
  • 202 East Water Street, Decorah, IA, 52101
  • Lends in Iowa
  • Established in 1935 during the depression by a small group of concerned citizens. Today we are a 2nd and 3rd generation family owned bank that is able to think differently because we're not owned by outside investors at a far-away headquarters. By being family and employee owned we're able to be uniquely responsive to customer and community needs.

  • Bank 1st
  • 115 North Vine Street, West Union, IA, 52175
  • Lends in Iowa
  • Our goal at Bank 1st is to help you with all of your financial needs. We offer competitive loan and deposit products, mobile and electronic services and with three locations and multiple ATMs, you can bank when and where it is convenient for you. We take pride in being an active community bank that provides helpful

  • Waukon State Bank
  • 22 West Main Street, Waukon, IA, 52172
  • Lends in Iowa
  • The Waukon Bank was officially incorporated as “Waukon State Bank” on April 22, 1892. The bank was in good financial condition and survived the depression years without one penny lost by depositors.The bank had various locations in downtown Waukon before moving to the current location in 1937.

  • Family Community Credit Union
  • 1211 N Grand Avenue, Charles City, IA, 50616
  • Lends in Iowa
  • Family Community Credit Union is unique because it is a member-owned, not-for-profit financial organization. It was formed in May of 1960. In order to become a member, you were required to have a union affiliation. In 1982, the members voted to become a Community Credit Union so services could be extended to anyone.

  • First Security Bank & Trust Co
  • 809 Clark St, Charles City, IA, 50616
  • Lends in Iowa
  • The mission of First Security is to remain an independent financial service organization, characterized by progressive innovation, outstanding financial performance and a full complement of financial solutions for consumers and businesses. First Security will be a profitable community-oriented bank, responsive to the needs.