Idaho real estate glossary
Income Limits for Idaho Housing and Finance Association (IHFA) Programs
As of September 3, 2026, the standard household income limit for many Idaho Housing and Finance Association (IHFA) home loan programs is set at $170,000 statewide. However, specific specialized programs—most notably the First Loan Tax-Exempt product—utilize distinct, county-specific income limits that may differ from this standard cap.
Updated with grounded research as of 2026-09-03.
The short answer
For most standard home loan products offered by the Idaho Housing and Finance Association (IHFA), the household income limit is $170,000 across all Idaho counties. This limit applies to the broader range of IHFA homebuyer assistance and loan programs. However, if you are applying for specialized programs like the First Loan Tax-Exempt mortgage, you must consult specific county-based income limit charts, as these figures are calculated based on area-specific data and household size, rather than a single statewide cap.
Key facts
- Standard Household Income Limit
- $170,000 (Statewide for most standard programs)
- First Loan Tax-Exempt Program
- Variable limits based on county and household size; effective as of May 6, 2026.
Standard vs. Specialized Program Limits
The $170,000 threshold serves as the primary income benchmark for IHFA’s standard mortgage products and down payment assistance. This simplifies eligibility for most homebuyers across Idaho. If your household income is at or below this amount, you generally meet the income requirement for standard products.
Navigating Tax-Exempt Loan Limits
The 'First Loan Tax-Exempt' mortgage program is a specialized offering for first-time homebuyers. Unlike the standard program, this product has specific income and sales price limits that vary by county. Because these limits are tailored to local housing markets, it is essential to check the official IHFA income limit chart for your specific county before applying.
How to Verify Your Eligibility
- Consult your lender: An IHFA-approved lender is the best resource for confirming which income limit applies to your specific loan product.
- Check the IHFA website: The Idaho Housing and Finance Association maintains up-to-date income and sales price limit documents for tax-exempt products on their 'Lender Connection' or public borrower resource pages.
- Consider household size: For tax-exempt and certain federal programs, your total household size (number of people) may impact the specific income limit applicable to your application.
Common questions
Does the $170,000 limit apply to every single IHFA program?
No. While $170,000 is the standard cap for many products, specialized programs like the First Loan Tax-Exempt mortgage use different, often more restrictive, limits based on county data and household size.
Where can I find the specific income limits for my county?
You can find current limits by visiting the Idaho Housing and Finance Association’s official website, specifically their borrower resources page. Your approved lender will also have access to the most current program bulletins and limit charts.
Related Idaho questions
- How do I find an IHFA-approved lender?
- What is the Finally Home! homebuyer education requirement?
- Are down payment assistance funds forgivable in 2026?
Sources and verification
- Borrower Income Limits - Idaho Housing (idahohousing.com)
- Learn more about Income Limits for Idaho Housing and Finance Association (IHFA) Programs from idahodownpaymentprograms.com (idahodownpaymentprograms.com)