2026 FHA Loan Limits in Illinois
FHA loans are backed and regulated by the Federal Housing Administration (FHA), and they come with benefits like easy credit qualification, low closing costs and down payments as low as 3.5%. Borrowers can also use FHA loans to purchase properties with one to four units, which makes these home loans especially flexible.
FHA loans must fall under loan limits that vary by county, state and type of residence. In Illinois, all counties have the same FHA loan limit of $541,287 for single-family homes in 2026.
Illinois FHA loan limits by county
| County Name | One Unit | Two Units | Three Units | Four Units | Median Sales Price |
|---|---|---|---|---|---|
| ADAMS COUNTY | $541,287 | $693,050 | $837,700 | $1,041,125 | $159,000 |
| ALEXANDER COUNTY | $541,287 | $693,050 | $837,700 | $1,041,125 | $231,000 |
| BOND COUNTY | $541,287 | $693,050 | $837,700 | $1,041,125 | $370,000 |
| BOONE COUNTY | $541,287 | $693,050 | $837,700 | $1,041,125 | $336,000 |
| BROWN COUNTY | $541,287 | $693,050 | $837,700 | $1,041,125 | $110,000 |
| BUREAU COUNTY | $541,287 | $693,050 | $837,700 | $1,041,125 | $280,000 |
| CALHOUN COUNTY | $541,287 | $693,050 | $837,700 | $1,041,125 | $370,000 |
| CARROLL COUNTY | $541,287 | $693,050 | $837,700 | $1,041,125 | $126,000 |
| CASS COUNTY | $541,287 | $693,050 | $837,700 | $1,041,125 | $73,000 |
| CHAMPAIGN COUNTY | $541,287 | $693,050 | $837,700 | $1,041,125 | $250,000 |
| CHRISTIAN COUNTY | $541,287 | $693,050 | $837,700 | $1,041,125 | $105,000 |
| CLARK COUNTY | $541,287 | $693,050 | $837,700 | $1,041,125 | $118,000 |
| CLAY COUNTY | $541,287 | $693,050 | $837,700 | $1,041,125 | $101,000 |
| CLINTON COUNTY | $541,287 | $693,050 | $837,700 | $1,041,125 | $370,000 |
| COLES COUNTY | $541,287 | $693,050 | $837,700 | $1,041,125 | $119,000 |
| COOK COUNTY | $541,287 | $693,050 | $837,700 | $1,041,125 | $455,000 |
| CRAWFORD COUNTY | $541,287 | $693,050 | $837,700 | $1,041,125 | $88,000 |
| CUMBERLAND COUNTY | $541,287 | $693,050 | $837,700 | $1,041,125 | $194,000 |
| DE WITT COUNTY | $541,287 | $693,050 | $837,700 | $1,041,125 | $124,000 |
| DEKALB COUNTY | $541,287 | $693,050 | $837,700 | $1,041,125 | $455,000 |
| DOUGLAS COUNTY | $541,287 | $693,050 | $837,700 | $1,041,125 | $204,000 |
| DUPAGE COUNTY | $541,287 | $693,050 | $837,700 | $1,041,125 | $455,000 |
| EDGAR COUNTY | $541,287 | $693,050 | $837,700 | $1,041,125 | $125,000 |
| EDWARDS COUNTY | $541,287 | $693,050 | $837,700 | $1,041,125 | $75,000 |
| EFFINGHAM COUNTY | $541,287 | $693,050 | $837,700 | $1,041,125 | $194,000 |
| FAYETTE COUNTY | $541,287 | $693,050 | $837,700 | $1,041,125 | $86,000 |
| FORD COUNTY | $541,287 | $693,050 | $837,700 | $1,041,125 | $250,000 |
| FRANKLIN COUNTY | $541,287 | $693,050 | $837,700 | $1,041,125 | $117,000 |
| FULTON COUNTY | $541,287 | $693,050 | $837,700 | $1,041,125 | $80,000 |
| GALLATIN COUNTY | $541,287 | $693,050 | $837,700 | $1,041,125 | $87,000 |
| GREENE COUNTY | $541,287 | $693,050 | $837,700 | $1,041,125 | $105,000 |
| GRUNDY COUNTY | $541,287 | $693,050 | $837,700 | $1,041,125 | $455,000 |
| HAMILTON COUNTY | $541,287 | $693,050 | $837,700 | $1,041,125 | $75,000 |
| HANCOCK COUNTY | $541,287 | $693,050 | $837,700 | $1,041,125 | $90,000 |
| HARDIN COUNTY | $541,287 | $693,050 | $837,700 | $1,041,125 | $64,000 |
| HENDERSON COUNTY | $541,287 | $693,050 | $837,700 | $1,041,125 | $139,000 |
| HENRY COUNTY | $541,287 | $693,050 | $837,700 | $1,041,125 | $225,000 |
| IROQUOIS COUNTY | $541,287 | $693,050 | $837,700 | $1,041,125 | $224,000 |
| JACKSON COUNTY | $541,287 | $693,050 | $837,700 | $1,041,125 | $111,000 |
| JASPER COUNTY | $541,287 | $693,050 | $837,700 | $1,041,125 | $95,000 |
| JEFFERSON COUNTY | $541,287 | $693,050 | $837,700 | $1,041,125 | $108,000 |
| JERSEY COUNTY | $541,287 | $693,050 | $837,700 | $1,041,125 | $370,000 |
| JO DAVIESS COUNTY | $541,287 | $693,050 | $837,700 | $1,041,125 | $225,000 |
| JOHNSON COUNTY | $541,287 | $693,050 | $837,700 | $1,041,125 | $132,000 |
| KANE COUNTY | $541,287 | $693,050 | $837,700 | $1,041,125 | $455,000 |
| KANKAKEE COUNTY | $541,287 | $693,050 | $837,700 | $1,041,125 | $182,000 |
| KENDALL COUNTY | $541,287 | $693,050 | $837,700 | $1,041,125 | $455,000 |
| KNOX COUNTY | $541,287 | $693,050 | $837,700 | $1,041,125 | $105,000 |
| LAKE COUNTY | $541,287 | $693,050 | $837,700 | $1,041,125 | $455,000 |
| LASALLE COUNTY | $541,287 | $693,050 | $837,700 | $1,041,125 | $280,000 |
| LAWRENCE COUNTY | $541,287 | $693,050 | $837,700 | $1,041,125 | $125,000 |
| LEE COUNTY | $541,287 | $693,050 | $837,700 | $1,041,125 | $142,000 |
| LIVINGSTON COUNTY | $541,287 | $693,050 | $837,700 | $1,041,125 | $132,000 |
| LOGAN COUNTY | $541,287 | $693,050 | $837,700 | $1,041,125 | $126,000 |
| MACON COUNTY | $541,287 | $693,050 | $837,700 | $1,041,125 | $115,000 |
| MACOUPIN COUNTY | $541,287 | $693,050 | $837,700 | $1,041,125 | $370,000 |
| MADISON COUNTY | $541,287 | $693,050 | $837,700 | $1,041,125 | $370,000 |
| MARION COUNTY | $541,287 | $693,050 | $837,700 | $1,041,125 | $83,000 |
| MARSHALL COUNTY | $541,287 | $693,050 | $837,700 | $1,041,125 | $160,000 |
| MASON COUNTY | $541,287 | $693,050 | $837,700 | $1,041,125 | $84,000 |
| MASSAC COUNTY | $541,287 | $693,050 | $837,700 | $1,041,125 | $185,000 |
| MCDONOUGH COUNTY | $541,287 | $693,050 | $837,700 | $1,041,125 | $85,000 |
| MCHENRY COUNTY | $541,287 | $693,050 | $837,700 | $1,041,125 | $455,000 |
| MCLEAN COUNTY | $541,287 | $693,050 | $837,700 | $1,041,125 | $235,000 |
| MENARD COUNTY | $541,287 | $693,050 | $837,700 | $1,041,125 | $206,000 |
| MERCER COUNTY | $541,287 | $693,050 | $837,700 | $1,041,125 | $225,000 |
| MONROE COUNTY | $541,287 | $693,050 | $837,700 | $1,041,125 | $370,000 |
| MONTGOMERY COUNTY | $541,287 | $693,050 | $837,700 | $1,041,125 | $105,000 |
| MORGAN COUNTY | $541,287 | $693,050 | $837,700 | $1,041,125 | $130,000 |
| MOULTRIE COUNTY | $541,287 | $693,050 | $837,700 | $1,041,125 | $132,000 |
| OGLE COUNTY | $541,287 | $693,050 | $837,700 | $1,041,125 | $180,000 |
| PEORIA COUNTY | $541,287 | $693,050 | $837,700 | $1,041,125 | $160,000 |
| PERRY COUNTY | $541,287 | $693,050 | $837,700 | $1,041,125 | $82,000 |
| PIATT COUNTY | $541,287 | $693,050 | $837,700 | $1,041,125 | $250,000 |
| PIKE COUNTY | $541,287 | $693,050 | $837,700 | $1,041,125 | $106,000 |
| POPE COUNTY | $541,287 | $693,050 | $837,700 | $1,041,125 | $216,000 |
| PULASKI COUNTY | $541,287 | $693,050 | $837,700 | $1,041,125 | $106,000 |
| PUTNAM COUNTY | $541,287 | $693,050 | $837,700 | $1,041,125 | $280,000 |
| RANDOLPH COUNTY | $541,287 | $693,050 | $837,700 | $1,041,125 | $121,000 |
| RICHLAND COUNTY | $541,287 | $693,050 | $837,700 | $1,041,125 | $139,000 |
| ROCK ISLAND COUNTY | $541,287 | $693,050 | $837,700 | $1,041,125 | $225,000 |
| SALINE COUNTY | $541,287 | $693,050 | $837,700 | $1,041,125 | $90,000 |
| SANGAMON COUNTY | $541,287 | $693,050 | $837,700 | $1,041,125 | $206,000 |
| SCHUYLER COUNTY | $541,287 | $693,050 | $837,700 | $1,041,125 | $85,000 |
| SCOTT COUNTY | $541,287 | $693,050 | $837,700 | $1,041,125 | $130,000 |
| SHELBY COUNTY | $541,287 | $693,050 | $837,700 | $1,041,125 | $110,000 |
| ST. CLAIR COUNTY | $541,287 | $693,050 | $837,700 | $1,041,125 | $370,000 |
| STARK COUNTY | $541,287 | $693,050 | $837,700 | $1,041,125 | $160,000 |
| STEPHENSON COUNTY | $541,287 | $693,050 | $837,700 | $1,041,125 | $119,000 |
| TAZEWELL COUNTY | $541,287 | $693,050 | $837,700 | $1,041,125 | $160,000 |
| UNION COUNTY | $541,287 | $693,050 | $837,700 | $1,041,125 | $172,000 |
| VERMILION COUNTY | $541,287 | $693,050 | $837,700 | $1,041,125 | $85,000 |
| WABASH COUNTY | $541,287 | $693,050 | $837,700 | $1,041,125 | $136,000 |
| WARREN COUNTY | $541,287 | $693,050 | $837,700 | $1,041,125 | $102,000 |
| WASHINGTON COUNTY | $541,287 | $693,050 | $837,700 | $1,041,125 | $134,000 |
| WAYNE COUNTY | $541,287 | $693,050 | $837,700 | $1,041,125 | $91,000 |
| WHITE COUNTY | $541,287 | $693,050 | $837,700 | $1,041,125 | $72,000 |
| WHITESIDE COUNTY | $541,287 | $693,050 | $837,700 | $1,041,125 | $124,000 |
| WILL COUNTY | $541,287 | $693,050 | $837,700 | $1,041,125 | $455,000 |
| WILLIAMSON COUNTY | $541,287 | $693,050 | $837,700 | $1,041,125 | $148,000 |
| WINNEBAGO COUNTY | $541,287 | $693,050 | $837,700 | $1,041,125 | $336,000 |
| WOODFORD COUNTY | $541,287 | $693,050 | $837,700 | $1,041,125 | $160,000 |
How are FHA loan limits determined?
FHA loan limits are updated each year based on a formula prescribed in the National Housing Act (NHA). The formula bases new FHA loan limits on a percentage of national conforming loan limits set by the Federal Housing Finance Agency (FHFA) for conventional mortgages owned by Fannie Mae and Freddie Mac.
Areas with a higher cost of living throughout the country come with higher FHA loan limits, known as the “ceiling” for these loans, whereas lower-cost areas have loan limits at the mortgage limit “floor.”
In 2026, FHA loan limits for single-family homes range from $541,287 to $1,249,125 nationwide. However, those loan limits climb significantly higher in Alaska, Hawaii, Guam and the U.S. Virgin Islands, which are designated as special exception areas because of the higher cost of construction.
How to qualify for an FHA loan in Illinois
Taking out an FHA loan for a home purchase can be a smart move thanks to a range of benefits for homeowners, including down payment requirements as low as 3.5% and easy credit requirements to get approved. However, it’s important to understand the differences that come with these loans, including a requirement for FHA mortgage insurance to be paid upfront and on a monthly basis.
Buyers in Illinois also need to understand the FHA loan limits that apply, which are the same throughout every county in the state.
Here are the most important FHA loan requirements you should know about:
- Minimum credit score: FHA loans are available for borrowers with a credit score as low as 500 with a 10% down payment, or scores as low as 580 with a 3.5% down payment.
- Down payment: To get approved with a down payment as low as 3.5%, you’ll need a credit score of 580 or above, or a down payment of at least 10% with a credit score as low as 500.
- Debt-to-income ratio: A debt-to-income (DTI) ratio of 43% or below is typically required for FHA loans. This ratio shows how your monthly debt payments compare to your gross monthly income.
- FHA appraisal: An FHA appraisal is also required for these loans. This appraisal helps estimate the market value of the home, and it shows the property meets safety requirements for occupancy.
- Income limits: FHA loans do not come with income limits or caps, which makes them useful for a broader range of potential homeowners.
- Loan limits: FHA loan limits in Illinois range from $541,287 for single-family homes to $1,041,125 for properties with four units.
- Mortgage insurance: FHA mortgage insurance is charged upfront and on a monthly basis throughout the life of the loan.
- Occupancy requirements: FHA loans can only be used for a primary residence. The homeowner must occupy the home for at least one year after closing.
Buying a multifamily property with an FHA loan
A major benefit of FHA loans is the fact that borrowers can use them to purchase multifamily properties with up to four units, and for as little as 3.5% down. The homeowner is still required to occupy one of the units as their primary residence for at least one year, but they can rent out the other units during that time. After the first year of ownership, the buyer has the option to rent out all the units in the home.
This means FHA loans can be a valuable tool for house hacking, provided the buyer is willing to live on-site for a minimum of 12 months. This is true for homeowners who want to live in one unit permanently and rent out the others in order to have their housing costs fully or partially covered, as well as buyers who want a property they can eventually use solely for investment purposes.
Basic requirements to get an FHA loan still apply, including:
- Minimum 500 credit score with 10% down, or 580 credit score with 3.5% down
- Debt-to-income ratio of 43% or below
- FHA mortgage insurance requirement
- Must live in the home as your primary residence
FHA loan limits for multifamily units in Illinois in 2026 are:
| Number of units | Low-cost FHA loan limit |
|---|---|
| Two | $693,050 |
| Three | $837,700 |
| Four | $1,041,125 |
FHA lenders in Illinois
| Lender | LendingTree rating | Min. FHA credit score | |
|---|---|---|---|
 | 580 | ||
 | 580 | ||
 | 580 | ||
 | 580 | ||
 | 580 |
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