2026 FHA Loan Limits in South Dakota
FHA loans are mortgages backed by the Federal Housing Administration that help borrowers who may struggle to qualify for a conventional loan finance a home purchase. The catch? There’s a limit to the amount you can borrow, and it depends on where you live. In most South Dakota counties, you can borrow up to $541,287 to buy a single-family home. If you live in Lawrence County, you can borrow a few hundred dollars more — up to $541,650.
South Dakota FHA loan limits by county
| County name | One unit | Two units | Three units | Four units | Median sales price |
|---|---|---|---|---|---|
| AURORA COUNTY | $541,287 | $693,050 | $837,700 | $1,041,125 | $194,000 |
| BEADLE COUNTY | $541,287 | $693,050 | $837,700 | $1,041,125 | $150,000 |
| BENNETT COUNTY | $541,287 | $693,050 | $837,700 | $1,041,125 | $175,000 |
| BON HOMME COUNT | $541,287 | $693,050 | $837,700 | $1,041,125 | $160,000 |
| BROOKINGS COUNT | $541,287 | $693,050 | $837,700 | $1,041,125 | $326,000 |
| BROWN COUNTY | $541,287 | $693,050 | $837,700 | $1,041,125 | $282,000 |
| BRULE COUNTY | $541,287 | $693,050 | $837,700 | $1,041,125 | $272,000 |
| BUFFALO COUNTY | $541,287 | $693,050 | $837,700 | $1,041,125 | $136,000 |
| BUTTE COUNTY | $541,287 | $693,050 | $837,700 | $1,041,125 | $263,000 |
| CAMPBELL COUNTY | $541,287 | $693,050 | $837,700 | $1,041,125 | $117,000 |
| CHARLES MIX COU | $541,287 | $693,050 | $837,700 | $1,041,125 | $224,000 |
| CLARK COUNTY | $541,287 | $693,050 | $837,700 | $1,041,125 | $188,000 |
| CLAY COUNTY | $541,287 | $693,050 | $837,700 | $1,041,125 | $195,000 |
| CODINGTON COUNT | $541,287 | $693,050 | $837,700 | $1,041,125 | $217,000 |
| CORSON COUNTY | $541,287 | $693,050 | $837,700 | $1,041,125 | $98,000 |
| CUSTER COUNTY | $541,287 | $693,050 | $837,700 | $1,041,125 | $394,000 |
| DAVISON COUNTY | $541,287 | $693,050 | $837,700 | $1,041,125 | $254,000 |
| DAY COUNTY | $541,287 | $693,050 | $837,700 | $1,041,125 | $195,000 |
| DEUEL COUNTY | $541,287 | $693,050 | $837,700 | $1,041,125 | $155,000 |
| DEWEY COUNTY | $541,287 | $693,050 | $837,700 | $1,041,125 | $100,000 |
| DOUGLAS COUNTY | $541,287 | $693,050 | $837,700 | $1,041,125 | $158,000 |
| EDMUNDS COUNTY | $541,287 | $693,050 | $837,700 | $1,041,125 | $282,000 |
| FALL RIVER COUN | $541,287 | $693,050 | $837,700 | $1,041,125 | $274,000 |
| FAULK COUNTY | $541,287 | $693,050 | $837,700 | $1,041,125 | $258,000 |
| GRANT COUNTY | $541,287 | $693,050 | $837,700 | $1,041,125 | $238,000 |
| GREGORY COUNTY | $541,287 | $693,050 | $837,700 | $1,041,125 | $171,000 |
| HAAKON COUNTY | $541,287 | $693,050 | $837,700 | $1,041,125 | $193,000 |
| HAMLIN COUNTY | $541,287 | $693,050 | $837,700 | $1,041,125 | $275,000 |
| HAND COUNTY | $541,287 | $693,050 | $837,700 | $1,041,125 | $229,000 |
| HANSON COUNTY | $541,287 | $693,050 | $837,700 | $1,041,125 | $254,000 |
| HARDING COUNTY | $541,287 | $693,050 | $837,700 | $1,041,125 | $207,000 |
| HUGHES COUNTY | $541,287 | $693,050 | $837,700 | $1,041,125 | $240,000 |
| HUTCHINSON COUN | $541,287 | $693,050 | $837,700 | $1,041,125 | $214,000 |
| HYDE COUNTY | $541,287 | $693,050 | $837,700 | $1,041,125 | $170,000 |
| JACKSON COUNTY | $541,287 | $693,050 | $837,700 | $1,041,125 | $141,000 |
| JERAULD COUNTY | $541,287 | $693,050 | $837,700 | $1,041,125 | $169,000 |
| JONES COUNTY | $541,287 | $693,050 | $837,700 | $1,041,125 | $148,000 |
| KINGSBURY COUNT | $541,287 | $693,050 | $837,700 | $1,041,125 | $186,000 |
| LAKE COUNTY | $541,287 | $693,050 | $837,700 | $1,041,125 | $271,000 |
| LAWRENCE COUNTY | $541,650 | $693,400 | $838,150 | $1,041,650 | $412,000 |
| LINCOLN COUNTY | $541,287 | $693,050 | $837,700 | $1,041,125 | $405,000 |
| LYMAN COUNTY | $541,287 | $693,050 | $837,700 | $1,041,125 | $198,000 |
| MARSHALL COUNTY | $541,287 | $693,050 | $837,700 | $1,041,125 | $185,000 |
| MCCOOK COUNTY | $541,287 | $693,050 | $837,700 | $1,041,125 | $405,000 |
| MCPHERSON COUNT | $541,287 | $693,050 | $837,700 | $1,041,125 | $104,000 |
| MEADE COUNTY | $541,287 | $693,050 | $837,700 | $1,041,125 | $394,000 |
| MELLETTE COUNTY | $541,287 | $693,050 | $837,700 | $1,041,125 | $80,000 |
| MINER COUNTY | $541,287 | $693,050 | $837,700 | $1,041,125 | $151,000 |
| MINNEHAHA COUNT | $541,287 | $693,050 | $837,700 | $1,041,125 | $405,000 |
| MOODY COUNTY | $541,287 | $693,050 | $837,700 | $1,041,125 | $273,000 |
| OGLALA LAKOTA C | $541,287 | $693,050 | $837,700 | $1,041,125 | $61,000 |
| PENNINGTON COUN | $541,287 | $693,050 | $837,700 | $1,041,125 | $394,000 |
| PERKINS COUNTY | $541,287 | $693,050 | $837,700 | $1,041,125 | $141,000 |
| POTTER COUNTY | $541,287 | $693,050 | $837,700 | $1,041,125 | $161,000 |
| ROBERTS COUNTY | $541,287 | $693,050 | $837,700 | $1,041,125 | $185,000 |
| SANBORN COUNTY | $541,287 | $693,050 | $837,700 | $1,041,125 | $254,000 |
| SPINK COUNTY | $541,287 | $693,050 | $837,700 | $1,041,125 | $78,000 |
| STANLEY COUNTY | $541,287 | $693,050 | $837,700 | $1,041,125 | $240,000 |
| SULLY COUNTY | $541,287 | $693,050 | $837,700 | $1,041,125 | $263,000 |
| TODD COUNTY | $541,287 | $693,050 | $837,700 | $1,041,125 | $57,000 |
| TRIPP COUNTY | $541,287 | $693,050 | $837,700 | $1,041,125 | $182,000 |
| TURNER COUNTY | $541,287 | $693,050 | $837,700 | $1,041,125 | $405,000 |
| UNION COUNTY | $541,287 | $693,050 | $837,700 | $1,041,125 | $285,000 |
| WALWORTH COUNTY | $541,287 | $693,050 | $837,700 | $1,041,125 | $164,000 |
| YANKTON COUNTY | $541,287 | $693,050 | $837,700 | $1,041,125 | $255,000 |
| ZIEBACH COUNTY | $541,287 | $693,050 | $837,700 | $1,041,125 | $135,000 |
How are FHA loan limits determined?
Each year, the FHA revises borrowing limits for the mortgages it backs to ensure they accurately reflect changing home prices across the country. It relies on a formula outlined in the National Housing Act, which states the maximum amount you can borrow with an FHA loan will always be a percentage of the national conforming loan limit. The Federal Housing Finance Agency (FHFA) sets this national limit for conventional loans that Freddie Mac and Fannie Mae own or guarantee.
In 2026, the largest FHA loan available in most counties across the country, also known as the loan limit “floor,” is $541,287, which is 65% of the national conforming loan limit of $832,750. Those living in high-cost areas can borrow more, potentially up to the loan limit “ceiling” amount of $1,249,125, or 150% of the national conforming loan limit.
The largest FHA loan available in South Dakota is $541,650, though it’s only for those buying in Lawrence County. If you’re buying in any other county, you can receive FHA financing up to the loan limit floor of $541,287.
How to qualify for an FHA loan in South Dakota
The qualification requirements for an FHA loan differ from those for a conventional loan. Since FHA loans are government-backed, it’s generally easier for homebuyers with low credit scores or small down payments to get approved. But you’ll still need to meet the following criteria to apply for one:
- Minimum credit score: Those with scores between 500 and 579 must make at least a 10% down payment, while those with higher scores can pay the minimum 3.5% required. If your score dropped because of a previous bankruptcy or foreclosure, you can usually qualify for an FHA loan sooner than you could for a conventional loan.
- Down payment: Those with 580 credit scores or higher can finance all but 3.5% of their home purchase through an FHA loan. Borrowers with lower scores — between 500 and 579 — will need to put down 10% or more to secure an FHA loan.
- Debt-to-income (DTI) ratio: Lenders will divide your total debt by your pretax income to find your DTI ratio, which helps them assess whether you can afford your mortgage payment. The FHA prefers applicants with a DTI ratio of 43% or less. A higher DTI indicates you may be a riskier borrower. You may still be approved with a DTI above 43%, but you’ll need a strong credit score and a certain amount of cash savings.
- Mortgage insurance: FHA loans require two kinds of mortgage insurance. The upfront mortgage insurance premium equals 1.75% of the total loan amount and is usually added to your mortgage balance. The annual mortgage insurance premium costs between 0.15% and 0.75% of the total loan balance and is typically added to your monthly payment.
- Live in the purchased home: The home you buy with an FHA loan must be your primary residence for at least one full year. You can’t use this financing for vacation homes or rental properties.
- Appraisal: Homes purchased with an FHA loan must undergo an FHA appraisal to verify the home’s value, condition and safety.
- Stable work history: There are no income limits you must meet to get an FHA loan, but lenders will still want to see pay stubs, W-2s, 1099s or other documents that prove at least two years’ worth of steady employment.
Buying a multifamily property with an FHA loan
You can also use an FHA loan to purchase a multifamily property with up to four separate housing units. This means your FHA loan can help you generate rental income, a practice sometimes known as “house hacking.” You’ll still only need to make a 3.5% to 10% down payment, depending on your credit score, but higher financing limits apply than with a single-family home purchase. That means in South Dakota, you can borrow up to $1,041,125 to buy a multifamily property in most counties.
To qualify for a multifamily FHA loan, you must meet all of the requirements mentioned earlier, plus:
- Live in one of the units: You must still reside in one of the units within the multiunit property for at least a year. The remaining units can be rented out.
- DTI ratio: Your total debt should still equal 43% or less of your pretax income for the best chance of getting an FHA loan. But if you’re planning to rent out a portion of your new home, you may be able to use that future rental income to qualify for the loan. That can help augment your buying power, since it will reduce your DTI ratio.
- Cash reserves: You’ll need to show that you have three months’ worth of mortgage payments — known as cash reserves — saved up for a three- or four-unit property, or two months for a single-family home with an accessory dwelling unit (ADU). These requirements are more lenient than conventional loans, which commonly require at least six months of reserves.
| Number of units | Low-cost FHA loan limit |
|---|---|
| Two | $693,050 |
| Three | $837,700 |
| Four | $1,041,125 |
FHA lenders in South Dakota
| Lender | LendingTree rating | Minimum FHA credit score | |
|---|---|---|---|
 |
Expert review from LendingTree.
| 580 | |
 |
Expert review from LendingTree.
| 580 | |
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Expert review from LendingTree.
| 580 | |
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Expert review from LendingTree.
| 580 | |
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Expert review from LendingTree.
| 580 |
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