Quick Answer: Yes, many Utah cities qualify for USDA loans with zero down payment. Eligible areas include Eagle Mountain, Saratoga Springs, Spanish Fork, Springville, Payson, Tooele, Herriman (parts), Heber City, and most of Cache, Iron, and Washington counties. USDA loans require a 640 credit score, income below 115% of the area median ($120,050 for a family of 1-4 in Utah County), and the home must be in a USDA-designated rural area.
USDA-Eligible Cities in Utah
Many Utah cities that feel suburban — not rural — still qualify for USDA financing. Here are some of the most popular eligible areas:
| County | Eligible Cities/Areas |
|---|---|
| Utah County | Eagle Mountain, Saratoga Springs (parts), Spanish Fork, Springville, Payson, Salem, Mapleton, Santaquin |
| Salt Lake County | Herriman (western portions), Riverton (parts) |
| Davis County | Clinton, Syracuse, West Point |
| Weber County | Pleasant View, Farr West, West Haven, Marriott-Slaterville |
| Washington County | Hurricane, LaVerkin, Toquerville, Leeds |
| Cache County | Logan, North Logan, Smithfield, Hyrum, Providence, Nibley |
| Tooele County | Tooele, Grantsville, Stansbury Park |
| Iron County | Cedar City, Enoch, Parowan |
Eligibility can change and boundaries are sometimes very specific — even addresses across the street from each other can have different eligibility. Use the USDA eligibility map or ask your loan officer to check your specific address.
USDA Loan Requirements
- Credit score: 640 minimum
- Income limits: Cannot exceed 115% of area median income (varies by county and household size)
- Location: Property must be in a USDA-designated eligible area
- Occupancy: Must be your primary residence
- Property type: Single-family homes, townhomes, some condos — no investment properties
USDA vs FHA in Utah: Which Zero-to-Low Down Option Is Better?
- USDA advantage: Zero down payment (vs 3.5% FHA), lower mortgage insurance (0.35% vs 0.55%), no upfront funding fee for income-qualified buyers
- FHA advantage: Available anywhere (not location-restricted), lower credit score accepted (580 vs 640), no income limits
If you're buying in a USDA-eligible area and your income qualifies, USDA is almost always the better financial choice — true zero down with lower ongoing costs.
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