FHA Loans in Colorado 2026 — Loan Limits, Down Payments & City Guide
Updated July 2026 · Tayton Capital LLC · NMLS #2106875 · Licensed in Colorado
Colorado has some of the most varied FHA loan limits in the country — from $541,287 in rural counties like Pueblo and Mesa to $1,249,125 in Eagle and Pitkin Counties (the FHA national ceiling). Understanding your county's limit before you start shopping is critical: in high-cost mountain markets, the FHA limit may cover your purchase price entirely; in luxury resort markets like Vail and Aspen, the median home price sits above the limit, which changes the math significantly.
This guide covers every Colorado county's 2026 FHA loan limit, the 3.5% down payment required, total monthly payment estimates, and CHFA down payment assistance eligibility for all 124 cities Tayton Capital serves.
2026 FHA Loan Limits in Colorado — By County Tier
Tier 1: National Ceiling ($1,249,125)
Eagle County (Vail, Avon, Edwards, Eagle, Gypsum) and Pitkin County (Aspen, Snowmass Village) sit at the FHA national ceiling. FHA is still rarely used here — median prices far exceed the limit in Vail ($2.1M) and Aspen ($3.2M), making jumbo the primary financing tool.
Tier 2: High-Cost ($879,750 – $1,209,750)
Boulder ($879,750), Grand County ($883,200), Lake County ($1,092,500), Summit County ($1,092,500), Routt County ($1,089,050), Moffat County ($1,089,050), San Miguel County ($994,750 conforming / $1,045,350 FHA), Garfield County ($1,249,125 FHA), Chaffee County ($713,000).
Tier 3: Metro Standard ($862,500)
The Denver metro — Denver, Adams, Arapahoe, Douglas, Jefferson, Broomfield, Clear Creek, Elbert, Gilpin, Park — all sit at $862,500. This covers the vast majority of Front Range purchases.
Tier 4: Baseline ($541,287 – $634,800)
El Paso County ($541,650), Larimer County ($634,800), Weld County ($575,000), and most rural Colorado counties at the FHA floor ($541,287).
CHFA Down Payment Assistance in Colorado
Every Colorado city in this guide is eligible for CHFA (Colorado Housing and Finance Authority) down payment assistance. CHFA offers:
- CHFA SmartStep: 30-year fixed FHA loan with a second mortgage for 3% DPA (deferred, 0% interest)
- CHFA SectionEight: For buyers using Section 8 housing vouchers
- Income limits: Vary by county — generally $130,000–$180,000 household income
- First-time buyer requirement: Must not have owned a home in the past 3 years (exceptions for targeted areas and veterans)
CHFA + FHA is the most common combination for Colorado first-time buyers. A buyer purchasing a $450,000 home in Grand Junction could structure: FHA 3.5% down ($15,750) covered by CHFA DPA, resulting in near-zero out-of-pocket at closing.
FHA MIP (Mortgage Insurance Premium) in 2026
FHA requires two forms of mortgage insurance:
- Upfront MIP: 1.75% of the loan amount, rolled into the loan at closing
- Annual MIP: 0.55% of the loan amount, paid monthly (approximately $252/month on a $550,000 loan)
Annual MIP on FHA loans closed after June 2013 remains for the life of the loan (if down payment < 10%) or 11 years (10%+ down). This is the primary reason buyers transition to conventional once they have 20% equity.
FHA Loans in Colorado — City Directory
Denver — FHA limit $862,500 · 3.5% down $19,775 · $3,755/mo total
Aurora — FHA limit $862,500 · 3.5% down $16,170 · $3,071/mo total
Lakewood — FHA limit $862,500 · 3.5% down $19,075 · $3,623/mo total
Thornton — FHA limit $862,500 · 3.5% down $16,275 · $3,090/mo total
Westminster — FHA limit $862,500 · 3.5% down $18,375 · $3,490/mo total
Centennial — FHA limit $862,500 · 3.5% down $21,875 · $4,154/mo total
Castle Rock — FHA limit $862,500 · 3.5% down $23,275 · $4,421/mo total
Littleton — FHA limit $862,500 · 3.5% down $20,300 · $3,855/mo total
Arvada — FHA limit $862,500 · 3.5% down $19,425 · $3,689/mo total
Broomfield — FHA limit $862,500 · 3.5% down $19,775 · $3,755/mo total
Highlands Ranch — FHA limit $862,500 · 3.5% down $22,925 · $4,354/mo total
Parker — FHA limit $862,500 · 3.5% down $20,720 · $3,935/mo total
Englewood — FHA limit $862,500 · 3.5% down $18,830 · $3,575/mo total
Wheat Ridge — FHA limit $862,500 · 3.5% down $18,025 · $3,423/mo total
Golden — FHA limit $862,500 · 3.5% down $21,525 · $4,088/mo total
Brighton — FHA limit $862,500 · 3.5% down $16,170 · $3,071/mo total
Commerce City — FHA limit $862,500 · 3.5% down $15,225 · $2,891/mo total
Northglenn — FHA limit $862,500 · 3.5% down $15,575 · $2,957/mo total
Lone Tree — FHA limit $862,500 · 3.5% down $25,025 · $4,753/mo total
Conifer — FHA limit $862,500 · 3.5% down $21,280 · $4,041/mo total
Evergreen — FHA limit $862,500 · 3.5% down $26,670 · $5,066/mo total
Morrison — FHA limit $862,500 · 3.5% down $20,475 · $3,888/mo total
Elizabeth — FHA limit $862,500 · 3.5% down $21,700 · $4,121/mo total
Idaho Springs — FHA limit $862,500 · 3.5% down $15,575 · $2,957/mo total
Black Hawk — FHA limit $862,500 · 3.5% down $17,080 · $3,243/mo total
Boulder — FHA limit $879,750 · 3.5% down $26,425 · $5,018/mo total
Longmont — FHA limit $879,750 · 3.5% down $18,375 · $3,490/mo total
Lafayette — FHA limit $879,750 · 3.5% down $20,370 · $3,869/mo total
Louisville — FHA limit $879,750 · 3.5% down $21,875 · $4,154/mo total
Superior — FHA limit $879,750 · 3.5% down $23,520 · $4,467/mo total
Colorado Springs — FHA limit $541,650 · 3.5% down $16,100 · $3,057/mo total
Fountain — FHA limit $541,650 · 3.5% down $12,880 · $2,445/mo total
Monument — FHA limit $541,650 · 3.5% down $17,430 · $3,310/mo total
Woodland Park — FHA limit $541,650 · 3.5% down $15,680 · $2,978/mo total
Cañon City — FHA limit $541,287 · 3.5% down $10,570 · $2,007/mo total
Pueblo — FHA limit $541,287 · 3.5% down $9,170 · $1,741/mo total
Pueblo West — FHA limit $541,287 · 3.5% down $10,080 · $1,914/mo total
Florence — FHA limit $541,287 · 3.5% down $9,625 · $1,827/mo total
Fort Collins — FHA limit $634,800 · 3.5% down $18,375 · $3,490/mo total
Loveland — FHA limit $634,800 · 3.5% down $16,520 · $3,137/mo total
Estes Park — FHA limit $634,800 · 3.5% down $19,670 · $3,735/mo total
Timnath — FHA limit $634,800 · 3.5% down $17,920 · $3,403/mo total
Berthoud — FHA limit $634,800 · 3.5% down $17,325 · $3,290/mo total
Greeley — FHA limit $575,000 · 3.5% down $13,580 · $2,579/mo total
Windsor — FHA limit $575,000 · 3.5% down $16,975 · $3,224/mo total
Johnstown — FHA limit $575,000 · 3.5% down $16,170 · $3,071/mo total
Eaton — FHA limit $575,000 · 3.5% down $14,525 · $2,758/mo total
Winter Park — FHA limit $883,200 · 3.5% down $24,920 · $4,732/mo total
Granby — FHA limit $883,200 · 3.5% down $17,920 · $3,403/mo total
Fraser — FHA limit $883,200 · 3.5% down $22,470 · $4,267/mo total
Tabernash — FHA limit $883,200 · 3.5% down $22,120 · $4,201/mo total
Breckenridge — FHA limit $1,092,500 · 3.5% down $31,675 · $6,016/mo total
Frisco — FHA limit $1,092,500 · 3.5% down $26,075 · $4,952/mo total
Silverthorne — FHA limit $1,092,500 · 3.5% down $24,675 · $4,686/mo total
Dillon — FHA limit $1,092,500 · 3.5% down $24,570 · $4,666/mo total
Keystone — FHA limit $1,092,500 · 3.5% down $27,475 · $5,218/mo total
Copper Mountain — FHA limit $1,092,500 · 3.5% down $29,925 · $5,684/mo total
Leadville — FHA limit $1,092,500 · 3.5% down $13,370 · $2,538/mo total
Fairplay — FHA limit $862,500 · 3.5% down $15,470 · $2,938/mo total
Bailey — FHA limit $862,500 · 3.5% down $17,430 · $3,310/mo total
Vail — FHA limit $1,249,125 · 3.5% down $64,925 · $12,332/mo total
Avon — FHA limit $1,249,125 · 3.5% down $29,925 · $5,684/mo total
Edwards — FHA limit $1,249,125 · 3.5% down $28,875 · $5,484/mo total
Eagle — FHA limit $1,249,125 · 3.5% down $19,670 · $3,735/mo total
Gypsum — FHA limit $1,249,125 · 3.5% down $15,470 · $2,938/mo total
Minturn — FHA limit $1,249,125 · 3.5% down $21,770 · $4,135/mo total
Aspen — FHA limit $1,249,125 · 3.5% down $113,750 · $21,607/mo total
Snowmass Village — FHA limit $1,249,125 · 3.5% down $56,875 · $10,803/mo total
Basalt — FHA limit $1,249,125 · 3.5% down $33,425 · $6,348/mo total
Glenwood Springs — FHA limit $1,249,125 · 3.5% down $22,925 · $4,354/mo total
Carbondale — FHA limit $1,249,125 · 3.5% down $28,175 · $5,351/mo total
New Castle — FHA limit $1,249,125 · 3.5% down $16,030 · $3,044/mo total
Rifle — FHA limit $1,249,125 · 3.5% down $13,930 · $2,646/mo total
Silt — FHA limit $1,249,125 · 3.5% down $12,670 · $2,406/mo total
Parachute — FHA limit $1,249,125 · 3.5% down $10,780 · $2,047/mo total
Steamboat Springs — FHA limit $1,089,050 · 3.5% down $33,670 · $6,395/mo total
Hayden — FHA limit $1,089,050 · 3.5% down $13,370 · $2,538/mo total
Oak Creek — FHA limit $1,089,050 · 3.5% down $12,880 · $2,445/mo total
Craig — FHA limit $1,089,050 · 3.5% down $9,170 · $1,741/mo total
Salida — FHA limit $713,000 · 3.5% down $16,170 · $3,071/mo total
Buena Vista — FHA limit $713,000 · 3.5% down $17,220 · $3,270/mo total
Gunnison — FHA limit $747,500 · 3.5% down $15,470 · $2,938/mo total
Crested Butte — FHA limit $747,500 · 3.5% down $27,475 · $5,218/mo total
Telluride — FHA limit $1,045,350 · 3.5% down $77,875 · $14,792/mo total
Norwood — FHA limit $1,045,350 · 3.5% down $9,870 · $1,874/mo total
Placerville — FHA limit $1,045,350 · 3.5% down $13,370 · $2,538/mo total
Ouray — FHA limit $750,950 · 3.5% down $17,220 · $3,270/mo total
Ridgway — FHA limit $750,950 · 3.5% down $19,670 · $3,735/mo total
Montrose — FHA limit $541,287 · 3.5% down $12,320 · $2,339/mo total
Olathe — FHA limit $541,287 · 3.5% down $9,380 · $1,781/mo total
Naturita — FHA limit $541,287 · 3.5% down $5,670 · $1,076/mo total
Nucla — FHA limit $541,287 · 3.5% down $5,530 · $1,049/mo total
Delta — FHA limit $541,287 · 3.5% down $10,430 · $1,980/mo total
Cedaredge — FHA limit $541,287 · 3.5% down $11,375 · $2,160/mo total
Hotchkiss — FHA limit $541,287 · 3.5% down $10,220 · $1,941/mo total
Crawford — FHA limit $541,287 · 3.5% down $9,870 · $1,874/mo total
Paonia — FHA limit $541,287 · 3.5% down $11,130 · $2,113/mo total
Grand Junction — FHA limit $541,287 · 3.5% down $11,970 · $2,273/mo total
Fruita — FHA limit $541,287 · 3.5% down $12,880 · $2,445/mo total
Palisade — FHA limit $541,287 · 3.5% down $13,580 · $2,579/mo total
Pagosa Springs — FHA limit $541,287 · 3.5% down $16,170 · $3,071/mo total
Durango — FHA limit $747,500 · 3.5% down $19,670 · $3,735/mo total
Bayfield — FHA limit $747,500 · 3.5% down $12,670 · $2,406/mo total
Ignacio — FHA limit $747,500 · 3.5% down $9,730 · $1,847/mo total
Cortez — FHA limit $541,287 · 3.5% down $10,080 · $1,914/mo total
Dolores — FHA limit $541,287 · 3.5% down $9,170 · $1,741/mo total
Mancos — FHA limit $541,287 · 3.5% down $10,920 · $2,073/mo total
Silverton — FHA limit $541,287 · 3.5% down $14,875 · $2,824/mo total
Meeker — FHA limit $541,287 · 3.5% down $10,080 · $1,914/mo total
Lake City — FHA limit $563,500 · 3.5% down $11,480 · $2,180/mo total
Monte Vista — FHA limit $541,287 · 3.5% down $7,070 · $1,342/mo total
Alamosa — FHA limit $541,287 · 3.5% down $7,875 · $1,495/mo total
Trinidad — FHA limit $541,287 · 3.5% down $6,580 · $1,249/mo total
Walsenburg — FHA limit $541,287 · 3.5% down $6,825 · $1,296/mo total
La Junta — FHA limit $541,287 · 3.5% down $5,320 · $1,010/mo total
Lamar — FHA limit $541,287 · 3.5% down $5,180 · $983/mo total
Sterling — FHA limit $541,287 · 3.5% down $6,230 · $1,182/mo total
Fort Morgan — FHA limit $541,287 · 3.5% down $9,275 · $1,761/mo total
Erie — FHA limit $879,750 · 3.5% down $22,925 · $4,354/mo total
Firestone — FHA limit $575,000 · 3.5% down $17,080 · $3,243/mo total
Frederick — FHA limit $575,000 · 3.5% down $17,220 · $3,270/mo total
Mead — FHA limit $575,000 · 3.5% down $16,625 · $3,157/mo total
Evans — FHA limit $575,000 · 3.5% down $12,075 · $2,293/mo total
Lake George — FHA limit $862,500 · 3.5% down $14,175 · $2,692/mo total
Frequently Asked Questions — FHA Loans in Colorado
What is the 2026 FHA loan limit in Denver? $862,500 for a single-family home in Denver County (and all Denver metro counties including Adams, Arapahoe, Douglas, Jefferson, and Broomfield). This covers the majority of Denver metro purchases.
What is the FHA limit in Eagle County (Vail)? $1,249,125 — the FHA national ceiling. However, Vail's median price exceeds $2M, so most Vail purchases require jumbo financing above the limit.
Can I use CHFA with an FHA loan in Colorado? Yes — CHFA's SmartStep program is built on top of FHA financing. The CHFA second mortgage covers part or all of the 3.5% FHA down payment. Available in all 124 Colorado cities in this guide.
How much is FHA mortgage insurance in Colorado? 1.75% upfront (rolled into the loan) + 0.55% annual (paid monthly). On a $500,000 FHA loan: $8,750 upfront + ~$229/month ongoing. MIP is removed after 11 years if you put 10%+ down.
FHA vs. conventional — which is better in Colorado? FHA wins when: credit score is under 680, down payment is under 5%, or you need CHFA DPA. Conventional wins when: credit is 720+, you have 20% down, or you want to avoid life-of-loan MIP. See our FHA vs. Conventional comparison for a detailed breakdown.
Get Your Colorado FHA Loan Quote
Apply online or call (970) 708-9624.
Rates shown are illustrative. Actual rate depends on credit score, loan amount, and market conditions.
Get help with buyer guide
Talk to a licensed broker or explore the program that fits this article.
Frequently asked questions
What is the FHA loan limit in Denver?
The 2026 FHA loan limit in Denver County is $862,500 for a single-family home. Adams, Arapahoe, Jefferson, and Douglas County have similar limits.
How long does FHA mortgage insurance last?
On a 30-year FHA with under 10% down, MIP runs for the life of the loan. With 10%+ down, MIP runs 11 years. The only way to remove life-of-loan MIP is to refinance to conventional.
Can I use FHA to buy a condo in Colorado?
Yes — but the condo complex must be FHA-approved. We check FHA condo approval before you make an offer.
What credit score do I need for a 3.5% down FHA loan?
580 minimum credit score for 3.5% down. At 500–579, FHA requires 10% down. Most lenders require 580+ to issue the loan.
Related articles
First-Time Homebuyer Guide for Western Colorado in 2026
A complete guide for first-time buyers purchasing homes in Durango, Montrose, Grand Junction, Cortez, Glenwood Springs, and surrounding Western Slope communities. CHFA, FHA, VA, USDA explained. Tayton Capital, NMLS #2106875.
Read articleMoving to Montrose, CO in 2026 — A Mortgage and Real Estate Guide
Everything you need to know about buying a home in Montrose, Colorado — median prices, neighborhoods, loan types, and why the Western Slope's most affordable major market is attracting buyers from across Colorado.
Read article2026 First-Time Homebuyer Guide: Cortez & Montezuma County, Colorado
How to buy your first home in Cortez, CO — USDA 0% down, FHA, manufactured home financing, down payment assistance, and what to expect from the process in 2026.
Read article2026 First-Time Homebuyer Guide: Mancos, Colorado
Everything a first-time buyer needs to know about buying a home in Mancos, CO — USDA 0% down, FHA, manufactured home financing, and what to expect from the process.
Read articleFirst-Time Homebuyer Guide: Gunnison & Crested Butte, Colorado 2026
Gunnison is the affordable gateway to Crested Butte — a working ranch and university town where first-time buyers can find homes under $500,000 with mountain access.
Read articleFirst-Time Homebuyer Guide: Woodland Park & Teller County, Colorado 2026
Woodland Park is Colorado Springs' mountain suburb — 8,500 feet elevation, Pikes Peak views, and home prices below the Denver metro. Here's the 2026 first-time buyer guide.
Read articleFirst-Time Homebuyer Guide: Spring Hill & Hernando County, Florida 2026
Spring Hill is one of Tampa Bay's most affordable suburbs — with Gulf access, Weeki Wachee Springs, and home prices under $330,000 for most entry-level buyers in Hernando County.
Read articleFirst-Time Homebuyer Guide: Homestead & South Miami-Dade, Florida 2026
Homestead and South Miami-Dade offer Miami-area access at a fraction of the price — with FHA loan limits that cover the market and agricultural character unlike anywhere else in Florida.
Read article