USDA Loans · My Mortgage Company
USDA Loans in Kern County, CA
Zero down payment for eligible rural and suburban areas. If your target property is outside city limits, you may qualify for 100% financing with lower mortgage insurance than FHA.
USDA Loan Advantages
Why Choose a USDA Loan?
No Down Payment
100% financing for eligible properties. No down payment required — one of only two federal programs (with VA) that offer true zero-down financing.
Lower Mortgage Insurance
USDA guarantee fees are significantly lower than FHA MIP. Annual fee is just 0.35% of the loan balance — far less than FHA's 0.55%.
More Areas Qualify Than You Think
USDA eligibility is based on population density, not just "rural." Parts of Kern County — including Rosamond, Wasco, Shafter, and Tehachapi — may qualify.
Competitive Fixed Rates
USDA loans offer 30-year fixed rates that are competitive with conventional financing, often lower due to the government guarantee.
Eligibility
USDA Loan Requirements
USDA loans have two primary eligibility gates: the property must be in a USDA-eligible area, and the household income must be within USDA limits. Both are more flexible than most borrowers expect.
- Property must be in a USDA-eligible area (check at usda.gov/eligibility)
- Primary residence only — no investment properties or vacation homes
- Minimum 640 credit score recommended (some lenders may accept lower)
- Income must be at or below 115% of the area median income (AMI) for your household size
- Debt-to-income ratio (DTI): 41% standard (up to 44% with compensating factors)
- Upfront guarantee fee: 1% of loan amount (can be financed into the loan)
- Annual fee: 0.35% of outstanding balance (paid monthly)
- 2-year employment history and stable income required
Common Questions
USDA Loan FAQ
What areas in Kern County qualify for a USDA loan?
USDA eligibility is determined by the USDA's property eligibility map, not a simple zip code list. In Kern County, many areas outside Bakersfield's city limits qualify — including Rosamond, Wasco, Shafter, Tehachapi, California City, and Boron. The best way to confirm eligibility is to enter the specific property address at the USDA eligibility website. We can also run this check for you.
Are there income limits for USDA loans?
Yes. USDA loans are intended for low-to-moderate income borrowers. Your household income must be at or below 115% of the area median income (AMI) for your county and household size. For Kern County, this typically means household incomes up to roughly $100,000–$130,000 depending on family size. USDA counts all household members' income, not just the borrowers on the loan.
How does the USDA guarantee fee work?
USDA loans have two fees instead of traditional PMI: a 1% upfront guarantee fee (charged once at closing, but can be rolled into the loan amount) and a 0.35% annual fee (divided by 12 and added to your monthly payment). These fees fund the USDA loan program and are substantially lower than FHA's mortgage insurance premiums.
Can I use a USDA loan in Bakersfield?
Most of the city of Bakersfield itself is not USDA-eligible because it exceeds the population threshold. However, many surrounding communities within commuting distance do qualify. If you're open to living outside the Bakersfield city limits, a USDA loan can be an excellent option. We will check the specific address you're considering.
Does Your Address Qualify?
Omar will check USDA eligibility for any property you are considering — at no obligation.
My Mortgage Company, Inc. · CA DRE #02168831 · NMLS #2269164 · Broker: Omar L. Ortiz, NMLS #951384, DRE #02056548. Loans subject to credit approval. USDA loans are subject to income and property eligibility requirements set by the USDA Rural Development program. All figures, rates, fee ranges, and examples shown on this page are for informational purposes only and are not a guarantee of rates, fees, loan terms, or qualification. This is not a commitment to lend.