Texas DPA Income Limits Explained by County

One of the first questions people ask about Texas down payment assistance is: "Do I make too much money to qualify?" It is a fair question, and the answer depends on your county, your household size, and which DPA program you are applying for.

Income limits exist to ensure that DPA funds go to the buyers who need them most. But the limits are more generous than most people expect, especially in Texas. Many middle-income families are surprised to learn they qualify. In this guide, we explain exactly how income limits work so you can determine your eligibility before you apply.

How DPA Income Limits Are Determined

Texas DPA programs set income limits based on the Area Median Family Income (AMFI) for each county or metropolitan statistical area (MSA). The AMFI is calculated annually by the U.S. Department of Housing and Urban Development (HUD) and reflects the median income for families in a given area.

Most Texas DPA programs set their income limits as a percentage of the AMFI:

80% AMFI is the typical limit for some grant options and targeted areas
115% AMFI is common for standard DPA eligibility through TSAHC and TDHCA programs

What this means in practical terms is that you can earn above the median income for your area and still qualify. A household earning 115% of the area median is solidly middle class in most Texas communities.

How Household Size Affects Your Limit

Income limits are not one-size-fits-all. They scale based on the number of people in your household:

1-2 person household: Base income limit
3+ person household: Higher income limit (typically 115% of the base limit)

This distinction matters significantly. A single buyer will have a lower income limit than a family of four buying in the same county. The larger household threshold accounts for the reality that families with more members have higher living expenses.

What Counts as Household Size?

For most DPA programs, household size includes:

The borrower(s) on the mortgage application
The borrower's spouse (even if not on the loan)
Dependent children living in the home
Other dependents claimed on your tax return who live with you

It does not typically include roommates, extended family members not on your tax return, or adult children who are not dependents.

County-by-County Income Limit Overview

Here is an overview of approximate income limits for some of the most populous counties in Texas. These figures are based on recent AMFI data and are representative. Actual limits may vary slightly by program year and specific DPA program.

Harris County (Houston)

Harris County is part of the Houston-The Woodlands-Sugar Land MSA, one of the largest metro areas in Texas.

1-2 person household: Approximately $86,000 to $99,000
3+ person household: Approximately $97,000 to $114,000

Houston's relatively affordable housing market combined with these income limits means a large portion of working families in Harris County qualify for DPA.

Dallas County (Dallas)

Dallas County falls within the Dallas-Fort Worth-Arlington MSA.

1-2 person household: Approximately $90,000 to $103,000
3+ person household: Approximately $103,000 to $119,000

The DFW metro area has seen strong income growth, and the AMFI reflects this. Many professionals earning solid salaries in Dallas still fall within these limits.

Tarrant County (Fort Worth)

Also part of the DFW metro area, Tarrant County shares the same MSA-level AMFI as Dallas County.

1-2 person household: Approximately $90,000 to $103,000
3+ person household: Approximately $103,000 to $119,000

Fort Worth and the surrounding communities in Tarrant County tend to have lower home prices than Dallas proper, making DPA dollars stretch further here.

Bexar County (San Antonio)

Bexar County is part of the San Antonio-New Braunfels MSA.

1-2 person household: Approximately $76,000 to $88,000
3+ person household: Approximately $87,000 to $101,000

San Antonio remains one of the most affordable major cities in Texas, and the income limits combined with lower home prices make DPA especially impactful in Bexar County.

Travis County (Austin)

Travis County is part of the Austin-Round Rock-Georgetown MSA, which has one of the highest AMFI levels in Texas.

1-2 person household: Approximately $96,000 to $110,000
3+ person household: Approximately $110,000 to $127,000

Austin's higher cost of living is reflected in higher income limits, which helps more buyers qualify despite the area's elevated home prices.

How to Check Your Specific Income Limit

Because income limits change annually and vary by program, the best way to check your exact limit is:

Take our eligibility quiz for a quick estimate based on your county, income, and household size
Visit the TSAHC website for the most current income and purchase price limits by county
Visit the TDHCA website for My First Texas Home and My Choice Texas Home program limits
Contact our team directly and we will look up the exact figures for your situation

We always verify income limits at the time of your pre-approval to ensure accuracy, since the limits published online may not reflect the most recent updates.

What Counts as Income for DPA Purposes?

Understanding what counts toward your household income is just as important as knowing the limit. Here is a general breakdown:

Income That Typically Counts

Gross wages and salary from employment (before taxes)
Overtime, bonuses, and commissions if consistent over the past two years
Self-employment income (net income from tax returns)
Social Security income and disability payments
Pension and retirement income
Alimony and child support (if used as qualifying income)
Rental income from investment properties

Income That Typically Does Not Count

Foster care payments in most cases
One-time lump sums such as insurance settlements or inheritances
Employer-provided benefits like health insurance premiums paid by your employer
Income from persons under 18 who are dependents

Some DPA programs use the income as reported on your mortgage application, while others may look at total household income regardless of who is on the loan. The specific methodology depends on the program. Your lender will clarify which income calculation applies to the program you are using.

What If You Exceed the Income Limit?

If your household income is slightly above the limit for one program, you may still have options:

Try a different program. TSAHC and TDHCA have different income limits, and one program may work even if the other does not.
Check targeted area limits. Some census tracts within your county are designated as targeted areas and have higher income limits. If the property you are buying falls in a targeted area, you may qualify at a higher income.
Revisit your household income calculation. Sometimes borrowers include income that does not need to be counted. A thorough review by an experienced lender can make a difference.
Consider timing. If your income has increased recently due to a raise or new job, some programs look at annualized income rather than projected income, which might put you back within range.

The Bottom Line on Income Limits

Texas DPA income limits are designed to serve working families, not just low-income households. If you earn a middle-class salary in Texas, there is a strong chance you qualify for down payment assistance. The key is checking the specific limits for your county, your household size, and the DPA program you are considering.

Do not assume you make too much. Let us run the numbers and find out for sure.

Ready to Get Started?

Checking your income eligibility takes just a few minutes. Take our eligibility quiz to get an instant estimate, or reach out to us directly for a detailed review of your qualifications.

Tanner Cook - 480-420-4918
Zac Cook - 480-406-2016

The Cook Brothers Mortgage Team at Cornerstone First Mortgage (NMLS #173855) works with Texas DPA programs every day. We know the income limits, the exceptions, and the strategies to help you qualify.

Zac Cook is a licensed mortgage loan originator (NMLS #2111496). This content is for informational purposes only and does not constitute financial advice. Loan approval is subject to credit and property qualification. Equal Housing Lender.