North Texas
Collin County
Collin County (McKinney, Plano, Frisco, and the booming north side of DFW) runs pricey, but the assistance income limits are higher here than buyers expect. You may qualify for TSAHC or TDHCA down payment help and the MCC tax credit even on a comfortable household income, so it's worth checking before you count yourself out. TSAHC's 2026 limits in Collin County may reach about $181,650 for Home Sweet Texas and $205,870 for Homes for Texas Heroes, at any household size.
Quick Facts
- County seat McKinney
- Region North Texas
- Population 1,160,000
- Home Sweet Texas income limit (non-targeted) ~$181,650
- FHA loan limit $563,500 Source: hud.gov
- FIPS code 48085
Collin County sits at the northern edge of the Dallas-Fort Worth metroplex. McKinney is the county seat. The county runs north from the Dallas line up to the Grayson County boundary, anchored by I-75 and the Dallas North Tollway, with rapid growth across Frisco, Plano, McKinney, Allen, Prosper, and Wylie.
What buyers should know
For 2026, TDHCA puts 100% of area median family income at $121,100 for the Dallas area, which includes Collin County, and TSAHC’s Home Sweet Texas limit here is $181,650. That means many buyers in the $400K–$550K price range still fit TSAHC and TDHCA program ceilings. Some Collin County census tracts are TDHCA targeted areas with higher limits; elsewhere, the standard income limits and first-time buyer rule apply.
FHA loan limits in Collin County mirror the DFW high-cost ceiling. The 2026 conforming loan limit is $832,750 for a 1-unit home. VA loans are uncapped above conforming for full-entitlement veterans.
Property tax is a meaningful affordability factor here — Collin County’s effective rate averages around 2.18% (verify current year at the Collin Central Appraisal District). The Texas residence homestead exemption shaves $140,000 off school-district appraised value.
Income Limits
Collin County Down Payment Assistance Income Limits
| Program | Max household income (non-targeted) | Max purchase price |
|---|---|---|
| Home Sweet Texas (TSAHC) | up to ~$181,650 (any household size) | bond DPA or MCC only: up to ~$589,596 |
| Homes for Texas Heroes (TSAHC) | up to ~$205,870 (any household size) | bond DPA or MCC only: up to ~$589,596 |
| My First Texas Home (TDHCA) | up to ~$121,100 (1–2 persons) / ~$139,265 (3+) | up to ~$589,596 |
| My Choice Texas Home (TDHCA) | up to ~$199,750 (conventional) / ~$205,870 (FHA/VA/USDA) | No purchase price limit |
| Figures show approximately how high non-targeted-area limits may reach for the standard above-80%-AMFI tier. TSAHC limits apply at any household size, and Homes for Texas Heroes has a higher limit than Home Sweet Texas; TSAHC's purchase price limit applies to bond-funded assistance and the MCC. My First Texas Home varies by household size and is for first-time buyers using FHA, VA, or USDA loans. My Choice Texas Home adds repeat buyers and conventional financing and has no purchase price limit. Limits may be higher in HUD-targeted census tracts and change periodically, so confirm your county's current figure with a participating lender before applying. | ||
Source: TSAHC county income limits + TDHCA Income & Purchase Price Limits
Loan Limits — Collin County
VA
VA loans are uncapped above conforming limits for full-entitlement veterans.
Cities in Collin County
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Down Payment Assistance in Allen, TX
Think you earn too much in Allen, TX? See the 2026 Collin County limits and how you may get up to ~5% toward a down payment with statewide programs.
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Down Payment Assistance in Carrollton, TX
Buying in Carrollton, TX? See how you may get up to ~5% toward a down payment, the 2026 income and price limits, and why your county line does not change it.
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McKinney Down Payment Assistance
Down payment assistance in McKinney, TX may cover up to ~5% of your loan through TSAHC and TDHCA. See 2026 Collin County income limits and how you qualify.
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Plano Down Payment Assistance
Down payment assistance in Plano, TX may cover up to ~5% of your loan through TSAHC and TDHCA. See 2026 Collin County income limits and how you qualify.
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Prosper Down Payment Assistance: 2026 Limits and What Actually Fits
An honest look at Prosper: most listings sit above the price cap, but some do not, and Prosper ISD staff have their own track. See what may still work.
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Wylie Down Payment Assistance: 2026 Guide for Collin County Buyers
Collin County being expensive does not disqualify you. Wylie limits may reach ~$181,650, and teachers and first responders have their own track. See your fit.
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School Districts in Collin County
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Frisco ISD
Frisco ISD educators in fast-growing Collin and Denton counties may qualify for real home-buying help. Through Homes for Texas Heroes, full-time teachers, aides, librarians, counselors, and school nurses may qualify for TSAHC down payment assistance of up to 5% of the loan amount with no first-time-buyer requirement, and the 2026 Heroes income limit in Collin County is about $205,870.
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McKinney ISD
McKinney ISD educators in fast-growing Collin County may have more help available than they expect. Through Homes for Texas Heroes, full-time teachers, aides, librarians, counselors, and school nurses may qualify for TSAHC down payment assistance of up to 5% of the loan amount with no first-time-buyer requirement, and the 2026 Heroes income limit in Collin County is about $205,870.
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Plano ISD
Plano ISD educators in Collin County may qualify for meaningful down payment help, even in one of DFW's pricier markets. Through Homes for Texas Heroes, full-time teachers, aides, librarians, counselors, and school nurses may qualify for TSAHC down payment assistance of up to 5% of the loan amount with no first-time-buyer requirement, and the 2026 Heroes income limit in Collin County is about $205,870.
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Related Guides
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Cleburne Down Payment Assistance: 2026 Guide for Johnson County
In Cleburne neither the price cap nor the income limit usually binds, so the down payment is the whole obstacle. See what assistance may cover.
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Midlothian Down Payment Assistance: 2026 Programs and Limits
Think plant and mill pay puts you over? Ellis County limits may reach ~$181,650, and overtime is averaged over two years. See where you land.
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Prosper Down Payment Assistance: 2026 Limits and What Actually Fits
An honest look at Prosper: most listings sit above the price cap, but some do not, and Prosper ISD staff have their own track. See what may still work.
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Rowlett Down Payment Assistance: 2026 Guide for Buyers
Rowlett buyers may get up to ~5% of the loan toward down payment and closing costs. Dallas and Rockwall County sides carry the same limits. See what fits you.
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