North Texas
Dallas County
A lot of Dallas County buyers count themselves out before they ever check. Don't. Eligible buyers may qualify for TSAHC or TDHCA down payment assistance and the federal MCC tax credit, and within Dallas city limits the City's Mortgage Assistance Program is worth a look. The income limits run higher than most people guess.
Quick Facts
- County seat Dallas
- Region North Texas
- Population 2,622,634
- TSAHC income limit (non-targeted) ~$146,625
- FHA loan limit $563,500 Source: hud.gov
- FIPS code 48113
What Buyers Should Know
Dallas County contains the City of Dallas plus Irving, Garland, Mesquite, Grand Prairie (partial), Carrollton (partial), Richardson (partial), DeSoto, Duncanville, Lancaster, and dozens of smaller incorporated cities and unincorporated areas. The District (downtown Dallas), Bishop Arts, Lake Highlands, Oak Lawn, Uptown, East Dallas, Pleasant Grove, Casa Linda, and Lakewood neighborhoods anchor the urban core. Most Dallas buyers qualify for at least one TSAHC or TDHCA program. The City of Dallas Mortgage Assistance Program (MAP) applies only inside Dallas city limits and is administered by the City of Dallas Department of Housing & Neighborhood Revitalization.
See our Dallas down payment assistance guide for full MAP detail and current funding status. Property tax effective rate in Dallas County averages around 2.18% (verify at Dallas Central Appraisal District).
Income Limits
Dallas County Down Payment Assistance Income Limits
| Program | Max household income (non-targeted) | Max purchase price |
|---|---|---|
| Home Sweet Texas / Homes for Texas Heroes (TSAHC) | up to ~$146,625 (any household size) | up to ~$585,006 |
| My First Texas Home (TDHCA) | up to ~$117,300 (1–2 persons) / ~$134,895 (3+) | up to ~$585,006 |
| My Choice Texas Home (TDHCA) | up to ~$192,950 (conventional) / ~$199,410 (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 applies a single income limit at any household size. 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 — confirm your county's current figure with a participating lender before applying. | ||
Source: TSAHC Income & Purchase Price Limits + TDHCA Income & Purchase Price Limits
Loan Limits — Dallas County
VA
VA loans are uncapped above conforming limits for full-entitlement veterans.
Cities in Dallas County
-
Dallas Down Payment Assistance
Dallas down payment assistance: TSAHC & TDHCA programs, 2026 DFW income limits, the 15% MCC tax credit, and first-time buyer grants in Dallas County.
View -
Down Payment Assistance in Mesquite, TX
Most Mesquite, TX buyers fit the limits. See how you may get up to ~5% toward a down payment with statewide programs and the 2026 Dallas County limits.
View -
Down Payment Assistance in Richardson, TX
Think your tech income is too high in Richardson, TX? See the 2026 limits and how you may get up to ~5% toward a down payment with statewide programs.
View -
Garland Down Payment Assistance
Down payment assistance in Garland, TX may cover up to ~5% of your loan through TSAHC and TDHCA. See 2026 Dallas County income limits and how you qualify.
View -
Grand Prairie Down Payment Assistance
Down payment assistance in Grand Prairie, TX may cover up to ~5% of your loan through TSAHC and TDHCA. See 2026 income limits across Dallas, Tarrant, and Ellis counties.
View -
Irving Down Payment Assistance
Down payment assistance in Irving, TX may cover up to ~5% of your loan through TSAHC and TDHCA, plus a city program. See 2026 Dallas County limits and how you qualify.
View -
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.
View
School Districts in Dallas County
-
Garland ISD
Garland ISD teachers and staff in northeast Dallas County may have more help available than they realize. Through Homes for Texas Heroes, eligible employees may qualify for TSAHC down payment assistance, typically around 5% of the loan amount, with no first-time-buyer requirement and an MCC tax credit.
View -
Irving ISD
Irving ISD teachers, aides, and staff in the heart of DFW may have more home-buying help than they expect. Through Homes for Texas Heroes, eligible employees may qualify for TSAHC down payment assistance, around 5% of the loan amount, with no first-time-buyer requirement and an MCC tax credit.
View -
Mesquite ISD
Mesquite ISD teachers and staff in eastern Dallas County may qualify for real down payment help. Through Homes for Texas Heroes, eligible employees may receive TSAHC assistance, typically around 5% of the loan amount, with no first-time-buyer requirement and an MCC tax credit.
View
Related Guides
-
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.
View -
Midlothian Down Payment Assistance: 2026 Programs and Limits
Think plant and mill pay puts you over? Ellis County limits may reach ~$146,625, and overtime is averaged over two years. See where you land.
View -
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.
View -
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.
View