West Texas
El Paso County
El Paso County anchors far West Texas with some of the state's most affordable homes, and there's more help available than many buyers realize. You may qualify for TSAHC or TDHCA down payment assistance and the MCC tax credit; within the city, El Paso's own homebuyer program is worth knowing about. Worth a quick check before you assume you can't. TSAHC's 2026 limits in El Paso County may reach about $152,250 for Home Sweet Texas and $172,550 for Homes for Texas Heroes, at any household size.
Quick Facts
- County seat El Paso
- Region West Texas
- Population 870,000
- Home Sweet Texas income limit (non-targeted) ~$152,250
- FHA loan limit $541,287 Source: hud.gov
- FIPS code 48141
What Buyers Should Know
In El Paso County, TSAHC’s county income limits may allow household income up to about $152,250 for Home Sweet Texas and $172,550 for Homes for Texas Heroes, at any household size. Many El Paso County buyers may qualify for at least one TSAHC or TDHCA program; targeted areas are specific census tracts, not whole counties, so ask your lender whether a home’s address falls in one; outside those tracts, the standard income limits and first-time buyer rules apply.
FHA loan limits in El Paso mirror the El Paso baseline. The 2026 conforming loan limit is $832,750 for a 1-unit home. VA loans are uncapped above conforming limits for full-entitlement veterans.
Property tax in El Paso County averages around 2.49% effective (verify current year at the county appraisal district). The Texas residence homestead exemption shaves $140,000 off school-district appraised value and caps appraised value growth at 10% per year. File with the appraisal district on or before April 30 of the year following purchase.
El Paso + Fort Bliss Military Community
El Paso County is anchored by El Paso (county seat, ~679,000) — the sixth-largest city in Texas and the largest US city on the US-Mexico border. Fort Bliss (the second-largest active-duty US Army installation by area) sits north of the city + is the dominant economic anchor — home to the 1st Armored Division. Socorro, Horizon City, San Elizario, Anthony, and Vinton anchor the perimeter. El Paso ISD, Socorro ISD, Ysleta ISD, Canutillo ISD, Clint ISD, and San Elizario ISD serve the county. Most El Paso County buyers stationed at Fort Bliss pair a VA loan with TSAHC Heroes (Veterans category) DPA — one of the densest military housing markets in Texas.
Income Limits
El Paso County Down Payment Assistance Income Limits
| Program | Max household income (non-targeted) | Max purchase price |
|---|---|---|
| Home Sweet Texas (TSAHC) | up to ~$152,250 (any household size) | bond DPA or MCC only: up to ~$566,354 |
| Homes for Texas Heroes (TSAHC) | up to ~$172,550 (any household size) | bond DPA or MCC only: up to ~$566,354 |
| My First Texas Home (TDHCA) | up to ~$101,500 (1–2 persons) / ~$116,725 (3+) | up to ~$566,354 |
| My Choice Texas Home (TDHCA) | up to ~$124,780 (conventional) / ~$172,550 (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 — El Paso County
VA
VA loans are uncapped above conforming limits for full-entitlement veterans.
School Districts in El Paso County
School District pillars for this county are coming soon.
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