East Texas
Galveston County
From Galveston Island to League City and the mainland, Galveston County offers coastal living within reach of Houston jobs. Eligible buyers may pair an affordable first mortgage with TSAHC or TDHCA down payment assistance and the MCC tax credit, often covering most of what they'd bring to closing. TSAHC's 2026 limits in Galveston County may reach about $156,000 for Home Sweet Texas and $176,800 for Homes for Texas Heroes, at any household size.
Quick Facts
- County seat Galveston
- Region East Texas
- Population 360,000
- Home Sweet Texas income limit (non-targeted) ~$156,000
- FHA loan limit $541,287 Source: hud.gov
- FIPS code 48167
What Buyers Should Know
In Galveston County, TSAHC’s county income limits may allow household income up to about $156,000 for Home Sweet Texas and $176,800 for Homes for Texas Heroes, at any household size. Many Galveston 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 Galveston mirror the Houston-The Woodlands-Sugar Land 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 Galveston County averages around 2.13% 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. Filing it is one of the most valuable steps a new homeowner can take. File on or before April 30 of the year following purchase.
Coastal Texas + Flood Insurance Considerations
Galveston County contains League City (largest, ~120,000), Texas City, Friendswood, Galveston, Dickinson, and Santa Fe. The county sits on Galveston Bay + Gulf Coast — most properties south of I-45 require flood insurance through FEMA’s National Flood Insurance Program (NFIP) per FEMA flood map zones. Clear Creek ISD, Dickinson ISD, Texas City ISD, Friendswood ISD, La Marque ISD, and Galveston ISD serve the county. Most Galveston buyers route through state-level TSAHC and TDHCA programs. Verify NFIP zone for any address at msc.fema.gov before contract.
Income Limits
Galveston County Down Payment Assistance Income Limits
| Program | Max household income (non-targeted) | Max purchase price |
|---|---|---|
| Home Sweet Texas (TSAHC) | up to ~$156,000 (any household size) | bond DPA or MCC only: up to ~$566,354 |
| Homes for Texas Heroes (TSAHC) | up to ~$176,800 (any household size) | bond DPA or MCC only: up to ~$566,354 |
| My First Texas Home (TDHCA) | up to ~$104,000 (1–2 persons) / ~$119,600 (3+) | up to ~$566,354 |
| My Choice Texas Home (TDHCA) | up to ~$178,670 (conventional) / ~$176,800 (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 — Galveston County
VA
VA loans are uncapped above conforming limits for full-entitlement veterans.
Cities in Galveston County
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Down Payment Assistance in League City, TX
See how down payment assistance works in League City and Galveston County, the 2026 income and price limits, and what you may qualify for.
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Friendswood Down Payment Assistance: 2026 Guide for Buyers
Moved for Friendswood ISD and assumed you earn too much? My Choice Texas Home may reach ~$178,670 in Galveston County. See what actually applies.
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Galveston Down Payment Assistance: 2026 Guide
Galveston buyers may get up to ~5% of the loan toward down payment and closing costs through Texas TSAHC and TDHCA programs. See what you qualify for.
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Texas City Down Payment Assistance: 2026 Guide
Texas City buyers may get up to ~5% of the loan for down payment and closing costs via Texas TSAHC and TDHCA programs. See what you qualify for.
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Related Guides
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Alvin Down Payment Assistance: 2026 Guide for Brazoria County
Brazoria County sets its own limits, and they run higher than Harris. Alvin buyers may qualify up to ~$189,000. See how the county line helps you.
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Tomball Down Payment Assistance: 2026 Programs and Limits
Tomball prices sit well under the assistance price cap, so the cash at closing is the real hurdle. See what may cover it and who qualifies.
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Friendswood Down Payment Assistance: 2026 Guide for Buyers
Moved for Friendswood ISD and assumed you earn too much? My Choice Texas Home may reach ~$178,670 in Galveston County. See what actually applies.
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Rosenberg Down Payment Assistance: 2026 Guide for Fort Bend Buyers
More than one earner under your roof? Not every adult's income counts the same way. See how Fort Bend limits work and which program may fit your household.
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