Central Texas
Hays County
Hays County (San Marcos, Kyle, Buda) is one of the fastest-growing corners of the Austin area, and prices show it. The good news: TSAHC and TDHCA may cover much of your down payment and closing costs, and an MCC tax credit may keep paying you back each year you own. TSAHC's 2026 limits in Hays County may reach about $201,600 for Home Sweet Texas and $228,480 for Homes for Texas Heroes, at any household size.
Quick Facts
- County seat San Marcos
- Region Central Texas
- Population 280,000
- Home Sweet Texas income limit (non-targeted) ~$201,600
- FHA loan limit $571,550 Source: hud.gov
- FIPS code 48209
What Buyers Should Know
In Hays County, TSAHC’s county income limits may allow household income up to about $201,600 for Home Sweet Texas and $228,480 for Homes for Texas Heroes, at any household size. Many Hays 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 Hays mirror the Austin-Round Rock 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 Hays County averages around 1.97% 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.
South Austin + Texas State University
Hays County is anchored by San Marcos (county seat, ~67,000) — home of Texas State University (the second-largest university in the Texas State University System). Kyle (Hays County’s largest city, ~57,000), Buda, Wimberley (Hill Country gateway), and Dripping Springs anchor the broader county. San Marcos CISD, Hays CISD, and Dripping Springs ISD serve the county. TSAHC’s county income limits here are among the highest in Texas: about $201,600 for Home Sweet Texas and $228,480 for Homes for Texas Heroes, at any household size. See Travis County guide for adjacent Austin metro context.
Income Limits
Hays County Down Payment Assistance Income Limits
| Program | Max household income (non-targeted) | Max purchase price |
|---|---|---|
| Home Sweet Texas (TSAHC) | up to ~$201,600 (any household size) | bond DPA or MCC only: up to ~$598,019 |
| Homes for Texas Heroes (TSAHC) | up to ~$228,480 (any household size) | bond DPA or MCC only: up to ~$598,019 |
| My First Texas Home (TDHCA) | up to ~$134,400 (1–2 persons) / ~$154,560 (3+) | up to ~$598,019 |
| My Choice Texas Home (TDHCA) | up to ~$228,480 (conventional) / ~$228,480 (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 — Hays County
VA
VA loans are uncapped above conforming limits for full-entitlement veterans.
Cities in Hays County
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Buda Down Payment Assistance: 2026 Programs and Limits
Hays County carries some of the highest assistance limits in Texas. Buda buyers may qualify at incomes up to approximately $201,600. See where you actually land.
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Kyle Down Payment Assistance: 2026 Programs and Limits
Buying in Kyle? You may get up to ~5% of your loan toward down payment and closing costs, with Hays County income limits reaching ~$201,600. See what fits.
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San Marcos Down Payment Assistance: 2026 Programs & Income Limits
Down payment assistance for San Marcos, TX. Local prices fit the program limits, so income and credit are the real test. See if you qualify.
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Related Guides
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Boerne Down Payment Assistance: 2026 Limits for Kendall County
Kendall County carries unusually generous income limits, up to ~$209,550. In Boerne the price cap is the real constraint, not your paycheck. See what fits.
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Seguin Down Payment Assistance: 2026 Programs and Limits
Seguin is the affordable end of the I-10 corridor, and the price cap never binds here. See which programs may put up to about 5% toward your costs.
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Buda Down Payment Assistance: 2026 Programs and Limits
Hays County carries some of the highest assistance limits in Texas. Buda buyers may qualify at incomes up to approximately $201,600. See where you actually land.
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Hutto Down Payment Assistance: 2026 Guide for Buyers
You do not need to be a first-time buyer in Hutto. Williamson County limits may reach ~$228,480 with My Choice Texas Home. See which programs fit you.
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