Is Florence, AZ USDA Eligible? What Buyers Need to Know

I'm Andria Townsend, a loan officer with NEXA Mortgage. I've lived in Arizona for over 15 years, and I live and work here in Pinal County.

A lot of buyers think USDA loans are only for farms. They're not. If you're asking, "Is Florence, AZ USDA eligible?", here's what I found and what it means for you.

What is a USDA home loan?

It's a mortgage backed by the U.S. Department of Agriculture's Rural Development program. The most common one is the Single Family Housing loan program, where USDA backs the lender, not your approval.

It's built for low- to moderate-income buyers in areas USDA calls rural. It can help you buy with less cash upfront than some other loans. Ask me what that looks like for your budget.

To use it, two things have to line up:

• The home has to be in a USDA-eligible area.
• Your household income has to be at or under the limit for the area.

Is Florence, AZ USDA eligible in 2026?

Based on USDA's property eligibility map, yes for the spots I tested. On October 2, 2026, I ran these Florence addresses through the official map, and each one came back "eligible":

• A home in Anthem at Merrill Ranch (W Patriot Way)
• A home in Magma Ranch (N Juniper Dr)
• A home off N Wilderness Way, north of town
• An address near downtown Florence (N Pinal St)

I didn't see any ineligible zones shaded around Florence itself. The closest ineligible area on the map was around Casa Grande.

The last change to Arizona's USDA map was in October 2023. It removed Sahuarita and Green Valley. Florence wasn't on that list.

Can the map change?

Yes. USDA reviews its maps from time to time, mostly after new census data comes out. When an area is about to change, USDA posts a public notice first.

So don't rely on a blog post, even mine. Check the exact address before you write an offer. It takes about a minute.

How do I check if a Florence home is USDA eligible?

1. Go to USDA's eligibility site (linked in the sources below).
2. Click the Single Family Housing loan option, then Property Eligibility.
3. Accept the disclaimer, then type the full address.
4. Look for "This address IS located in an eligible area."

The map is a screening tool. USDA makes the final call when it reviews the loan.

What are the USDA income limits in Pinal County?

Pinal County is part of the Phoenix-Mesa-Chandler metro area. For USDA-backed loans, the household income limits there are:

• $129,250 for a household of 1 to 4 people
• $170,650 for a household of 5 to 8 people

Here's the catch. USDA looks at the income of everyone in the household, not just the people on the loan. Some deductions can lower that number, like for kids or childcare. USDA has an income tool on the same site, and I can help you run it.

These limits change, usually once a year. Always check the current numbers.

What does this mean for buyers?

• Florence could be a fit if you're watching your cash. If both the address and your household income qualify, a USDA loan is worth comparing with your other options.
• New builds can work too. USDA can be used on new homes, including in newer communities like Anthem at Merrill Ranch. If a builder pushes their own lender, read my post on whether you have to use the builder's lender.
• Check how the home handles wastewater. USDA's site rules require adequate water and wastewater systems. If the home is on septic, Arizona also requires a transfer inspection before closing. See my post on septic inspections in Pinal County.
• Compare your options. USDA isn't the only path. An FHA loan has its own rules and limits. See my post on the 2026 FHA loan limit in Pinal County.
• It has to be your main home. USDA-backed loans aren't for rentals or second homes.

What does this mean for current homeowners and sellers?

If you're selling in Florence, your home being in a USDA area can widen your pool of buyers. Some buyers can only afford a home with this type of loan.

Ask your agent to check your address and mention it in the listing if it qualifies. The home still has to meet USDA's condition standards, so take care of needed repairs early.

Are you a veteran in Florence? Check out my post on disabled veteran property tax relief in Florence.

USDA loans are subject to eligibility, credit approval, and program guidelines. Programs can change. Map results are a screening tool, not a final USDA decision. I'm not affiliated with or endorsed by USDA.

FAQ

Is Florence, AZ USDA eligible?

Based on USDA's map in October 2026, the Florence addresses I checked in Anthem at Merrill Ranch, Magma Ranch, and near downtown were all eligible. Always check the exact address, since maps can change.

Is all of Pinal County USDA eligible?

No. Most of the county is, but some areas aren't. On the current map, parts of Casa Grande are shaded as ineligible.

What's the USDA income limit in Pinal County?

For USDA-backed loans, it's $129,250 for a household of 1 to 4 people and $170,650 for 5 to 8 people. USDA counts the income of everyone in the household.

Can I use a USDA loan on a new build in Florence?

Yes, USDA loans can be used on new construction, as long as the home and the buyer meet the program rules.

Does the USDA map ever change?

Yes. USDA updates its maps from time to time and posts a public notice before changes take effect. Arizona's last change was in October 2023.

Can I use a USDA loan for a rental property?

No. A USDA-backed loan is for a home you'll live in as your primary residence.

Thinking about a USDA loan in Florence?

Let's check your address and your household income together before you start shopping. You'll know where you stand.

Get pre-approved or ask me a question at andriatownsend.com, or call me at 480-487-9166.

Sources

• USDA Rural Development, Eligibility site (property and income)
• USDA Rural Development, Single Family Housing loan income limits
• USDA Rural Development, Notice of Changes to Arizona Eligible Area Maps (2023)
• USDA Rural Development, Arizona
• 7 CFR 3555.201: USDA Single Family Housing site requirements

Andria Townsend, Mortgage Loan Originator, NMLS #2154631. NEXA Mortgage, LLC, NMLS #1660690. Equal Housing Opportunity. This is not a commitment to lend. All loans subject to credit approval, underwriting, and program guidelines.