Empire FHA Mortgage Calculator

An FHA buyer in Empire, LA borrowing $156,823 (with 3.5% down on a median $162,511 home) pays an upfront mortgage insurance premium (MIP) of $2,744 — equal to 1.75% of the base loan amount. This upfront MIP is typically financed into the loan balance rather than paid at closing, increasing the total loan amount to approximately $159,567.

For a typical FHA loan in Empire, LA with a base loan amount of $156,823, the annual MIP rate is 0.55% — adding approximately $72/month to the required payment. This monthly MIP is separate from principal, interest, property taxes, and homeowners insurance.

Unlike conventional PMI — which automatically cancels at 80% LTV under the Homeowners Protection Act — FHA annual MIP on loans with less than 10% down does not fall off. For FHA buyers in Empire, LA putting 3.5% down, this means ongoing monthly MIP payments of approximately $72/month for the life of the loan. To eliminate MIP, borrowers must refinance into a conventional loan once they reach 20% equity, or put 10%+ down at origination (MIP then cancels after 11 years).

The 2025 FHA loan limit for Empire, LA is $541,287 for a 1-unit property. A typical buyer purchasing the median-priced home here (approximately $162,511) with 3.5% down would have a base loan amount of approximately $156,823, which falls within the local FHA limit — making FHA financing an accessible option for eligible buyers.

Beyond principal and interest, FHA buyers in Empire, LA with a median $162,511 home can expect approximately $256/yr in property taxes, $2,290/yr for homeowners insurance, $1,750/yr in energy utilities, and $72/mo in FHA mortgage insurance (MIP). Together, these non-P&I costs add approximately $430/month to the required payment in Empire, LA.