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Safe Rate LocalMadison County index·Updated July 2, 2026

First-Time Homebuyer Mortgage Rates in Madison County

5.972%Rate
6.717%APR
$1,504monthly mortgage payment
$0points (0 pts)
Loan Amount $233,752; and Downpayment $8,332
Local Fast Facts
05087
Typical Home Value
$238,064
YoY Appreciation
+9.5%
Area Median Income
$57,929
Estimated Property Taxes
$745/yr
Est. Property Tax Rate
0.31%
Conforming Loan Limit (1-unit)
$806,501
FHA Loan Limit (1-unit)
$524,225
Jumbo Threshold (1-unit)
> $806,501
Average Loan to Value
69.0%

Select your Scenario

3.5% Down (minimum)

5.972%

30-year fixed

Payment$1,504/mo
Down$8,332
Loan$233,752

10% Down

5.972%

30-year fixed · shorter MIP

Payment$1,403/mo
Down$23,806
Loan$218,007

15-Year FHA

5.972%

Faster payoff

Payment$2,076/mo
Down$8,332
Loan$233,752

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First-Time Homebuyer Programs in Madison County

Compare the top low-down-payment programs side by side

🏛️FHA
Min. down3.5% ($8,332)
Min. credit580+
Rate5.972%
Est. P&I$2,055/mo
Est. MIP/PMI+$105/mo
Easiest credit qualification
MIP for life of loan (<10% down)
🏘️HomeReady
Min. down3% ($7,142)
Min. credit620+
Rate6.787%
Est. P&I$2,211/mo
Est. MIP/PMI+$144/mo
Reduced PMI vs standard conventional
Income limits apply by area
💵Conventional 5%
Min. down5% ($11,903)
Min. credit620+
Rate5.973%
Est. P&I$2,023/mo
Est. MIP/PMI+$160/mo
PMI cancels at 80% LTV
Higher PMI than HomeReady
💡 Pro tip for first-time buyers in Madison County

Most states offer first-time homebuyer assistance programs that can be stacked with FHA or HomeReady loans — covering down payment or closing cost assistance. Ask your Safe Rate loan officer about programs available in Arkansas for additional savings.

Frequently Asked Questions

What are current first-time homebuyer rates today in Madison County, AR?

Today's leading benchmark rate for first-time homebuyer rates in Madison County, AR is 6.914% (with an estimated monthly payment of $1,847). Calibrated directly to Madison County, AR's local housing market, Safe Rate shows up-to-the-minute interest rates and points across Conventional, FHA, VA, and Jumbo loan programs daily.

What is the recent trend for first-time homebuyer rates in Madison County, AR?

Mortgage rates for first-time homebuyer rates have shown typical daily fluctuations driven by inflation data and bond yields. Over the past 90 days, rates for first-time homebuyer rates in Madison County, AR have hovered between a low of 6.599% and a high of 7.051%. You can track these daily movements by using the 90-day rate history and trajectory chart featured on this page.

Is an FHA or Conventional loan more cost-effective in Madison County, AR?

Choosing between FHA and Conventional depends on your down payment budget and credit score. For a typical home priced at $238,064 in Madison County, AR, a standard 20%-down Conventional loan requires an upfront cash down payment of $47,613 but keeps your monthly payment lower at $1,847/mo (at 6.914% interest) with no monthly PMI. In comparison, an FHA loan requires only $8,332 (3.5% down) but has an estimated payment of $2,055/mo (at 5.972% interest) due to mandatory FHA mortgage insurance (MIP). Local Nuance: The typical local FHA loan amount of $229,732 falls comfortably within the local HUD FHA loan limit of $524,225 (1-unit), making FHA financing an exceptionally accessible, high-leverage entry point into the market.

What is the maximum conforming loan limit in Madison County before needing a Jumbo loan?

The 2025 conforming conventional loan limit for a 1-unit property in Madison County is $806,501. With a typical local home value of $238,064 in , a standard 20%-down mortgage requires a loan size of $190,451. Because this is within the $806,501 conforming threshold, buyers can qualify for standard conforming conventional financing with competitive rates.

How does the median home value in Madison County, AR impact estimated mortgage payments?

The median home value in Madison County, AR is estimated at $238,064. Buying a typical home here with a standard 20% down payment ($47,613) translates to an estimated starting monthly mortgage payment of $1,847 (principal and interest). Compared to the local area median household income of $57,929 ($4,827/mo), this basic housing payment represents approximately 38.3% of gross monthly household income. Because this housing cost exceeds the standard 36% lender DTI guideline, buyers in this high-value area may need larger down payments, lower debt balances, or co-borrower income to qualify.