USDA Loans in Cumberland County, Maine
Nearly every town in Cumberland County qualifies for USDA $0 down financing. Here's your complete guide to USDA Rural Development loans in Cumberland County for 2026 — eligible towns, income limits, and how to qualify.
About Cumberland County
Maine's most populous county and the heart of the Portland metro. A mix of urban Portland, coastal communities, and inland suburbs.
Cumberland is the highest-demand real estate market in Maine. USDA lets buyers afford suburbs like Windham or Gorham that would otherwise stretch budgets with a traditional 5–20% down loan.
USDA eligibility in Cumberland County
Portland, South Portland, and Westbrook city cores are excluded. However, a surprising amount of Cumberland County does qualify — including most of Scarborough, Windham, Gorham, Falmouth (parts), Standish, Raymond, Naples, Bridgton, Harrison, Casco, New Gloucester, Gray, and surrounding towns.
Notable towns that commonly qualify
Portland, South Portland, Scarborough, Windham, Gorham, Falmouth, Westbrook, Brunswick (part), Freeport, Yarmouth, Cumberland, North Yarmouth, Bridgton.
Portland metro bonus: Because Cumberland County is part of the Portland-South Portland-Biddeford metropolitan statistical area, USDA uses a higher income limit here than in most of Maine — $128,650 for a 1–4 person household and $169,800 for 5–8 people. If your household is near the standard cap, this metro boost can make the difference.
2026 USDA income limits — Cumberland County
Your total household income must be at or below these limits to qualify for a USDA Guaranteed loan:
| Household Size | Income Limit |
|---|---|
| 1–4 people | $128,650 |
| 5–8 people | $169,800 |
Based on 2025–2026 USDA Rural Development data. Limits are reviewed annually. USDA income limits count all adults in the household, not just applicants on the loan. Allowed deductions for dependents, childcare, and medical expenses can significantly lower your qualifying income. See the full income limits guide.
Home prices in Cumberland County
This is one of three Maine counties with higher USDA income limits because it's part of the Portland metro area. The 1–4 person household cap is $128,650 vs $119,850 elsewhere.
What a USDA loan looks like in Cumberland County
- $0 down payment — 100% financing on an eligible Cumberland County home
- 0.35% annual mortgage insurance — less than half of FHA's 0.85%
- Seller concessions up to 6% — closing costs can often be covered entirely by the seller in this market
- Credit score 620+ typically required; some lenders flex to 580 with compensating factors
- Primary residence only — no investment properties or second homes
Is your Cumberland County target property eligible?
I'll run your specific address through the USDA eligibility check and walk you through what a $0 down loan looks like on that house.
Check My Eligibility →Frequently asked questions
Is my town in Cumberland County USDA-eligible?
Most of Cumberland County qualifies. The definitive check is USDA's official map at eligibility.sc.egov.usda.gov — enter the specific property address. Or send me the address and I'll check for you.
What's the difference between USDA and FHA in Cumberland County?
USDA beats FHA on monthly cost almost every time when both are available — no down payment (vs. 3.5%) and much lower mortgage insurance. See the full USDA vs. FHA comparison.
How long does a USDA loan take to close in Cumberland County?
Typically 30–45 days from signed purchase agreement. Slightly longer than FHA or conventional because USDA adds its own final approval step after the lender approves the file.