Arizona DPA Income Limits by County: 2026 Guide
Complete guide to Arizona down payment assistance income limits for all 15 counties. HOME Plus limit is $155,386 statewide. PTHS varies by household size.
Arizona DPA income limits depend more on the program than on the county. HOME Plus uses one statewide 2026 limit of $155,386 of borrower income, published in April 2026, in Maricopa, Pima and every other county. It counts only the pre-tax income of the people on the loan. The Pima County programs set their own thresholds from area median income, so for those programs household size can change the maximum. The Arizona IDA publishes the HOME Plus figure, and median-income-based limits are recalibrated as new data comes out.
Arizona DPA Income Limits Explained
One of the most common questions we receive is: "What's the income limit for Arizona down payment assistance?" The answer depends on which program you're using.
Quick Answer: For HOME Plus, the income limit is $155,386 in every Arizona county, and it doesn't scale with household size. It is measured on borrower income, as the lender calculates it for the first mortgage, not household income. PTHS limits in Pima County vary by household size.
HOME Plus Income Limits (All 15 Counties)
The Arizona IDA sets a single income limit for HOME Plus that applies statewide:
| County | 2026 Income Limit |
|---|---|
| Apache | $155,386 |
| Cochise | $155,386 |
| Coconino | $155,386 |
| Gila | $155,386 |
| Graham | $155,386 |
| Greenlee | $155,386 |
| La Paz | $155,386 |
| Maricopa | $155,386 |
| Mohave | $155,386 |
| Navajo | $155,386 |
| Pima | $155,386 |
| Pinal | $155,386 |
| Santa Cruz | $155,386 |
| Yavapai | $155,386 |
| Yuma | $155,386 |
Whose Income Counts for HOME Plus?
HOME Plus counts borrower income, not household income: the pre-tax gross income of the people on the loan, as your lender calculates it for the first mortgage. A parent, adult child or roommate who lives with you but isn't on the loan isn't counted, so don't rule yourself out from a household figure. Income that typically gets reviewed for each borrower includes:
- Gross (pre-tax) wages and salary
- Self-employment income, measured from your tax returns
- Documented, continuing support income such as alimony or child support
- Social Security and other stable income your lender can verify
The Pima County programs below use household-size limits and may count income differently, so ask how each program measures yours.
PTHS Income Limits (Pima County)
The Pima Tucson Homebuyer's Solution uses HUD Area Median Income (AMI) limits that vary by household size:
| Household Size | 2026 Limit (Approx.) |
|---|---|
| 1 person | ~$62,000 |
| 2 persons | ~$71,000 |
| 3 persons | ~$80,000 |
| 4 persons | ~$89,000 |
| 5 persons | ~$96,000 |
| 6+ persons | ~$103,000+ |
PTHS limits are updated annually. Contact us for current limits.
Income Limit Strategies
If You're Close to the Limit
If your income is near $155,386, here are some legitimate strategies:
- Time your application: Use your most recent tax return or pay stubs
- Account for deductions: Self-employed borrowers may have lower qualifying income
- Know who is counted: HOME Plus measures only the borrowers' income, so ask your loan officer how the people on the loan affect the calculated figure
If You're Over the Limit
If your income exceeds the HOME Plus limit, you may still have options:
- Conventional financing with 3-5% down payment
- Lender credits to cover closing costs
- Seller concessions to reduce out-of-pocket costs
Phoenix Metro Area Examples
These are hypothetical households, not actual clients, to show how the Maricopa County (Phoenix area) limit works:
Example 1: Single Buyer
- Income: $95,000/year
- HOME Plus Eligible? Yes ($95,000 < $155,386)
- Max DPA: ~$13,000 (4% of a $325,000 loan)
Example 2: Married Couple
- Combined Income (both on the loan): $128,000/year
- HOME Plus Eligible? Yes ($128,000 < $155,386)
- Max DPA: ~$16,000 (4% of a $400,000 loan)
Example 3: Over Limit
- Combined Income (both borrowers): $165,000/year
- HOME Plus Eligible? No ($165,000 > $155,386)
- Alternatives: Conventional loan with 3% down
Tucson/Pima County Examples
For buyers in Pima County, compare both programs:
Example: Family of 4
- Income: $82,000/year
- HOME Plus Eligible? Yes
- PTHS Eligible? Yes (under ~$89,000 limit for 4-person household)
- Next Step: Compare both side by side, including each program's forgiveness terms in writing
Frequently Asked Questions
Are income limits updated annually?
Yes. Arizona IDA updates HOME Plus limits periodically. The current $155,386 limit was published in April 2026.
Does overtime count toward income?
Yes, if you receive overtime regularly. Occasional overtime may be averaged or excluded.
Can I use DPA if I'm self-employed?
Yes! Self-employed buyers can qualify. We use your tax returns to calculate qualifying income, which is often lower than gross revenue.
What if my spouse doesn't work?
Then there is no income from your spouse to add. And if a spouse or another adult in the home earns income but won't be on the loan, HOME Plus doesn't count it, because the limit is based on borrower income.
Check Your Eligibility
Want to see if you qualify for Arizona DPA? Take our 60-second quiz or contact us:
- Tanner Cook: (480) 420-4918 | NMLS #2090424
- Zac Cook: (480) 406-2016 | NMLS #2111496
Cornerstone First Mortgage, NMLS #173855. Equal Housing Lender.
Related Arizona DPA Guides
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