October 13, 2026 | Liz Walker, RE/MAX | 4-minute read
Juneau County Mortgage Rates Today: What a $250,000 Home Really Costs
WHEDA, FHA, USDA and conventional loans compared side by side for Mauston, New Lisbon, Necedah and the surrounding area.
The short answer
The lowest advertised rate doesn’t always mean the lowest payment. On October 13, 2026, a Wisconsin lender advertised a 6.625% WHEDA first-time buyer rate for qualifying borrowers, compared with national averages of 7.457% conventional, 6.933% FHA and 7.106% USDA. Once mortgage insurance and fees are added, the order changes. Which lender you choose can matter almost as much as which house you buy.
Today’s rates at a glance
| Loan type (30-year fixed) | Rate | Minimum down on $250K |
|---|---|---|
| WHEDA Advantage Conventional (first-time buyer)* | 6.625% | $7,500 (3%) |
| FHA | 6.933% | $8,750 (3.5%) |
| USDA Guaranteed | 7.106% | $0 |
| Conventional | 7.457% | $7,500 (3%, eligible programs) |
*Advertised by Lake Ridge Bank on 10/13/2026: 0 points, 6.958% APR, assumes 740+ credit score, 97% loan-to-value and income below 80% of area median. FHA, USDA and conventional figures are same-day national averages.
The local story: a 6.625% WHEDA rate, if you qualify
WHEDA lists Juneau County among the rural Wisconsin counties eligible for reduced interest-rate pricing. That’s a real advantage for buyers in Mauston, New Lisbon, Necedah, Elroy, Wonewoc, Lyndon Station, Camp Douglas and the surrounding towns.
But eligibility, not just first-time buyer status, controls access. Key 2026 rules for WHEDA Advantage Conventional:
- 620 minimum credit score (the advertised 6.625% example assumes 740+).
- $76,800 is Juneau County’s 80% AMI threshold for reduced mortgage-insurance coverage. Separate household income limits also apply.
- First-time buyer pricing generally means no ownership in a primary residence for 3 years (including a non-applicant spouse).
- Owner-occupied homes only, 3% minimum down on a single-family home, and homebuyer education may be required.
- Preferred first-time buyer pricing is not available on WHEDA Advantage FHA.
$136
less per month in principal and interest with WHEDA vs. 3%-down conventional
$1,629
estimated first-year difference, before comparing PMI
Side by side: monthly payment on a $250,000 home
| Loan | Starting balance | Principal & interest | Monthly insurance/fee | Subtotal |
|---|---|---|---|---|
| WHEDA Conventional | $242,500 | $1,552.75 | PMI (individual quote) | $1,552.75 + PMI |
| Conventional | $242,500 | $1,688.46 | PMI (individual quote) | $1,688.46 + PMI |
| FHA | $245,472 | $1,622.10 | ~$112.51 MIP | ~$1,734.61 |
| USDA Guaranteed | $252,500 | $1,697.90 | ~$73.65 annual fee | ~$1,771.55 |
Assumes 30-year fixed, minimum down payment, no discount points. FHA includes 1.75% upfront MIP financed and 0.55% annual MIP. USDA includes 1% upfront guarantee fee financed and 0.35% annual fee. Excludes property taxes, homeowners insurance, closing costs and PMI on conventional loans.
Why zero down isn’t the lowest payment
USDA lets eligible buyers finance 100% of an eligible rural home, but you’re borrowing more ($252,500 after the financed fee) at a higher average rate. The result is the highest subtotal in the comparison. USDA’s real value is keeping cash in your pocket. Eligibility depends on household income and the exact property address, so check each home on USDA’s eligibility map before you fall in love with it.
Why FHA’s lower rate can still cost more
FHA’s 6.933% average beats conventional, but about $112 a month in MIP pushes the subtotal to roughly $1,735. With less than 10% down, FHA’s annual MIP generally lasts for the life of the loan. FHA is still a strong tool for buyers with credit scores of 580 and up (500–579 requires 10% down) or limited savings.
PMI vs. MIP in one sentence
Conventional PMI can be canceled once you reach the required equity; FHA MIP with under 10% down usually can’t. For reference, 20% down on a conventional loan ($50,000) drops principal and interest to $1,392.54 and ordinarily avoids PMI entirely.
Down payment help: know what you’re signing
- WHEDA Easy Close: up to 6% of the price ($15,000 on a $250,000 home). It’s a 10-year second mortgage at the same rate as your first loan, with its own monthly payment. It is not a grant.
- WHEDA Capital Access: $7,500 at 0% with no monthly payment, reopened in January 2026 on a limited, first-come basis with lower income limits. Ask a WHEDA-certified lender if funds are still available.
Shop at least three lenders
The Consumer Financial Protection Bureau reports buyers may save $600 to $1,200 per year by comparing multiple offers. Multiple mortgage credit checks within 45 days generally count as one inquiry. Not every lender offers WHEDA, USDA or down payment assistance, so ask each one directly.
Your Loan Estimate checklist
Request estimates on the same day, with the same price, down payment, loan type, term and lock period. Then compare:
- Interest rate and APR
- Discount points and lender credits
- Principal and interest, plus PMI, MIP or annual fee
- Total payment with taxes and insurance
- Origination and underwriting charges
- Cash needed to close
- Five-year cost on page 3
- Whether the rate is locked, and when the lock expires
Ask every lender to price more than one loan type. Comparing one lender’s FHA quote with another lender’s conventional quote won’t tell you who has the best deal on either.
Buying near Juneau County?
WHEDA’s reduced rural pricing discussed here applies to Juneau County. If you’re also looking in Tomah, Oakdale, Wisconsin Dells, Adams or Friendship, county lines and USDA address eligibility can change your options, so verify each property before writing an offer.
Frequently asked questions
What are mortgage rates in Juneau County, WI right now?
As of October 13, 2026, national averages were 7.457% conventional, 6.933% FHA and 7.106% USDA. One Wisconsin lender advertised a 6.625% WHEDA first-time buyer rate for qualifying borrowers.
Does Juneau County qualify for WHEDA rural pricing?
Yes. WHEDA lists Juneau County among rural counties eligible for reduced interest-rate pricing, subject to borrower income and program limits.
Can I buy a home in Juneau County with no money down?
Possibly. USDA Guaranteed loans allow 0% down for eligible buyers and properties. Confirm both your income and the home’s address through USDA’s eligibility tool.
Ready to run the numbers on a real home?
I help buyers across Mauston, New Lisbon, Necedah, Elroy, Wonewoc, Lyndon Station, Camp Douglas, Tomah, Oakdale, Wisconsin Dells, Adams and Friendship connect with local lenders who offer WHEDA, USDA and FHA, so you can compare real offers before you write one.
Contact Liz Walker, RE/MAXRates and payment examples are for educational purposes only and are not a commitment to lend. Rates, APRs, mortgage insurance, fees, eligibility requirements and program availability can change and will vary by lender and borrower. Calculations exclude property taxes, homeowners insurance, flood insurance, closing costs, prepaid expenses and association fees. Buyers should obtain individualized Loan Estimates from licensed mortgage lenders.
