Rates, caps and local money, checked monthly · An independent consumer guide · Not a lender, not the state
Ohio Heroes · Franklin County
Buying your first home in Franklin County, Ohio
Franklin County, home to Columbus, is Ohio's most populous county at about 1.36 million people. It also sits in OHFA's higher-cost Columbus-area group.
Columbuscounty seat
1,361,536residents
$128,225income cap, 3+ people
$618,475price cap
What buyers in Franklin County should know
Because Franklin is one of ten Columbus-area counties, the single-family price cap here is $618,475 in non-target areas, about $52,000 more than in most of Ohio. In a federally designated target area it rises to $755,913.
Buyers here look across a wide range of places: Columbus itself, plus Dublin, Westerville, Grove City and Reynoldsburg. You don't have to buy in the district or city where you work. The limits follow the county where the home is.
A teacher with Columbus City Schools or South-Western City Schools and an officer with the Columbus Division of Police use the same Ohio Heroes rules. The difference between buyers is usually household size and price, not job title.
The Franklin County caps
Income cap, 1–2 people
Income cap, 3 or more
Price cap
$111,500
$128,225
$618,475
Franklin County's non-target income limit is $111,500 for 1 to 2 people and $128,225 for 3 or more, the highest tier among the 20 counties we cover, shared with Delaware, Licking and Fairfield. Compare the statewide table, or work out a price you can carry.
Local money in Franklin County
These programs are run by a city, the county or a nonprofit. Some can sit on top of the state loan and some replace it. Each has its own rules, so ask the loan officer which ones combine.
Buyers who have not owned a home in 36 months; 6+ months Ohio residency
Amount
Up to 6% of purchase price, max $14,999
Form
Forgivable loan
Income cap
120% AMI (Columbus MSA, eff. 6/1/2025): $117,720 (3 people) / $130,800 (family of 4)
Price cap
No fixed cap; price cannot exceed appraised value
First-timers only
Yes
Fine print
Home must be inside Columbus city limits; $500 of buyer's own (non-gift) funds; HUD-certified homebuyer education within 18 months of closing; PITI no more than 35% of income and total debt no more than 45%; post-closing liquid assets capped at $10,000; fixed-rate Conventional/FHA/VA/USDA/203K through a City-certified ADDI lender; apply through the lender at least 4 weeks before closing
Deferred loan forgiven after 5 years of owner-occupancy. The program uses non-federal City funds even though it is named ADDI. Other DPA, gifts and seller seconds may be combined, but not City Land Trust homes. Funds are limited, first-come first-served. Guidelines: https://www.columbus.gov/files/sharedassets/city/v/1/housing-amp-assistance-programs/addi/2025-addi-guidelines.pdf
120% of HUD MTSP limit for Franklin County ($123,960 for 4 in 2024)
First-timers only
Yes
Fine print
Homebuyer education; 5-year retention agreement; mortgage from an FHLB member or OHFA
The $5M pilot's funds are all used and it is not taking applications; the page says notice will be given if it reopens. Do not present it as available.
Plan on a homebuyer class. Nearly every assistance program makes you take one before closing. These HUD-approved agencies near Franklin County teach the class or offer one-on-one counseling before you buy:
Agency
City
Miles
Services
Languages
How it is taught
Ohio State University Extension
Columbus
2 mi
Buyer class / Pre-buy advice
English
In person / By phone / Online
Columbus Housing Partnership, Inc, Dba Homeport
Columbus
6 mi
Buyer class / Pre-buy advice
English
In person / By phone / Online
Neighborhood Housing Partnership of Greater Springfield, Inc.
Springfield
42 mi
Buyer class / Pre-buy advice
English
In person / By phone / Online
From HUD's list of approved housing counseling agencies. A class one program accepts may not count for another.
Which class counts? Ask the loan officer before you sign up. Lenders who handle Ohio programs know which course is required, and they can get your pre-approval moving while you study. Start the eligibility check
Local employers whose staff may fit
Columbus City Schools
South-Western City Schools
Dublin City Schools
Westerville City Schools
Columbus Division of Police
Columbus Division of Fire
Franklin County Sheriff's Office
Teachers in Dublin and Westerville schools, Columbus firefighters and sheriff's deputies all fall into OHFA's listed roles, and your lender confirms your position. The full job list
Questions from Franklin County readers
Why is the price limit higher in Franklin County?
OHFA groups Franklin with nine other Columbus-area counties that share a $618,475 non-target single-family limit, versus $566,355 in most of Ohio.
Can I work in Columbus and buy in Grove City?
Yes. Grove City is in Franklin County, so the same limits apply. If you buy in another county, that county's limits apply instead.
What if my household earns more than $128,225?
Ask a lender whether the address is in a target area, where limits are about 20% higher. If not, a loan officer can review other OHFA and lender options with you.
