North Central Florida

Columbia County, FL home buyer guide

Today's mortgage rates, FHA loan limits, and first-time buyer programs available in Lake City and across Columbia County.

Estimate my payment

Columbia County snapshot

Median home price

$245,000

Population

73,000

FHA loan limit (1-unit)

$524,225

County seat

Lake City

Columbia County sits in North Central Florida, anchored by Lake City. The median home price here runs around $245,000, and most buyers qualify for FHA, Conventional 97%, or Florida's Hometown Heroes assistance program.

Today's example payments

Monthly payment on a $245,000 Columbia County home

Estimates include principal, interest, Florida property tax (~0.98%), and homeowners insurance (~1.25%). PMI/MIP varies. Updated June 14, 2026.

Live rates

Conventional

Monthly payment

$1,929

Rate (mid): 6.520%
Down payment: $12,250 (5.0%)
Loan amount: $232,750

5% down · PMI applies

FHA

Monthly payment

$1,895

Rate (mid): 6.145%
Down payment: $8,575 (3.5%)
Loan amount: $236,425

3.5% down · MIP included

VA

Monthly payment

$1,927

Rate (mid): 6.020%
Down payment: $0 (0.0%)
Loan amount: $245,000

0% down · no PMI

Hometown Heroes

Monthly payment

$1,967

Rate (mid): 6.270%
Down payment: $0 (0.0%)
Loan amount: $245,000

Up to $35K assistance

Educational estimates only. Your actual rate and payment depend on credit, debt-to-income, property type, lender pricing, and the exact insurance quote for your home.