Mortgage rates in District of Columbia
Average 30-year fixed 6.49% · Updated July 9, 2026 · Freddie Mac (FRED)
The District uses the high-cost conforming loan limit given its home prices. Below is what buying at District of Columbia's median price looks like at today's national average rate, plus the local property tax and assistance that actually change your payment.
What a mortgage costs in District of Columbia
The interest rate on a District of Columbia mortgage is the same 6.49% national average a lender would quote anywhere — rates are set by the bond market, not by your state. On District of Columbia's median $430,000 home with 20% down, the financed amount is $344,000, or about $2,172 a month in principal and interest.
What makes District of Columbia different is the cost around the loan. Its 0.55% effective property-tax rate adds roughly $197 a month, and homeowners insurance about $161 more — bringing the all-in estimate to $2,530. Those local costs, not the interest rate, are what set District of Columbia apart. Your own price and down payment will move the number — work backward from your income with the how-much-house calculator.
Getting approved in District of Columbia
Federal HMDA lending records show District of Columbia lenders originated 9,300 home loans in 2025 and denied 3,026 applications — an approval rate near 75.5% among decisioned applications, against 76.6% nationwide. See how all 50 states compare in our state approval-rate study, and how District of Columbia ranks for mortgage complaint patterns (2,352 on record).
Shopping for a loan? See the most active mortgage lenders in District of Columbia, ranked by federal HMDA volume.
Down-payment help in District of Columbia
You rarely need 20% down. DCHFA — District of Columbia's housing finance agency — runs the state's main assistance program: The DC Open Doors program offers down-payment assistance as a deferred loan. Eligibility usually turns on income limits and a homebuyer-education course. Check current terms at DCHFA, see how a smaller down payment changes your number with the down payment tool, or compare first-time buyer programs nationwide.
District of Columbia mortgage FAQ
What is the current mortgage rate in District of Columbia?
As of July 9, 2026, the U.S. average 30-year fixed rate is 6.49%. The note rate itself is set nationally, not by state — a lender prices your District of Columbia loan the same way it would anywhere, based on your credit, down payment and loan type.
What changes locally is everything around the rate: District of Columbia's ~0.55% effective property tax, insurance costs, and which assistance programs apply.
What is the monthly payment on a typical District of Columbia home?
On District of Columbia's estimated median home price of about $430,000 with 20% down at today's 6.49% average 30-year rate, expect roughly $2,530/month — that's $2,172 principal and interest plus about $197 property tax and $161 insurance. Adjust the numbers for your exact price and down payment in our calculators.
How hard is it to get approved for a mortgage in District of Columbia?
In 2025, District of Columbia lenders originated 9,300 home loans and denied 3,026 applications — an approval rate of about 75.5% among decisioned applications, versus 76.6% nationally, according to federal HMDA data. See how every state ranks in our mortgage approval report.
Rates shown are national weekly averages for general guidance, not an offer or personalized quote. Payment estimates assume the down payment noted plus estimated taxes and insurance. Confirm current pricing with a licensed lender.