Homeownership for Heroes · Madison County

First-time homebuyer help in Madison County, Tennessee

Madison County, about 101,000 people, has Jackson as its seat and largest city.

County seatJackson

Population100,790

Income limit, 3+$111,300

Price limit$500,000

Buying a first home in Madison County

The Jackson-Madison County School System is the single public district. Full-time K-12 teachers there, or at local private schools, qualify.

Jackson Police, the Madison County Sheriff's Office and Jackson Fire are the main eligible employers. Medon and Three Way buyers use the same limit.

Madison's limit, $95,400 / $111,300, matches Chester County's and is on the lower end statewide, so the 5% option or a forgivable option can matter more relative to price.

Madison County income and price limits

Income, 1–2 people	Income, 3+ people	Purchase price limit
$95,400	$111,300	$500,000

Madison County's limit is $95,400 for 1-2 people and $111,300 for 3+. See the statewide limits or estimate what you can afford.

Other down payment help in Madison County

These local programs can sometimes be used on top of, or instead of, the state program. Rules differ, so a loan officer checks which ones combine.

Rise Up - Memphis and West Tennessee (United Housing)

Funding varies

Memphis and West Tennessee

Who: First-time, first-generation homebuyers
Help: $25,000 grant (total pool up to $2 million)
Type: Grant
First-time buyers only: Yes
Other rules: Must use an FHLB Cincinnati member lender

Announced Aug-Oct 2025 (news reports). Official FHLB page could not be rendered; county list and whether funds remain are unverified. Madison County inclusion assumed from 'West Tennessee' wording.

Verified November 2026 · how we verify

See if I qualify →

See every program in Tennessee.

Homebuyer education near Madison County

Most down payment programs require a homebuyer education class before closing. These HUD-approved agencies near Madison County offer homebuyer classes or pre-purchase counseling:

Agency	City	Distance	Services	Languages	Formats
West Tennessee Legal Services, Incorporated	Jackson	1 mi	homebuyer education class, pre-purchase counseling	English, Spanish	Face to Face, Phone, Internet

Source: HUD housing counseling agency list. Not every class is accepted by every program.

Not sure which class your program accepts? A loan officer who offers Tennessee programs tells you which class counts, and can start your pre-approval at the same time. Check my eligibility

Who can use the program in Madison County

Eligible local employers include:

Jackson-Madison County School System
Jackson Police Department
Madison County Sheriff's Office
Jackson Fire Department

Jackson firefighters and police qualify with their certification and proof of current employment. See every eligible role.

Madison County questions

What's the Jackson income limit?

$95,400 (1-2) and $111,300 (3+).

Is the $6,000 option really forgiven?

Yes, after 10 years, with no payments. It's due in full if you sell or refinance before then.

Do JMCSS teachers qualify?

Yes, full-time K-12 teachers qualify.

Other areas: Shelby County, Davidson County, Knox County, Hamilton County, Rutherford County, Williamson County, Montgomery County, Sumner County. All counties.