Mortgage Rates in Washington, DC: Today's Averages & 2026 Outlook
Washington 30-year fixed rates are running around 6.85% — roughly in line with the national average of 6.85%. Here's how Washington rates stack up, what drives the metro spread, and the payment math on a typical Washington home.
Today's Washington rates by loan type
Estimates for Washington based on the current national 30-year average of 6.85% plus the metro's typical spread (+0 bps). Live national rate sourced daily from Freddie Mac PMMS. Your actual quote will depend on your credit, down payment, and lender.
What drives Washington mortgage rates
The national 30-year average sets the floor for every Washington lender. But the $Washington-Arlington-Alexandria metro typically prices right at that national benchmark because of local dynamics.
Local market read. Federal-employee heavy; VA share elevated in Northern Virginia suburbs.
Who's lending. Credit unions with federal-employee ties are unusually competitive here.
Median deal size. A typical Washington loan is around $545,000 on a $615,000 home. That sits well inside conforming loan limits, so most Washington buyers get standard agency pricing.
What a typical Washington payment looks like
| Line item | Estimate |
|---|---|
| Median home price (Washington-Arlington-Alexandria) | $615,000 |
| Median loan amount | $545,000 |
| 30-yr rate (Washington avg) | 6.85% |
| Monthly principal & interest | $3,571 |
| Est. full PITI (add ~30% for taxes/insurance) | ~$4,642 |
Directional math for Washington in 2026. Add property taxes, homeowners insurance, PMI (if less than 20% down), and any HOA dues for full monthly cost. Our mortgage calculator lets you plug in your exact numbers.
More on buying in District of Columbia
Get matched with a Washington lender — free
We'll match you with vetted Washington-area lenders competing for your loan. Compare real Loan Estimates side-by-side — the same Washington buyer can save $2,000–$5,000+ over the life of the loan by shopping three quotes.
Washington mortgage rates: FAQ
What is today's mortgage rate in Washington, DC?▾
The average 30-year fixed mortgage rate in Washington is around 6.85% — 15-year fixed near 6.1%, FHA around 6.6%, VA around 6.5%. That's roughly in line with the current US 30-year average of 6.85%. Your actual rate depends on credit score, down payment, loan type, and lender competition — always compare Loan Estimates from at least three lenders.
How do Washington mortgage rates compare to the national average?▾
Washington rates typically sit at the US 30-year average. The metro spread reflects local lender competition, loan mix, and property-tax/insurance dynamics specific to the Washington-Arlington-Alexandria area.
What's the median home price in Washington?▾
The median home price in the Washington-Arlington-Alexandria metro is about $615,000, with a typical loan amount of $545,000 at conventional LTVs. At today's 6.85% rate, principal and interest on that loan runs about $3,571/month — before property taxes, homeowners insurance, and (if applicable) PMI or HOA dues.
Who are the top lenders in Washington?▾
Credit unions with federal-employee ties are unusually competitive here. You'll get the best rate by comparing at least three Loan Estimates — a mix of a national non-bank lender, a local credit union, and (for higher loan amounts) a portfolio bank tends to reveal the best pricing for your specific profile.
Should I lock my rate now or wait in Washington?▾
Federal-employee heavy; VA share elevated in Northern Virginia suburbs. On rate timing itself, no one can call the exact peak or trough — but if the payment on your target Washington home works today at 6.85%, locking and refinancing later if rates fall is a well-worn playbook. Our Right-Time-to-Buy tool models the wait-vs-buy math for you.