District of Columbia's suitability index of 68 out of 100 places it in the "Standard HECM fits, with cost factors to weigh" band — an informational read on how the standard FHA-insured HECM fits a typical homeowner here, not a recommendation for any individual.
What carries the score most is one factor: typical home values sit in the range where the FHA-insured HECM draws against most of the equity.
Pulling the other way, a comparatively young population means fewer residents are HECM-eligible to begin with, which is what holds the composite below the top band.
With only a handful of HUD-approved counseling agencies based in District of Columbia, many borrowers here complete the required session by phone, which the roster permits.
The four inputs behind District of Columbia’s score
The composite is a weighted blend of four normalized factors, each shown below on a 0–1 scale where a higher value means a closer fit for the standard HECM. The raw public data each factor draws from is listed alongside it.
| Factor | Weight | Normalized (0–1) | State data |
|---|---|---|---|
| Senior population share | 30% | 0.11 | 12.7% of residents are 65 or older |
| Home value against the HECM cap | 30% | 0.82 | median home value $724,600 |
| State tax on the mortgage instrument | 20% | 1.00 | no state recording or transfer tax on the mortgage |
| HUD counselor access | 20% | 1.00 | 2 in-state HUD-approved HECM counseling agencies |
Composite: 68/100. Senior share and home values are 2023 Census ACS 5-Year estimates; the tax factor models a representative $400,000 HECM; counselor counts come from the HUD Housing Counselor roster. Estimatehow this number is calculated
Run the numbers for a District of Columbia home
The suitability index works from state-level averages. To estimate a principal limit against a specific age and home value, use the calculator — the result is an estimate of what the federal program would support, not a loan offer.
- Net at closing
- $230,350 after upfront costs
- PLF applied
- 0.389 at 6.6% expected rate
- Home value used
- $650,000
- Upfront costs
- $22,500 (orig + 2% MIP + closing)
A HECM removes the required monthly mortgage payment, but the borrower still has to pay property taxes and homeowners insurance, keep the home maintained, and live in it as a primary residence. The estimate above is what the program would support, not a promise of cash. Estimatehow this number is calculated
Where this score comes from
District of Columbia’s score is computed from public data only — no lender quotes and no individual financials. The methodology page documents the four inputs, the exact formula, the federal data sources, and what the index deliberately leaves out. Read the full methodology
To compare District of Columbia against the other 50 jurisdictions, see the full suitability index. For the federal program mechanics, see the calculator methodology and the reverse mortgage requirements guide.