California vs Texas: mortgage lending
In 2023, California had the lower mortgage denial rate of the two — 19.1% versus 23.1% in Texas, a gap of about 4.0 points. California originated about 335,898 loans and Texas about 421,653. By loan type, California was 84.2% conventional / 11.7% FHA / 4.1% VA, versus 72.2% / 18.4% / 9.0% in Texas. Informational data, not lending advice.
Source: HMDA Data Browser (FFIEC / CFPB). Data as of June 2026.
California vs Texas side by side
| Indicator | California | Texas |
|---|---|---|
| Total originations | 335,898 | 421,653 |
| Denial rate | 19.1% | 23.1% |
| Home-purchase denial rate | 12.9% | 19.9% |
| Refinance denial rate | 32.2% | 36.7% |
| Conventional share | 84.2% | 72.2% |
| FHA share | 11.7% | 18.4% |
| VA share | 4.1% | 9.0% |
Verdict
On denial rate alone, an application looks more likely to be approved in California than Texas by roughly 4.0 points — but that mostly reflects who applies and for what kind of loan, not a promise about your file. Read each state's full profile for context: California and Texas. To estimate a payment in either, use the mortgage calculator.
Frequently asked questions
Is it harder to get a mortgage in California or Texas?
By denial rate, Texas turned down a higher share of applications in 2023: 23.1% versus 19.1% in California, a gap of about 4.0 points. Denial rate reflects the applicant pool and loan mix as much as lender strictness, so it is a signal, not a guarantee about your own application.
Which state originates more mortgages, California or Texas?
Texas originated more — about 421,653 home-purchase and refinance loans versus 335,898 in California (HMDA 2023). Volume mostly tracks population and home values.
How do the loan-type mixes compare?
In California, conventional loans were 84.2%, FHA 11.7% and VA 4.1% of originations; in Texas they were 72.2%, 18.4% and 9.0%. A higher FHA/VA share usually means more first-time, lower-down-payment, or veteran buyers.
More comparisons
Last updated: 2026-06-20