North Carolina

USDA Rural Development supports rural prosperity in North Carolina by investing in modern infrastructure such as high-speed internet and water and waste treatment systems. We help eligible rural North Carolinians buy or rent affordable housing, and we can partner with you to build or improve essential community facilities such as hospitals, libraries, and schools. We boost rural economic development by funding technical assistance for small business owners and entrepreneurs, helping them design robust business plans, find new markets, and promote their goods and services. We also help eligible businesses and manufacturers expand or improve, and we support energy programs that finance renewable systems for agriculture and industry. Because so many of our employees live and work in the very communities we serve, the USDA Rural Development mission is personal to us. It’s this commitment to our neighbors that sets us apart.

Scroll down to learn more about how we can help you and your community or visit our North Carolina contact page.

NEWS: NOTICE OF POTENTIAL CHANGES TO ELIGIBLE AREA MAPS FOR USDA RURAL DEVELOPMENT HOUSING PROGRAMS

USDA Rural Development is conducting a review of all areas under its jurisdiction to identify areas that no longer qualify as rural for housing programs. The last rural area reviews were performed in 2017-2018 using 2015 American Community Survey (ACS) data. Rural area designations are reviewed every five years. This review will utilize the 2020 United States decennial census data.
Based on the 2020 US census data and rural area guidance located in Handbook HB-1-3550, Chapter 5, the rural eligibility designation is under review for the following areas in North Carolina:
Currently eligible communities under review (("Rural in Character" under review):
1. Haywood County – Waynesville
2. Henderson – Hendersonville
3. Lincoln County – Lincolnton
4. Gaston County – Belmont
5. Johnson County – Clayton
6. Union County - Waxhaw
7. Rockingham County – Eden
8. Harnett County – Spout Springs
9. Pitt County – Winterville
10. Onslow County - Piney Green
11. New Hanover County – Murraysville
12. New Hanover County – Myrtle Grove
13. Brunswick County – Leland
14. Cumberland County – Hope Mills
15. Davidson County – Thomasville
16. Lee County - Sanford
Ineligible communities under review (expansion of ineligible areas):
17. Forsyth County - Kernersville
18. Randolph and Guilford Counties - Archdale
19. Alamance and Orange Counties - Mebane
20. Orange County – Carrboro
21. Iredell County – Statesville
22. Wake County – Fuquay-Varina
23. Wake County – Knightdale
24. Cabarrus County – Harrisburg
25. Union County – Monroe
26. Wake County – Garner
27. Craven County – New Bern
The public shall have 90 days from the date of this public notice to submit comments regarding the potential loss of eligibility for Rural Development housing programs. Comments should be sent to SM.RD.NC.SFHousing@usda.gov. For details, or questions about specific changes, please contact the North Carolina Rural Development Housing Program staff at 919-873-2051