USDA Rural Development has completed its 2020 decennial United States census review for all areas under its jurisdiction to identify areas that no longer qualify as rural for USDA Rural Housing programs. Based on the review of the areas within the states of MA/CT/RI, using 2020 US census data, and rural area guidance located in Handbook HB-1-3550, Chapter 5, the rural eligibility designation has changed for the following areas:
Areas whose rural eligibility designations is changing from ineligible to eligible (these areas now qualify as rural for USDA Housing Programs):
1) Clinton, MA – The town in its entirety is determined to be eligible for Rural Development Single Family Housing (Direct) programs.
2) Kent County, RI - That portion of Kent County RI to the west of (north to south) State Route117/Hill Farm Road/State Route 3, then extending west to the Connecticut border, is determined to be eligible for Rural Development Single Family Housing (Direct) programs.
Areas whose rural eligibility designations is changing from eligible to ineligible (these areas no longer qualify as rural for USDA Housing Programs):
1) Franklin, MA – The town in its entirety is determined to be ineligible for Rural Development Single Family Housing (Direct) programs.
2) Westerly, RI – The existing area of ineligibility, delineated by the Town limits, will be extended to the Pawcatuck River on the North, to Dunn’s Corner Road on the East, and RI Route 1A on the South. Changes become effective October 1, 2023.
The updated rural area map can now be viewed on our eligibility website. Users will need to click on the program, for example: “Single Family Housing Direct”, and then click on “Proposed Eligibility Areas” from the menu options. For details, or questions about specific changes, please contact the Southern New England (MA/CT/RI) Rural Development Housing Program Director, James Lavin, at 413-800-6052 or james.lavin@usda.gov.
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