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 state of Oregon, 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 expanded the existing ineligible area (Expansion of the ineligible areas around the city limits to include all annexed areas since 1990). These areas did not qualify as rural for USDA Housing Programs:
- Albany – Albany-Lebanon MSA, Linn County.
- Bend – Bend MSA, Deschutes County.
- Eugene – Eugene-Springfield MSA, Lane County.
- Grants Pass – Grants Pass MSA, Josephine County.
- Medford - Medford MSA, Jackson County.
- Salem – Salem MSA, Marion County.
- Sherwood – Portland-Vancouver-Hillsboro MSA, Washington County.
- Wilsonville – Portland-Vancouver-Hillsboro MSA, Clackamas County.
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 a full list of changes, additional details, or questions about specific changes, please contact the Oregon Rural Development Housing Program staff at (866) 923-5626, ext. 1 or (503) 414-3380.
