What is a Rural Area? Rental Definitions and Examples

Maybe you're considering moving out of the city or suburb and moving to a more rural part of the country. However, first, you want a better understanding of what that entails. No worries, we've got you covered.

Defining a rural population varies from country to country. But in America, a rural area is scarcely populated and located quite some distance from a city center. The U.S. Census Bureau defines a rural area as, "all population, housing, and territory not included within an urban area," where an urban area has at least 50,00 people.

Here are a couple of other things to consider before making a move to rural areas.

Does a rural area mean the same thing as a farm?

The word "rural" likely conjures in your mind images of wide-spanning fields or small farmhouses. While many rural areas do have land dedicated to agriculture, it's not a requirement for a location to be considered rural. Some rural areas can feel more like a small town such as Carmel-by-the-Sea, CA, or Breckenridge, CO.

Again, rural areas are defined by population and proximity to urban areas, not by the type of commerce that goes on there.

What are the pros and cons of living in a rural area?

Every renter is different. Some renters will fit well in an urban area and some in a rural locale. Let's take a look at some of those pros and cons to help you make an informed decision.

Pro: Lower cost of living

The cost of living in rural areas tends to be less expensive compared to those of a city or suburb. Rural towns can often be less desirable for some either due to the lifestyle or commute. This makes housing less expensive for those who are there.

Pro: Much quieter than urban areas

Without the hustle and bustle of a noisy city, rural areas tend to be a quieter atmosphere. This is ideal for people who are looking for a simpler, quieter and less crowded type of living.

Pro: More privacy from neighbors

If you are a person who values a lot of privacy, then rural living is something you should consider. Unlike close housing in the suburbs or the tight apartment buildings of the city, rural housing is more spread out. Because your neighbor is down the road instead of in your backyard, you obviously have a lot more privacy.

Con: Less access to amenities

As mentioned, rural towns are typically located further away from city or county boundaries. Because of this distinction, you'll find less access to amenities such as health resources, public transportation, hospitals and restaurants in rural towns. Because there are fewer people in small towns, there are also fewer specialized workers such as doctors living in that area.

If you're a family with children there can also be fewer options for education in rural towns. Keep this in mind before your move with your family to a rural community.

Con: Longer commute times

If you're considering moving to a rural town but you still work in an urban area, then you should take the time to consider the commute. Your commute will be longer due to the fact that your new home is further away.

If you don't have a car, you could also have a difficult time getting to work due to the lack of public transport in your area. You might have to plan and change your commuting pattern before you consider moving.

Con: A higher number of pests in rural areas

Rural areas tend to have more pests than urban areas. A long of rural towns have farming land or open fields, therefore, there will be more bugs and rodents in these areas. If you're scared of insects then rural living might not be the best fit for you.

Con: Harder time recovering from natural disasters

While no one is immune to natural disasters, they can be more difficult in rural towns. Because of the lack of people and government resources in rural towns, recovering from a natural disaster can take longer.

Workers living in rural communities often have other day jobs and don't have the spare time to help clean up after a disaster, whereas a metro city has more federal programs to help aid people after natural disasters.

Can you find rentals in a rural area?

You might be wondering if there's even a rental market in rural areas. In short, there is. Almost anywhere that there are people, you'll find a need for rental housing. Rural areas are no different. In fact, in some rural areas, you can afford "much more house" than you might suspect you can due to lower rent costs.

Finding the right rural area for you

Rural communities exist all over the country and are a great living option for some people. There is a lot of open space and fewer people. But it does lack some of the convenience of living in urban areas.

If you're considering living in one of these rural-based towns, make sure to do your research beforehand. Consider your lifestyle and then decide what fits you best whether urban or rural.

To learn more common renter terms, visit our Renter Dictionary.