COLUMBIA, S.C. — The USDA Office of Rural Development is notifying each state that it is reviewing all areas under its jurisdiction to identify those that no longer qualify as rural for housing programs.
Rural designations are considered every five years. The last rural area review was in 2017-2018, using 2015 American Community Survey (ACS) data. This year's review uses data available from the 2020 US Census.
The 90-day period began on March 8, when the USDA sent each state office notice of the review. The state offices were to inform the public of areas under review and allow for public comment. Before making final rural area decisions, there will be a 30-day Public Inspection Notice where members of the public can review and comment on proposed boundary revisions and link to a revised map showing all proposed revisions.
The final step in the process will be made when an area's designation is changed from rural to non-rural -- a one-time 30-day final notice will be published describing boundary lines, the effective date of re-designation, and a link to the map showing the changes.
USDA Rural Development has programs that give families and individuals opportunities to buy, build, or repair affordable homes in rural America. Loans, loan guarantees, and grants are based on income and vary according to the rural area.
Currently eligible communities under review (rural in character):
- Anderson County: City of Anderson
- Berkeley County: Town of Moncks Corner/Adjacent Summerville and Goose Creek
- Charleston County: Area Adjacent to the City of Charleston/North Charleston/ Mount Pleasant
- Dorchester County: Adjacent to Summerville/North Charleston
- Greenwood County: Adjacent to the City of Greenwood
- Greenville County: Fountain Inn
- Greenville: Five Forks: The community is currently partially eligible
- Horry County: City of Conway/Carolina Forest/Garden City/Little River
- Lexington County: Town of Lexington
- Pickens County: City of Clemson
- Richland County: Town of Irmo
- Spartanburg/Greenville County: Greer/Boiling Springs
- York County: Fort Mill/Tega Cay/Lake Wylie
Ineligible communities under review (expansion of ineligible areas):
- Aiken County: City of Aiken/City of North Augusta
- Anderson County: Anderson
- Berkeley County: Goose Creek
- Charleston County: City of Charleston/North Charleston/ Mount Pleasant
- Dorchester County: Summerville
- Florence County: City of Florence
- Greenville County: Mauldin/Gantt/Simpsonville
- Greenville/Spartanburg County: Greer
- Horry County: Myrtle Beach
- Richland County: Town of Irmo
- Spartanburg County: City of Spartanburg
- York County: Rock Hill
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 RD.SCCO3.SFHDirect@usda.gov. For details or questions about specific changes, please contact the South Carolina Rural Development Housing Program staff at 803-253-3093.
