Urban and Rural

The Census Bureau’s urban-rural classification is a delineation of geographic areas, identifying both individual urban areas and the rural areas of the nation. The Census Bureau’s urban areas represent densely developed territory, and encompass residential, commercial, and other non-residential urban land uses. The Census Bureau delineates urban areas after each decennial census by applying specified criteria to decennial census and other data. “Rural” encompasses all population, housing, and territory not included within an urban area.

2020 Census Urban and Rural Classification

2020 Final Urban Area Criteria Federal Register Notice

2010 Census Urban and Rural Classification and Urban Area Criteria

Urban-rural classification is fundamentally a delineation of geographical areas, identifying both individual urban areas and the rural areas of the nation.

2000 Census Urban and Rural Classification

The Census Bureau identifies and tabulates data for the urban and rural populations for the presentation and comparison of census statistical data.

1990 Census Urban and Rural Classification

1990 Urban and Rural Definitions [<1.0 MB]

1990 Urbanized Area Codes and Names [<1.0 MB]

For more information about the history of Urban and Rural Classification, please see:

Urban and Rural References

Urban Areas Facts

Counts and percentages of various characteristics of urban and rural areas in the United States, Puerto Rico and the Island Areas.

Urban and Rural

Urban and Rural

2020 Census Urban and Rural Classification

1990 Census Urban and Rural Classification

Urban and Rural References

Other related links