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.

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

• Urban Area Criteria in Federal Register Notices
  
• Brief: "Defining Rural at the United States Census Bureau" [PDF]
  • County Classification Lookup Table [XLS]
• Rural America:  How Does the U.S. Census Bureau Define "Rural?" Interactive Story Map
• A Century of Delineating a Changing Landscape: The Census Bureau's Urban and Rural Classification, 1910 to 2010 [PDF]

• Frequently Asked Questions
  
• Metropolitan and Micropolitan Statistical Areas
• U.S. Department of Agriculture Research Service: Rural Classifications