Notice of Changes to Eligible Area Maps for USDA Rural Development Housing Programs

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 Pennsylvania, 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 is changing from ineligible to eligible (these areas now qualify as rural for USDA Housing Programs):

• Williamsport, Lycoming County, – Minor line adjustments in the area above Grampian Hills to make this area eligible.

Areas whose rural eligibility designations is changing from eligible to ineligible (these areas no longer qualify as rural for USDA Housing Programs):

• Bethlehem, Northampton and Leigh Counties – Expansion of the ineligible areas around the Allentown City limits to include all annexed areas since 1990 with a population of over 35,000.
• Weigelstown, York County, –Expansion of the ineligible areas around the city limits to include all annexed areas since 1990
• Franklin Park, Allegheny County Expansion of the ineligible areas around the Pittsburgh City limits to include all annexed areas since 1990
• Monroeville, Allegheny County Expansion of the ineligible areas around the Pittsburg City limits to include all annexed areas since 1990

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 Harrisburg State Office, Rural Development Housing Program Staff at 717-237-2186.

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