On Oct. 1, USDA will begin using most recent Census Data to determine Eligibility for Rural Development Programs

WASHINGTON, Sept. 28, 2023 – The U.S. Department of Agriculture (USDA) Rural Development today announced that USDA, on Oct. 1, 2023, will begin using the most recently released data from the U.S. Census Bureau to determine program eligibility for Rural Development programs.

Beginning in Fiscal Year 2024, the agency will use 2020 Decennial Census population data and 2017-2021 American Community Survey(ACS)incomedatatodetermine eligibility. The agency previously used 2010 Decennial Census population data and 2006- 2010 ACS data.

Rural Development will also unveil updated online program eligibili...