Definition of "Rural Property"

When we think of rural property or rural real estate, most of us think of farms, properties with large areas designated to agricultural land. That’s how rural communities generally look. But there’s more to rural properties than how they look. The first distinction for a rural property was made in 1874 by the U.S. Census Bureau. In the beginning, considered rural areas had 8,000 people or less, but in 1910 the figure dropped to 2,500 residents. Today, rural areas consist of less than 500 residents per square mile and fewer than 2,500 residents.

The reasons why rural areas need to be defined are zoning and funding. Zoning administers how the areas are developed and used to protect them while funding deals with the amount of federal funding invested at the county level.

What is considered Rural Property?

While rural properties can be of any type, shape, or form, some types are predominant: farms, ranches, stables, and homes. Because of the architectural aspect of rural life in cities like Upper Marlboro, MD and economy, livestock and heavy equipment are included, and large land is expansive for crops if people want to learn how to grow vegetables.

The general characteristics of the rural property or rural real estate are that at least 50% of the parcel is vacant. The size of the rural property parcel is also at least one acre, perfect for those that want to make some homemade recipes straight from their garden. Those are the two standards, but there are other elements that appraisers consider when determining whether a property is rural or not.

In rural areas, the most reliable way to access running water, heating, and sewers is to supply it for each rural property, unlike suburban properties. Most rural properties have wells for water, furnaces for the heat, and a septic system for the waste. The property’s use can also determine whether it’s rural or not. Raising livestock or farming on your land will make the property more rural than not, and the existence of a dirt road might also sway an appraiser’s decision.

image of a real estate dictionary page

Have a question or comment?

We're here to help.

*** Your email address will remain confidential.
 

 

Popular Real Estate Terms

Accruals make up the basis of the accrual accounting method together with deferrals. The accrual method definition explains how the company’s accountant makes modifications for gained ...

The interest rate charged for a loan. For example, John obtained a $10.000 loan from the bank charging 10% interest. ...

A mortgage on which the interest rate is constant, but the payments are structured to increase, so the loan is paid off much earlier. ...

Amount to be paid by a person or business for violating a statute or legal court order. It may also be assessed for violating the provisions of a contract. Examples of penalties are a ...

Information that is factual, such as representations made by a real estate broker to a prospective buyer. ...

A group of investment bankers underwriting and distributing a new or outstanding issue of securities of a real estate business. a professionally managed limited partnership investing in ...

Real estate bought and leased to tenants to obtain rental income. ...

Taken out on property to replace or repair it if it malfunctions. It covers parts and/or service. An example is a warranty a homeowner takes out on a stove, refrigerator, or dishwasher. It ...

A broad definition of termite clause is a provision in a contract for the sale of real property that gives the purchaser the right, at his or her expense, to have the property inspected for ...

Popular Real Estate Questions