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

One of the many Inflation definitions can be put into these simple words: the result of the general increase in prices over a period expressed as a percentage. Inflation is controlled by ...

Method of construction where part of the structure is supported by a cantilever beam or truss. ...

Equals the tax divided by taxable income. Foe example, if the tax is $30,000 on taxable income of $120,000 the effective tax rate if the business is 25% ($30,000/$120,000) ...

Method of selling and obtains possession, but the seller retains the title. ...

Writ issued by a superior court to a lower court requiring the latter to produce a record of the proceedings of a particular case. The purpose of a writ of certiorari is to review the ...

Land that has poor income potential, usually used in an agricultural sense meaning that the land is untellable, has poor access, is extremely steep, has suffered serious erosion, is ...

Drilled well where water rises through the opening because of naturally occurring water pressure. ...

An opening that lets the outside air come in or out of a structure. A ventilation fan lets the structure have access to outside air when the switch is in open position. ...

Reference to let the vendor beware. Without specific exemptions, the vendor is obligated for action by the buyer for any explicit or implied modifications in the contract or warranty. ...

Popular Real Estate Questions