LOGAN – Since early March, several Cache County communities have been under review to assess population growth and whether or not they may still be classified as rural communities. On March 8, the United States Department of Agriculture (USDA) Rural Development initiated a comprehensive review to reassess eligibility for rural housing programs. The review, conducted every five years, aims to identify areas that may no longer qualify as rural and determine new eligible rural areas.
The last rural area reviews were conducted during 2017-2018, utilizing data from the 2015 American Community Survey (ACS). However, for this review, the USDA relied on the 2020 US Census data and followed rural area guidance.
Currently eligible communities under review (based on population):
- Cedar City, Iron County
- Eagle Mountain, Utah County
- Saratoga Springs, Utah County
- Tooele City, Tooele County
- Payson, Utah County
Currently eligible communities under review (which are rural in character):
6. Payson, Utah County
7. Smithfield, Cache County
8. North Logan, Cache County
9. Santaquin, Utah County
Ineligible communities under review (expansion of ineligible areas):
10. Logan, Cache County
11. St. George, Washington County
12. Washington, Washington County
The 90-day public notice and comment period has concluded and the organization gathered input from the community.
Effective from October 1, 2023, revised rural boundaries will be implemented. For areas transitioning from rural to non-rural designation, a one-time notice will be published 30 days before the implementation date, confirming the updated boundaries.