USDA Rural Development is conducting a review of all areas under its jurisdiction to identify areas that no longer qualify as rural for housing programs. The last rural area reviews were performed in 2017-2018 using 2015 American Community Survey (ACS) data. Rural area designations are reviewed every five years. This review will utilize the 2020 United States decennial census data.
Based on the 2020 US census data and rural area guidance located in Handbook HB-1-3550, Chapter 5, the rural eligibility designation is under review for the following areas in Wisconsin:
Currently eligible communities under review:
1. Dane County – DeForest
2. Dane County – Windsor
3. Dane County – Waunakee
4. Dane County – Oregon
5. Dane County – Verona
6. Green County – Monroe
7. La Crosse County – Holmen
8. Ozaukee County – Port Washington
9. Pierce County – River Falls
10. Racine County – Mount Pleasant
11. Racine County – Caledonia
12. St. Croix County – Hudson
13. St. Croix County – River Falls
14. Waukesha County – Sussex
Ineligible communities under review (expansion of ineligible areas):
1. Brown County – Hobart
2. Dane County – Waunakee
3. Douglas County – Superior
4. Eau Claire County – Eau Claire
5. Fond du Lac County – Fond du Lac
6. La Crosse County – La Crosse
7. La Crosse County – Onalaska
8. Outagamie County – Appleton
9. Portage County – Stevens Point
10. Portage County – Plover
11. Sheboygan County – Sheboygan
12. Washington County – Germantown
13. Washington County – West Bend
14. Waukesha County – Oconomowoc
15. Winnebago County – Neenah
16. Winnebago County – Oshkosh
The public shall have 90 days from the date of this public notice to submit comments regarding the potential loss of eligibility for Rural Development housing programs. Comments should be sent to wi-rd-stateoffice@usda.gov. For details, or questions about specific changes, please contact the Wisconsin Rural Development Housing Program at (715) 345-7611.
