This report examines Federal investment for rural areas of the United States administered by USDA, Rural Development (RD) Mission Area funding obligations, including programs authorized by the Farm Bill. The report provides an overview of USDA, RD programs, highlighting their objectives, funding mechanisms, regional distribution, and association with economic outcomes. The funding structure of USDA, RD programs rely heavily on guaranteed and direct loans, with grants playing a smaller role. USDA, RD funding trends between 2000 and 2024 show major fluctuations during the Great Recession and Coronavirus (COVID-19) pandemic. These funding obligations peaked during the Great Recession and COVID-19 and declined in the recovery periods. Analysis of funding trends also revealed shifts in USDA, RD investment priorities. The Single Family Housing program consistently received the largest share, followed by electric, water, and business development programs. Overall program participation varied by region, and regions differed in focus for specific USDA, RD programs. Nonmetropolitan farming-dependent counties had the highest USDA, RD program participation, followed by mining-dependent and manufacturing-dependent counties. USDA, RD funding was positively correlated with county income growth, with higher investment associated with stronger growth. Single Family Housing investment was also positively associated with homeownership in rural areas.
