### Question
How does the law define rural area?


### Answer
Under *12 U.S.C. § 2128*, **rural area** is defined as:

> all territory of a State that is not within the outer boundary of any city or town having a population of more than 20,000 based on the latest decennial census of the United States

#### Citation:
  - *12 U.S.C. § 2128*
  - Heading: **CHAPTER 23-FARM CREDIT SYSTEM > SUBCHAPTER III-BANKS FOR COOPERATIVES > Part A-Banks for Cooperatives**

