Rural America receives significant federal investment through USDA programs, rural health grants, infrastructure projects, and conservation funding. While total dollars may be smaller than in urban counties, per-capita spending in some rural communities is surprisingly high.
We analyzed USASpending.gov FY2024 data to identify the rural counties (population 5,000–50,000) with the highest per-capita federal spending. These communities punch above their weight in federal investment.
Top Rural Counties by Per-Capita Federal Spending
Rural counties with the highest per-capita federal obligations in FY2024.
| Rank | County | State | Per-Capita | Total Spending | Population |
|---|
Federal Programs Supporting Rural America
- USDA Rural Development: Loans and grants for housing, infrastructure, and business development in rural areas.
- Rural Health grants: Funding for clinics, hospitals, and telehealth programs in medically underserved areas.
- Conservation programs: USDA conservation easements, wetland restoration, and sustainable agriculture grants.
- Infrastructure funding: DOT and EPA grants for roads, bridges, water systems, and broadband expansion.
Methodology
Data from USASpending.gov, U.S. Department of the Treasury, FY2024. Rural counties are defined as those with population between 5,000 and 50,000 residents. Counties are ranked by per-capita federal obligations.
Data source: USASpending.gov, U.S. Department of the Treasury, FY2024 (Oct 2023 – Sep 2024). All figures are estimates based on federal obligation data and may not reflect current spending.