Research and Information
Shawn Poynter/ There Is More Work To Be Done
Introducing Rural Data Central
Rural Data for a Data Driven World
We live in an information age. The people living and working in rural America deserve the highest quality information and data to inform strategies, policies, and solutions for their communities. Quality data and research are increasingly essential to any business and mission, especially for community-based nonprofit organizations.
Rural Data is Just Harder
Data and information have proliferated, but quality data are still often more difficult to access in rural communities. Data is seemingly everywhere today, but many rural communities, organizations, and decisionmakers face barriers to using them. Data, particularly for small geographies and small populations, may involve substantial amounts of uncertainty, lack precision, and in some instances are not even available for rural areas.
The time, tools, and expertise required to access and analyze modern data can be difficult and expensive for those already managing limited resources. Regardless of location, even answers to simple questions about housing affordability, vacancy rates, or demographic dynamics can take hours to answer.
Providing The Highest Quality Data, Research, and Information that Helps Inform Strategies, Policies, and Solutions for Rural Communities and Rural People
For over 50 years, the Housing Assistance Council has analyzed rural housing markets and disseminated information on housing conditions and characteristics for rural Americans. To improve living conditions in rural areas, housing providers, policymakers, and the public need access to reliable information and data.
Rural Data Central is the next step in that work
This updated and expanded data platform reflects HAC’s commitment to making useful information available to those working in – and for – Rural America. Rural Data Central helps rural communities with the tools they need to inform sound strategies and solutions.
Rural Data for a Data Driven World
HAC developed Rural Data Central as an easy to use and accessible resource to help rural people, communities, organizations, and decision makers with the data they need for sound strategies and solutions.
Rural Data Central is designed to make public data easier to access, explore, and apply in everyday work. Rural Data Central compiles over 275 million data points into one easy to use resource.
Features and resources in Rural Data Central include:
- Data availability for multiple geographies including Nation, State, County, Census Tract, Congressional District, Tribal Tract and Homeless Continuum of Care
- Built-in filters and definitions, including a rural classification system
- Clear charts and visuals for reports or presentations
- Downloadable data
- Interactive maps
- Data reliability indicator
Rural Data Central makes it easy to get the information you need—when you need it. And not to worry, if you don’t live in a rural area, Rural Data Central also provides the same data and information for suburban and urban communities too.
Start Accessing Data for your Community
Ready to get started?
Rural Data Central is built to help you find and use the information you need. With more than 275 million data points included, there are bound to be some questions. To help you get started, we’ve created clear, easy-to-follow guides on how to set up your account and use the tool effectively.
Create an Account
To begin using Rural Data Central, you’ll need to create a user account. This ensures you have access to the full range of features and tools.
📄 View the Account Creation Guide (PDF)
How to Run a Basic Query
Once your account is set up, you can search for and download data using a simple step-by-step process.
Explore the tool. Share your thoughts.
Rural Data Central is designed to support your work—and we want to make it even better. Take a moment to explore the tool or let us know how it’s working for you.
These quick guides walk through the core features of the tool and provide examples to help you run your first search with confidence.
