Understanding the Colonias Investment Areas
Located along the U.S. and Mexico border, colonias communities lack a widely accepted definition and standardized boundaries, hindering investment. Fannie Mae and the Housing Assistance Council (HAC) have partnered to address this underserved market. Insights gained from our research are leading to greater understanding of the colonias region and potential investment opportunities.

The full research report provides broader insights into the colonias region – as well as proposes a definition for industry use. With greater high-cost lending and a poverty rate (27%) nearly twice the national average (15%), colonias communities are worthy of focus and support. Eager to learn more?
Run While You Still Can: Subprime Demand and Predatory Lending in Rural Areas
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Lost in the Translation: Smart Growth, Local Planning, and Rural Affordable Housing
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Race, Place, and Housing: Housing Conditions in Rural Minority Counties
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Rural Seniors and Their Homes – 2004
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Best Practices in Revolving Loan Funds for Rural Affordable Housing
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Rural Rental Housing Preservation and Nonprofit Capacity to Purchase and Preserve Section 515 Projects
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Continua of Care Best Practices: Comprehensive Homeless Planning in Rural America
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Strengthening Community-Based Housing in the Mid-South Delta: A Policy Development Paper
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In Search of “Good” Rural Data
/in Rural Research Reports What is RuralThe Housing Assistance Council has long been working to address the shortcomings of rural data for rural housing developers nationwide. The efforts of one organization alone, however, cannot address the […]
Revealing Rural Realities: What Fuels Inaccurate and Incomplete Coverage of Rural Issues?
/in Rural Research Reports What is RuralThis report underscores and articulates how ongoing changes in the structure and business of media and journalism contribute to the gap between rural realities and public perception of rural America. […]
Picking Up the Pieces: HAC’s Natural Disaster Guide
/in Information Products, Rural Research Reports DisasterWhen a disaster strikes a rural area, one of the most serious problems may be a lack of information about resources and assistance available for recovery efforts. HAC’s guide, Picking […]