# Rural/urban definition in CPS

**URL:** <https://forum.ipums.org/t/rural-urban-definition-in-cps/1554>\
**Category:** CPS\
**Created:** [January 25, 2017, 3:36pm UTC](https://forum.ipums.org/t/rural-urban-definition-in-cps/1554 "2017-01-25T15:36:00Z")\
**Posts on this page:** 2\
**Page:** 1

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**Author:** ![Ianhety](https://avatars.discourse-cdn.com/v4/letter/i/977dab/32.png) [@Ianhety](https://forum.ipums.org/u/Ianhety)\
**Post date:** [January 25, 2017, 3:36pm UTC](https://forum.ipums.org/t/rural-urban-definition-in-cps/1554/1 "2017-01-25T15:36:00Z")

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Hello,

Is there any variable defining rural/urban area for [METAREA](https://cps.ipums.org/cps-action/variables/METAREA) or [COUNTY](https://cps.ipums.org/cps-action/variables/COUNTY)?

If not, is there any suggestion how to define rural/urban of a [METAREA](https://cps.ipums.org/cps-action/variables/METAREA) or [COUNTY](https://cps.ipums.org/cps-action/variables/COUNTY)?

Many Thanks

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**Author:** ![JeffBloem](https://sea1.discourse-cdn.com/flex019/user_avatar/forum.ipums.org/jeffbloem/32/40_2.png) [@JeffBloem](https://forum.ipums.org/u/JeffBloem)\
**Post date:** [January 26, 2017, 3:16pm UTC](https://forum.ipums.org/t/rural-urban-definition-in-cps/1554/2 "2017-01-26T15:16:00Z")

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There is not a readily made rural/urban variable in IPUMS-CPS. One solution to this is to match the identified counties in the CPS with the USDA-ERS defined [rural-urban continuum codes](https://www.ers.usda.gov/data-products/rural-urban-continuum-codes/). This will provide you with a rural-urban classification for counties identified in IPUMS-CPS. Note, however, that to preserve respondent confidentiality, not all counties are identified. About 45% of households in recent years are located in a country that is identified.

I hope this helps.