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On February 12, 2019, the Consumer Financial Protection Bureau published the 2019 list of rural and underserved counties (opens new window) (You will be leaving NCUA.gov and accessing a non-NCUA website. We encourage you to read the NCUA's exit link policies. (opens new page).) , and a separate 2019 list that includes only rural counties. The CFPB also updated its rural or underserved areas tool (opens new window) (You will be leaving NCUA.gov and accessing a non-NCUA website. We encourage you to read the NCUA's exit link policies. (opens new page).) for 2019.
The final lists can help credit unions determine whether a property is located in a rural or underserved area for purposes of applying certain regulatory provisions related to mortgage loans. The CFPB issues new lists annually for creditors to use during the applicable time frame. Your credit union may rely on the more comprehensive website tool to provide a safe harbor determination whether a property is located in a rural or underserved area.
If your credit union makes at least one first-lien mortgage loan secured by a property located in a rural or underserved area during 2019, it qualifies as a creditor operating in a rural or underserved area during 2020, and for loan applications received before April 1, 2021.
To access the 2019 lists go to https://www.consumerfinance.gov/policy-compliance/guidance/rural-and-underserved-counties-list/ (opens new window) (You will be leaving NCUA.gov and accessing a non-NCUA website. We encourage you to read the NCUA's exit link policies. (opens new page).) .
To access the rural and underserved areas tool go to https://www.consumerfinance.gov/rural-or-underserved-tool/ (opens new window) (You will be leaving NCUA.gov and accessing a non-NCUA website. We encourage you to read the NCUA's exit link policies. (opens new page).) .
Additional Information
You can find information about the CFPB’s mortgage rules on the NCUA’s Consumer Compliance Regulatory Resources page. If you have questions about this information, please contact the NCUA’s Office of Consumer Financial Protection at (703) 518-1140 or by email at ComplianceMail@ncua.gov. You can also contact your NCUA regional office or your state supervisory authority.