As a non-American, I’m very confused by this. If it’s a town, it’s not rural by definition. Because, you-know, it’s urban.
Also, could we get a definition of town vs small town. Do you not have the concept of a village? (Village in the UK would be a settlement with a population of a couple of thousand, with usually a pub, local shop, maybe a post office and primary school if you’re lucky).
Caveat: none of these are formal definitions. This is what I am thinking of when using or hearing these terms.
I wouldn’t call it an “urban” area unless I can see a privately-owned 4+ story building with an elevator. Government buildings don’t count: they might be the sole example of a 4+ story building within 50 miles. Partial elevator access (intended for handicap compliance to the lower floors) doesn’t count.
“Suburban” extends from the limits of the urban area, out to where the farms or forests are larger than 100 acres. Suburban areas are primarily comprised of single family homes, but you may also find 1-3 floor apartment complexes.
“Rural” is anywhere outside of both urban and suburban areas.
A commercial or mixed commercial/residential area - that isn’t large or congested enough to be considered an “urban” area on its own - would be a “town”. A “rural town” would be a town not connected to a suburban or urban area: you can’t get to a city without passing large farms or forests.
A town won’t have its own police force. They will rely on the county sheriff’s department for law enforcement activity. Once it is large enough to have its own police, it becomes a “city”.
In my area, a “village” is a town populated exclusively by people with twice the median income.
Very detailed, thanks :)