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).
I’d call Albany and Valdosta cities. Baconton? Never heard of it. Small town in my book.
EDIT: Just looked. Hell, you got a Dollar General and a school? Small city. :)
The dollar general is new. Wasn’t there when I left.