The article is dedicated to the analysis of the existing methods that are used to assess the development potential of rural areas within the frames of the concept of youth’s residential and production complexes. In result of this research, groups of factors to be taken into account at the method development have been identified. However, this method development is complicated by the fact that it is necessary to apply such a set of indicators that would reflect not only the general situation in municipal units, but also unique characteristics of rural settlements.