The purpose of the article is to develop and substantiate a set of parameters assessing prospects of development for the differentiated rural communities. Research methods. In the research process the following scientific methods were used: the method of analysis for determining opportunities and threats to the development of territorial communities; the method of synthesis for generalizing evaluating parameters of prospects for communities’ development; the statistical method for differencing rural territories by types.  Research results. Key opportunities and threats to the development of integrated territorial communities in Ukraine in terms of the administrative reform were generalized. System of parameters to evaluate perspectives for communities’ development was elaborated and ways to apply it for different types of territories were justified. Methods of differentiation of rural areas by values of their proximity to urban centers were substantiated with particular examples and the system of relevant parameters to assess prospects of areas’ development was represented. Elements of scientific novelty. System of economic, social, and ecological parameters for estimating prospects for the development of rural community territories classified by their spatial features was presented. Practical significance. The presented methodological approach to define prospects for rural areas evolution should be applied in planning their development and elaborating policies papers in order to take into account specific features of spatial location and socio-economic status of rural areas. Tabl.: 2. Figs.: 1. Refs.: 20