To qualify for preferential assessment, an individual property owner must be which of the following?

To qualify for preferential assessment, an individual property owner must meet specific criteria that align with the regulations governing such assessments. In this case, the correct answer encompasses important aspects that typically define eligible property owners.

Being a natural or naturalized citizen is crucial for preferential assessment because it signifies a legal recognition of residency and commitment to the country, which often aligns with eligibility requirements for various state and local benefits. These benefits can include property tax exemptions or reductions, particularly for land that is used for agricultural purposes or other approved uses.

The requirement to make a significant portion of one's income from farming and being a resident of the county are also common criteria. However, the most fundamental prerequisite in many jurisdictions is owning the property legally as a citizen. It's essential for property owners to be engaged actively in their local community, reflecting a vested interest in maintaining and supporting local agricultural practices or land use, but citizenship stands as the foundational criterion.

This understanding highlights the significance of citizenship in the evaluation process for preferential assessments, making it the best choice in this context.