<p>As in, I am from a hillbilly town where culture is very different than "suburban, northern America" and I could write an essay incorporating this aspect of my background. Would it be sort of like being an URM, or not as strong?</p>
<p>Depending on where you're applying, it could be a tip factor. Many colleges, particularly top ones, have a hard time attracting students from the kind of place that you describe. If you also are in a rural area, some colleges (U of Minn., I think is one) have scholarships for students from rural areas.</p>
<p>A tip about your essay: Make sure that you don't sound condescending when describing your hometown.</p>