Perceptions of local social dimensions are hypothesized to be more efficient predictors of community satisfaction than are perceptions of services. To test this, a mail-questionnaire study of residents of small Iowa communities was conducted. Correlation and regression analyses suggested that social dimensions relate to three…

The product of a needs assessment (via 4,627 mailed questionnaires) in Iowa's rural Region V, this report exemplifies need assessment techniques designed to assist local residents, their leaders, area change agents, and regional groups in making community decisions for rural areas. The survey used to develop this databook requested information re:…

Reviews two models of community-attachment, linear-development and systematic models, using data on social ties and local sentiments from survey respondents in Iowa communities. Linear-development variables (population size and density) relate weakly to community attachment. Systematic variables (residence length, income, and age) relate more…