Because of declining prices for sorghum and cotton, increased operating costs, and reduction in the underground water level, opportunities for male high school graduates in the Southern Plains region have declined in recent years. The study collected data on migration patterns of males who graduated during the 1953-63 period by surveying high schools in Anton, Crosleyton, Ralls, and Wilson, Texas. Data were obtained by questionnaire from 236 of the approximately 450 graduates, about a 50 percent sample. A total of 72.9 percent located away from their local communities from 1953-1968 at an average migration distance of 340 miles. Data showed that 36 percent of the farm-reared youth became farmers, more than twice the national rate. The main reason was the high annual income in the region ($10,296). The survey showed that the cities in the South Plains region were capable of supporting large numbers of rural migrants; however, opportunities for college graduates were not very great. A survey of published literature and a historical analysis of rural manpower migration are included. (BC)