Examines reversal of two longstanding unemployment patterns in 1980-82 recession: nonmetropolitan unemployment rate exceeded metropolitan rate and men's unemployment rate exceeded women's. Attributes reversals to recent changes in labor force: shift to service economy, expansion of women's role in workplace, and changes in women's working…

Uses national survey data to demonstrate that, compared to the rural or U.S. non-poor, the rural poor consumed less of eight of nine key nutrients; and disparities were greatest for vitamins A and C, iron, and calcium, and for the youngest (two-five years) age group studied. (SV)

Economies in rural areas during the 1980s were characterized by (1) fewer jobs in resource-based industries; (2) job shifts from manufacturing to services; (3) an increasing concentration of low-wage, low-skill jobs in rural areas; and (4) a growing earnings gap and outmigration of the best educated rural workers. (KS)

Relative to metro growth, nonmetropolitan employment growth was 0.7-1.0 percent lower in the 1970s and 1980s than expected based on eight labor force and labor market variables. Discrepancies between actual and expected growth increased in more rural counties, suggesting the importance of the spatial dimension of rurality. (SV)

Unemployment rates vary considerably across nonmetro counties, where adjusted average annual unemployment rate was 12.2% in 1984 compared with 10.4% in metro areas. Differences in unemployment rates among nonmetro areas can be explained in part according to their dependence on agriculture, mining, manufacturing, or other single sources of income.…

After decade of growth, rural income, population, and overall economic activity have stalled and again lag behind urban trends. Causes include banking and transportation deregulation, international competition, agricultural finance problems. Only nonmetropolitan counties dependent on retirement, government, and trade show continuing income growth…

Defines substandard housing and summarizes newly derived data from the 1980 Census showing that 7.5% of all rural occupied housing in the Nation was substandard. Points out regional and rural-urban differences. Notes effects on rural housing of poverty rates, percentage of nonwhite households, average household size, growth in county population,…

Diversification of rural economies and changes in financial markets and world trade have broken down many barriers that insulated rural areas in the past. United States rural areas--the rural South and Northeast in particular--now appear to be affected slightly more than urban areas by national monetary and fiscal policies. (JHZ)

Reports results of a 1982 survey of suburban and rural local governments in Maryland, which showed that cable television in rural areas is generally inferior to that in the suburbs, providing less revenue for local governments and poorer services. Advises local officials how to improve their current cable arrangements. (JHZ)

Reviews employment growth in rural and small town communities, focusing on two periods, 1940-70 and 1970-80. For the rest of the 1980s, predicts a slower growth in nonmetro areas--that is, slower than in metro areas and slower than in the 1970s--yet not as slow as in the 1960s. (JHZ)

Compares rural and urban income levels of Whites, Blacks, and Hispanic workers by region for the years 1979 and 1987. Presents information on geographic concentrations of minorities. Suggests the economic status of rural minorities failed to improve because of the nonskilled or semiskilled job opportunities in areas where minority populations are…

Attributes rising crime rates in rural areas to increase in incomplete or broken families, instead of factors such as poverty, race, or population growth. Discusses differences in types of crimes in urban and rural areas, characteristics of high crime counties, family structure and crime rates, and crime and population growth. (LFL)

Farm policy alone is no longer a sufficient development policy for today's rural America. Rural economies have changed over the last 30-40 years from reliance on farming to greater reliance on manufacturing and service industries. Rural economic development policies need to reflect today's changed rural economy. (Author)

Provides data from the March 1988 Current Population Survey on percentages of nonmetro adults with college degrees and high school diplomas. Outlines rural-urban differences, sex differences, racial differences, and changes from 1974 to 1988. Discusses outmigration of college graduates from rural areas. (SV)

Reports survey of difficulties encountered by rural and urban primary care physicians in Georgia. Finds rural doctors experience more problems than urban counterparts. Urges community cooperation and assistance from established local physicians to make transition to rural area easier for new physicians and their families. (LFL)