Provides extensive information about where nonmetro governments get their revenue and how they spend it. Shows that between 1977 and 1982 nonmetro local governments raised additional revenue from local sources, increasing the fiscal pressure on their communities. Graphs compare metro and nonmetro revenues, spending, and debt. (JHZ)

Uses 1950-90 census data to examine population trends in six northern Plains and Rocky Mountain states. Finds that, except for the rural turnaround of the 1970s, metropolitan counties grew faster than nonmetropolitan; nonmetropolitan counties containing larger communities grew in all four decades; and counties with smaller communities lost…

Data from the Job Training Partnership Act's Title II-A program indicate that training outcomes, training costs, and per capita availability of funding are better in rural than urban areas. Despite limitations in technical infrastructure, rural programs have the advantages of less "difficult" clientele and lower program salaries.…

Using measures sensitive to rural labor market conditions, determined that nearly a third of the rural labor force is underemployed--by being out of a job, working for low pay, or working too few hours. The current system of calculating unemployment rate seriously underestimates the extent of economic hardship in rural areas. (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)

Analyzes fertility information for the United States noting characteristics of counties with high and low fertility rates. Compares birth rates for rural and smalltown (nonmetro) women with urban and suburban (metro) women noting that young nonmetro women no longer intend to have families larger than those of metro women. (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…

Analysis of effects of local educational levels on employment growth found that growth benefits of higher schooling levels during the 1970s were 14 times greater for metro than nonmetro commuting zones. During the 1980s, higher education levels did not significantly affect employment growth in metro or nonmetro zones; higher dropout rates were…

National Longitudinal Survey of Youth data were used to analyze the educational goals and attainment of rural and urban youth; boys and girls; and advantaged, average, and disadvantaged youth. Boys and girls had similar educational aspirations and attainment, but family background characteristics mattered more to girls, especially rural girls.…

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)

The persistent poor make up only about a third of all the poor, and the rest are temporarily poor because of sudden changes in their lives--loss of job, marital breakup, or illness. The two groups of rural poor have different needs and will be helped by different types of programs. (JHZ)

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)

Examines changes in female labor force participation since 1950. Finds little difference currently between metro and nonmetro areas in propensity of women to work outside the home. Traces racial and age differences in labor force participation. Finds family situation and changing social expectations responsible for increase in working women. (LFL)

Finds that, among 14,233 Native Americans, urban residents earned significantly more in 1980 than rural residents, mainly due to the interaction of higher worker qualifications in a superior job market. Concludes that migration offers little benefit to rural disadvantaged Indians. (SV)

Suggests that equitable funding for public schools can help effectively reduce disparities in socio-economic conditions between urban and rural areas. Advocates the earmarking of a greater portion of general revenue sharing funds. Available from: U.S. Dept. of Agriculture, Rm. 456 GHI Bldg., Washington, D.C. 20250. (JD)