The rural poverty rate rose 0.6 percent in 1990 to 16.3 percent, compared to 12.7 percent for urban areas. All nonmetro population groups had higher poverty rates than metro counterparts. About 43 percent of nonmetro families headed by women were poor. The Family Support Act may help such families. (SV)

Describes classifications of county type by level of urbanization, basic industries, low-income status, and retirement population. Classification by level of urbanization reflects the economic and social opportunities available to county residents. Maps show the location of various types of counties for 1979 or 1980. (KS)

Current Population Survey data indicate that value-added industries, which tend to use raw lumber and agricultural products as inputs, employed one-third of all rural manufacturing workers in 1996. Compared to other rural manufacturing workers, value-added workers generally had lower occupational status, less education, and lower incomes, and were…

The prevalence of hunger in rural households declined slightly from 1995 to 1998, and food insecurity rates stayed constant. Food insecurity was almost three times as prevalent among rural Blacks as among rural Whites. For rural Hispanics, the rate was about twice that of Whites. Food insecurity was higher in single-parent families than in any…

Poverty rates for nonmetro families with children increased during the 1980s. Of these families, those headed by women had the highest poverty rate at 50.7% and were the household type whose rate increased most in nonmetro areas during the 1980s. Discusses differences in poverty rates and child poverty rates by county type and region. (KS)

This U.S. Department of Agriculture periodical gives current statistical information on rural America. This issue contains articles about the impact on rural areas of economic trends, employment, and industry changes. A general overview indicates that moderate improvements in rural employment since 1986 have been tempered by slow income growth.…

The proportion of births to unmarried women, which has historically been lower in rural than urban areas, has been rising at a faster rate in rural areas since 1980 and by 1994, was higher for rural blacks than urban blacks. In 1994, unmarried teenagers accounted for 11.3% of rural births and 9.6% of urban births. (SV)

Data from Current Population Surveys indicate that rural poverty increased from 1989 to 1993, one quarter of rural children live in poverty, the proportions of people in rural areas living alone and in single-parent families have increased, nonmetropolitan poverty remains highest in the South, and rural minorities continue to face especially…

In 1999, the percentage of low-wage workers in rural areas was higher than in urban areas or in 1979. The share of women and minorities in low-wage work stabilized, but the share of White men increased. Low-wage work increased in higher-skilled occupations, and the share of college educated low-wage workers increased significantly since 1979. (TD)

The rural poverty rate declined and family income grew in 1998, but poor family incomes declined considerably. Most rural poor families had at least one worker. Poor rural workers tended to work part-time, live in female-headed families, and have a high school education or less. Rural working poor families relied more on assistance programs than…

Wages rise with new technology and work organization practices, but so does the need for higher skill levels, particularly in computer use, interpersonal competence, and problem solving. Low-wage workers, who are concentrated in rural areas, are less likely to receive training. Encouraging training and skills enhancement among more vulnerable…