To explore the correlation between unemployment and child abuse rates, a literature review was conducted and the phenomenon was examined in a rural Inland Northwest county (X County) of 9,800 population which derived its main income from lumber and agriculture. Monthly substantiated child abuse cases were tallied from the Department of Health and Welfare, Youth Services records from January 1978 through December 1983 and correlated with state unemployment rates. Contrary to the literature, survey findings did not support direct correlation between unemployment and child abuse rates. Over the 5-year period, during the month of September when child abuse was the highest, unemployment was lowest. Upon investigation of the geographical and cultural aspects of X County, the unanticipated factor of predictable unemployment appeared. Findings, substantiated by personal interviews, indicated family stress was less in X County during periods of anticipated seasonal unemployment than when employment was high. As long as anticipated unemployment did not exceed a 1- to 3-month period, family stress was lower during periods of unemployment. These factors appear to be particular to many rural communities and need to be recognized so that preventative measures can be initiated at crucial times of the year. (NEC)