One approach to the use of socioeconomic indicators for analyzing rural development alternative strategies is presented in this paper. The underlying assumptions of such an analysis are discussed. Necessary analytic information include (1) data on rural opinions about each facet of the socioeconomic environment and selected socioeconomic characteristics of people possessing those opinions, and (2) data for the construction of socioeconomic indicators from such sources as the censuses of population, housing, agriculture, and manufacturing; statistical series from various state and Federal agencies; local newspapers; and local government agencies. Suggested procedures for the use of discriminant analysis are detailed. (PS)