Step-wise multiple regression and typological analysis were used to analyze the extent to which selected factors influence vertical mobility and achieved level of living. A sample of 418 male household heads who were 18 to 45 years old in Washington County, Mississippi were interviewed during 1971. A prescreening using census and local housing survey material determined black and white households. Respondents were interviewed by members of their own race. The analysis was based on two indexes which were also used to construct a typology of vertical mobility: (1) an index representing the respondents' level of living at childhood and (2) an index for achieved level of living (the dependent variable). The independent variables were race, ascribed rank, highest level of education, spouse's education, age, respondent's age at birth of first child farm residence, town or village residence, farm origin, town or village origin, birth rank, and military service experience. Some findings were: (1) race was the most important characteristic associated with vertical mobility and achieved level of living; (2) education, age, and urban residence had the greatest influence on the blacks' upward mobility, while for whites, education and farm residence were the most positive factors; and (3) postponement of family development, place of birth, and military experience had negligible influences on achievement for all respondents. (Author/NQ)