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)

Nonmetro educational attainment increased substantially between 1970 and 1990; however, nonmetro areas continued to lag metro in both high school and college completion rates. The metro-nonmetro gap in high school completion rates narrowed, whereas the gap in four-year college degree completion rates widened. Compares completion rates by region,…

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)