Summarizes the revised economic and policy types of the Economic Research Service's rural county classification system. The new typology is based on conditions in more recent years, includes Alaska and Hawaii, redefines persistent poverty, includes more county types, makes economic types nonoverlapping, and classifies counties designated as…

Income has become somewhat more concentrated among upper-income families since 1967 and growth of total income has slowed since 1973. Both trends suggest a widening income gap between metro and nonmetro areas because nonmetro areas have a higher proportion of low-income families and slower income growth. (JHZ)

Compares rural and urban income levels of Whites, Blacks, and Hispanic workers by region for the years 1979 and 1987. Presents information on geographic concentrations of minorities. Suggests the economic status of rural minorities failed to improve because of the nonskilled or semiskilled job opportunities in areas where minority populations are…

Rural southern Georgia's economic growth in 1976-81 improved employment and income for Whites but had little effect on Blacks. The percentage of employed Blacks declined, their weeks of work per year dropped, and most remained in low-skill, low-wage occupations. Blacks had lower levels of experience, training, and schooling than Whites. (JHZ)