Long-term poverty rates among nonmetro Blacks have fallen dramatically since the early 1970s. Associated with that improvement are higher levels of education among young adults and smaller family size. Despite improvements, poverty levels are still much higher for Blacks than for Whites in both metro and nonmetro areas. (Author/KS)

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…

Examines changes in female labor force participation since 1950. Finds little difference currently between metro and nonmetro areas in propensity of women to work outside the home. Traces racial and age differences in labor force participation. Finds family situation and changing social expectations responsible for increase in working women. (LFL)

Provides data from the March 1988 Current Population Survey on percentages of nonmetro adults with college degrees and high school diplomas. Outlines rural-urban differences, sex differences, racial differences, and changes from 1974 to 1988. Discusses outmigration of college graduates from rural areas. (SV)

A larger proportion of nonmetropolitan elderly assess their health as fair or poor when compared to elderly living in metropolitan areas. In addition, larger proportions of elderly living in nonmetropolitan areas have less than a high school education and income below $20,000--factors contributing to a higher incidence of poor health. (LP)