U.S. Census data (1970-74) comparing population trends in the West were analyzed in reference to the recent urban to rural migration patterns exemplified by a total U.S. metropolitan population growth of 3.4 percent vs a nonmetropolitan growth of 5.6 percent (1970-74). In the West it was found that: (1) population increased 6.9 percent with…

Presenting the results of a nationwide public opinion survey which addresses the issue of support and/or opposition to specific programs aimed at influencing population distribution, this article focuses upon the policy implications of the survey results. (JC)

The industrial composition of employment growth in urban areas in the 1960s is contrasted with that in rural areas to assess recent strengths and weaknesses of rural economies. The relationship between aggregate labor force growth and aggregate job opportunities in rural areas is analyzed to determine the adequacy of employment opportunities to…

Examination of the implications on population redistribution of different value orientations of potential migrants and nonmigrants indicated that value-based push-pull forces seem to operate primarily on potential nonmetro-to-metro movers. Potential areas of social conflict stemming from such redistribution were noted. (Author/SB)

To explain the migration turnaround of the 1970s, it has been suggested that the United States may be approaching an equilibrium state in the exchange of populations between metropolitan and nonmetropolitan areas. As metropolitan and nonmetropolitan areas have become more similar in population composition and industrial and socioeconomic…

In an effort to provide conceptual meaning to the role of residential preferences and their influence upon migration behavior in the context of a changing society, data derived from a 1973 statewide survey of Arizona heads of households (a random sample of 1,416 people) were analyzed in terms of: (1) residential preference and spatial proximity to…

Surveys importance of economic and environmental factors in motivation of metro- and nonmetro-origin migrants relocating in 13 Kansas nonmetropolitan nonamenity turnaround counties. Finds employment-related reasons predominate, with economic characteristics of counties a significant factor. Quality of life/environmental reasons were less…

All through the 1970-1980 decade, growth of population took place in the rural and small town areas of the United States where very little had occurred in earlier recent decades. In general, the trend can be viewed as one that was primarily socially motivated but facilitated by improved rural economic conditions. By contrast, in the first 3 years…

This theme issue of the newsletter "Southern Perspectives" contains five articles on labor supply and demand issues in the rural South: "An Overview of Employment Changes in the Nonmetropolitan South" (David L. Barkley) examines nonmetro earnings trends in 16 southern states and employment trends in selected industries in the…

Facilities and staff, financing, administration, and social/behavioral problems are four areas of the educational systems of rural schools impacted by the rapid population growth resulting from the urban-to-rural migration begun in the 1970's and expected to last several decades. Overcrowding of facilities is a short-range problem for communities…