A random block sample of approximately 600 heads of households was interviewed about farm and other economic activities. Open-country households, nonfarm as well as farm, were included. Two-thirds of the individuals interviewed had net incomes under $2,000. Characteristics of household heads such as color, sex, and age did not adequately explain the widespread low incomes. While 60 percent of the household heads had less than an eighth-grade education, income differences within the area were not closely related to level of education. Results of the study indicated that most of the existing low-income households could best be helped only in their present location. Combined management and credit programs and nonfarm training and assistance in finding jobs appeared to be the areas of need. The adequacy and suitability of welfare programs were not covered in this study. A statistical supplement to the bulletin contains some tables of data used in the study. (DK)