The study analyzed the race and sex differences in the residential status projections (aspirations and expectations), strength of residential goal deflection and migration performance (incidence, range and community of destination type) of a selected panel of seniors from 20 Louisiana high schools in 1968, with a follow-up in 1972. These schools were located in 13 randomly selected rural parishes (counties) in the state. The sample of 544 youths interviewed in 1968 consisted of 88 black males, 126 black females, 171 white males, and 159 white females. Findings showed that the majority of these rural youths aspired and expected to live in residential areas and did not anticipate residential goal deflection in 1968. By 1972, over 61% of them had migrated from their home communities, mostly to urban destinations. Significant race and sex differences were found in the residential status projections, although only race differences were statistically significant in migration performances. Proportionately more blacks than whites, and more females than males, aspired as well as expected to live in the cities. The study concluded that residential aspirations, expectations and strength of goal deflection of rural youths at the time of high school graduation were generally poor/weak indicators of future geographic mobility patterns and residential status attainment. (KM)