From 1940 to 1970, the United States was characterized by both rapid population growth and rapid urbanization. However, in the 1970's, both of these trends have diminished. A decline in the birth rate has brought lower overall growth--with the decline being the greatest in the major metropolitan areas. There is firm evidence of shift in population distribution toward the nonmetro areas and small cities. This document discusses the economic and social condition of rural America in the 1970's. In order to encompass a broader spectrum of areas lying outside of metropolitan America, and to present post-1970 data available only on a metro-nonmetro basis, the focus is chiefly on nonmetro people and places. The metro-nonmetro residence categories are based on delineations of Standard Metropolitan Statistical Areas. Data are presented with this metro-nonmetro dichotomy, and comparisons are drawn between the two types of areas. Some marked metro-nonmetro and regional characteristics are highlighted for the United States as a whole. Topics discussed are: population settlement patterns, employment, income, education, health resources, local governments, and housing. (Author/NQ)