The study described the patterns of government outlay to U.S. metropolitan and non-metropolitan areas for 86% of the $499 billion of federal outlays and loan guarantees made in fiscal 1978 to individual counties in the 50 states. Between metropolitan and non-metropolitan areas there were considerable variations in outlays to programs in seven functional areas. Non-metropolitan areas received $195 more per capita for agriculture, energy, and the environment; $42 more for targeted economic development; and $20 more for tansfer payments. Metropolitan areas received $300 more per capita for defense and space programs; $90 more for human resources; $29 more for physical investments; and $66 more for other federal functions. Overall, metropolitan areas received an average of $2,007 per capita, 9% more than the $1,845 per capita for non-metropolitan areas. The 20% of the U.S. population living in counties with the lowest outlays received only 11% of federal funds while the 20% living in counties with the highest outlays received 37%. Within metropolitan areas, core counties often received higher per capita outlays than did fringe counties. Within non-metropolitan areas, very rural counties received substantially higher outlays than other counties. Southern and Western non-metropolitan areas received more outlays for most functions but Northeastern non-metropolitan areas received less per capita than metropolitan and non-metropolitan areas in other regions. (Author/SB)