According to estimates prepared by the Bureau of the Census and the Economic Research Service of the United States Department of Agriculture, the 1982 farm population of 5,620,000, or 2.4% of the national population, continued a long downward trend. About 45% of farm residents lived in the North Central region, 35% in the South, 13% in the West, and 7.5% in the Northeast. Whites comprised 96% of the farm population and Blacks, 3.2%, versus 85% and 12.1% of the non-farm population, respectively. Only 2.3% of the farm population was of Spanish origin. Compared to non-farm residents, farm residents were slightly older and more likely to be married and living with a spouse. Farm women bore significantly more children than non-farm women. Farm population labor force participation was higher than for non-farm residents, especially among men and in the West and North. The unemployment rate of 3.6% was relatively low. Most farm men were employed in agriculture, but most farm women were not. Self-employment was higher and median income was lower among farm residents. The report contains supporting statistical tables, definitions, explanations, and a statement regarding the source and reliability of the estimates. (SB)