This paper evaluates the hypothesis that patterns of migration within and between the metropolitan and nonmetropolitan sectors and between regions, and migrant/nonmigrant differentials in education attainment during the 1935-1980 period of United States history reflect historical differences in socioeconomic development and settlement patterns. The study focuses on changes that have occurred in metropolitanization and their significance for emerging patterns of population distribution and redistribution. Using data from the Public Use Microdata files from the 1940 and 1980 decennial census and from selected Bureau of the Census publications, it was found that: (1) migration patterns in peripheral areas and core areas have become more similar in the years since the Great Depression due to socioeconomic changes that have eroded the hegemony of the traditional manufacturing belt, affecting migration patterns; and (2) while migrants have higher education attainment than nonmigrants, differences vary systematically with area differences in socioeconomic development. In addition to an explanation and discussions of method and results, the study includes statistical data and a five-page list of references. (PS)