Using state education agency, census, industry employment and occupational information data, this paper provides a detailed picture of a rural school district in Southern Illinois. Mining and agriculture are the major industries in Hamilton County. The major mining employer closed in February 1988, and the drought of 1988 is likely to adversely affect agriculture. Therefore, the report predicts insufficient number of jobs for young people, and reduced tax revenues to support education. Low education levels may negatively affect strategies to attract industry to the county. The 1980 census indicated that, in Hamilton County, more than 60 percent of the population over age 18 has less than a high school education. Other findings were: (1) the economy is dependent to a large degree on transfer payments; (2) males dominate the teaching profession; (3) in comparison to other age groups, a higher portion of elderly live in poverty; and (4) the population is expected to increase steadily over the next 40 years, but at minimal levels. The study suggests that the ability of the school district to maintain quality educational, sports, and extra-curricular programs will be challenged in the future. Data from the study is presented in figures and tables. Appendix A describes the sources of the data: (1) the U.S. Census; (2) County Business Patterns; (3) BEA Employment Statistics; and (4) Occupational Employment Statistics. Appendix B gives the 1980 Census definitions of urban populations, rural populations, and a Standard Metropolitan Statistical Area. (KS)