Approximately 60 percent of all rural homeowners had a mortgage on their home in 1979. About 80 percent of these were financed by conventional lenders; the remaining 20 percent were financed with some kind of Federal assistance. Most mortgaged rural homes were single-family detached units purchased by white males in their mid- to late thirties. The average home had three bedrooms and at least one full bathroom. Approximately 10 percent of rural homeowners reported their unit had some kind of defect. Most rural homeowners spent 20 percent of their income for housing related expenses such as mortgage payments, real estate taxes, property insurance, utilities, and trash collection. Median incomes and property values varied widely by mortgage type. Respondents were generally satisfied with their housing, neighborhood, and . community services.