During 1930-80, the number of urban households increased about five times as fast as the number of rural households. Home ownership increased in both areas, but was more prevalent in rural areas. More blacks and other minorities lived in urban areas and owned their homes in 1980 compared with 1930. Rural housing has traditionally lagged urban housing in quality and amenities, but the gap narrowed considerably from 1930 to 1980. In 1980, the median rural home was newer than the median urban home, and had more rooms and fewer occupants.