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Abstract
This report updates a 1979 classification system of nonmetro counties, known as the ERS typology, which was designed to provide policy-relevant infomiation about diverse rural conditions to policymakers, public officials, and researchers. The original classification summarized the economic and social conditions existing in nonmetro counties in 1979 into seven county types. Four (farming, manufacturing, mining, and government) reflect dependence on particular economic activities. Three (persistent-poverty. Federal lands, and retirement-destination) reflect other pohcy-relevant themes. Unclassified counties comprise a residual group. This analysis focuses on rural economic and socio-demographic change from 1979 to 1986. Results reflect rural trends of the 1980's-decline in natural resource-based activities, continuing industrial restructuring, employment growth in services, and regional shifts in industrial location.