U.S. counties are classified along a dimension of urban-rural orientation and the socioeconomic characteristics of their populations are compared for 1970 and for 1960-70 trends. Differences between the total population and the minority population are also compared. Socioeconomic characteristics examined include population distribution and growth; age, sex, and family structures; geographic mobility; education; labor force participation and occupational status; income; and incidence of poverty. Findings indicate that the population of totally rural nonmetropolitan counties, compared with that of other counties, has a relatively low level of current socioeconomic status and future potential. The population of the more urbanized nonmetropolitan counties compares favorably with that of metropolitan areas in terms of age structure, geographic mobility, educational attainment, income, and employment status. Across all residence categories, however, there are substantial differences between the total population and the minority population.