From 1979 through 1983, corrections spending increased an average of 78.9 percent, exceeding the aggregate State spending rise of 48 percent. When adjusted for inflation, corrections spending increased 45.5 percent. For 1979-83, the southwestern States had the largest rates of increase. On a per capita basis, western States also had larger corrections budgets than the national average. Sixty-four percent of aggregate corrections budgets was spent on institutional operations. Capital construction is projected to grow rapidly. States provide 64 percent of combined State-local corrections spending. The inmate population grew by 48.1 percent for 1979-83, constituting one reason for the significant rise in corrections and capital spending. The incarceration rate per 100,000 citizens was higher in the West and lower in the East. Factors affecting the size of prison populations include demographics, crime patterns, conviction rates, judicial decisions to imprison, lengths of stay, prison capacity, and recidivism. 11 notes and 13 tables. (Author summary modified)