Risk-taking activities among six racial, ethnic, and gender groups were also compared and examined by educational and employment status; school and work were selected due to their economic significance to youth. Mexican American youth were analyzed separately, because Mexican Americans are the largest Hispanic subgroup, they are likely to differ in health and socioeconomic status from other Hispanic groups, and the sample sizes of other Hispanic groups were insufficient. Results revealed that the incidence of risk among youth by race and gender is complex. The prevalence of alcohol use, drug use, and violence varies by education and employment for different groups of youth. However, Mexican American males and white males had comparable risk profiles. Among females, alcohol use was greater among those who were employed than among those without jobs. College attendance was also associated with greater alcohol use among Mexican American females. Among black youth, a lower incidence of health risks was associated with more favorable educational and employment status. Findings suggested the need for greater attention to differences in health risks by race/ethnicity and gender and to the contributions of education and employment in determining health risks among youth. Tables, notes, and 27 references (Author abstract modified)