Over the study period, 88,349 felons were sentenced to either prison or probation, with 12,346 incarcerated by the State and 76,003 given probation. The ratio of probation to prison varied from year to year, ranging from 5.67 to 6.59. Probation sentences for probation-eligible felons increased by 42 percent over the 5 years, while incarceration sentences increased by 37 percent. The probation to prison ratio decreased for robbery, burglary, larceny, drugs, drunk driving, and 'other' offenses between 1982 and 1986. It increased for weapons, assault, possession of stolen property, and sex offenses. The relative use of probation has apparently changed among the various urbanization index regions between 1984 and 1986. 9 tables, appended supplementary data. (Author summary modified)