There has been extensive documentation of rural decline across much of the developed world and in Australia. In addition, there has been a redistribution of wealth in the past two decades with a net reduction in wealth in most rural areas. However, little is known about how rural decline impacts young people, as well as to what extent social capital among adults mirrors a youth perspective. To address these issues, this study reported on a project in which young people were actively involved in identifying relevant items for a social capital scale, administering a questionnaire concerning social capital and other social issues, and collating the results. The study reported on drew on an empirical analysis of social capital undertaken in five communities in New South Wales (NSW). The study expands on the survey using the Onyx and Bullen adult scale, administered to 635 adults over 18 years old. Social capital among youth appears to be both similar to and different from social capital among adults. The factor structure suggests similar emphases on networking of various types. However, for youth it was the networks with other young people that counted. The results clearly identify young people as victims. In conclusion, the study reveals that there are important differences in the meaning of social capital among young people. Tables, references