Researchers explain how changes in rural society during the 1960's and 1970's are related to increased rural crime rates. Rural crime statistics from the FBI Uniform Crime Reports and victimization survey data (for Pike County, Ind., and statewide for Ohio) point to higher vandalism and burglary rates, in contrast to other national and State studies. Self-report studies explore delinquency rates among rural and urban adolescents in Ohio and among urban, rural nonfarm, and rural farm youths in Iowa. Although delinquency rates among urban and rural youth differ, their attitudes (especially toward drug use) are similar. Prevention programs must address rural social problems as well as attitudes and behaviors. Rural crime control strategies should be based on a multitheory approach and should consider opportunity-reduction programs and initiatives for community involvement. Future rural law enforcement needs and prevention strategies are also mentioned. Most articles include study data and references; an index is appended.