In the United states, injuries are the leading cause of death among individuals aged 1 to 45 years & the fourth leading cause of death overall. Rural populations exhibit disproportionately high injury mortality rates. Deaths from motor vehicle crashes, traumatic occupational injuries, drowning, residential fires, & suicide all increase with increasing rurality. The authors describe differences in rates & patterns of injury among rural & urban populations & discuss factors that contribute to these differences. (74 refs.)