The nine chapters in the book focus on the 1970s' metropolitan to nonmetropolitan migration stream and address both population patterns and processes and the impacts and policy issues associated with the resulting population redistribution in the Midwest. Peter A. Morrison places the Midwest in the national context of changing population structure and redistribution. John R. Borchert traces the historical and geographic forces which have shaped the current patterns. Calvin L. Beale and Glenn V. Fuguitt focus on demographic aspects of redistribution in the Midwest. Ralph R. Widner and Richard W. Buxbaum place Midwest trends in a policy context. Andrew J. Sofranko, James D. Williams, and Frederick C. Fliegel discuss a survey of recent migrants to fast-growing Midwest nonmetropolitan areas. Richard Lonsdale documents the decentralization trend in manufacturing employment and its role in population redistribution. David Berry examines the significance of land conversion from rural to urban uses. Alvin D. Sokolow addresses the local political implications of recent small town growth. Laurence S. Rosen outlines and analyzes methods and data needed for population projections. (Author/SB)