As the concept of community is changing, emphasis in community analysis is changing from a geographic focus to examination of interest clusters within a geographic location. Village communities are declining while town-country communities are becoming more numerous. The suburban community is a recent development, and although it develops its own institutions and organizations essential for community life, it generally derives its economic support from another nearby community. Decreases in rural population have increased the importance of the county as a unit of government and have caused the development of consolidated school districts. The emphasis on religious denominationalization has begun to decline, but the church's essential role of interpreting and developing religious and social interests is increasing in importance. Community influences in relation to public health and medical care have become more accepted. The local community has an important part in providing recreational facilities. The local community derives its importance from being the focal point for many activities and interests in modern society. (JH)