In Norway, there has been a change from net out-migration from rural areas to net in-migration since about 1970; however, this apparent change is a manifestation of changes in occupational patterns and characteristics of certain age groups. The rise in technical and professional occupations has been dramatic, and a particularly high proportion of this occupational group has been in the relatively mobile early career stages and at mobile ages. Net losses and gains to rural or agricultural areas are equal to only about 10% of the respective gross out- and in-movements. In absolute terms, there is an approximate balance between in- and out-movement which suggests that few of these migrants settle in a commune for any length of time. Migrants consist predominantly of those in the highest and lowest socio-economic strata. The net out-migration of village natives is generally higher than net in-migration of other people. There has been growth in employment opportunities in rural areas in the secondary sector during the 1970's, notably in the public service sector. Although these changes in the occupational structure of rural areas are bringing about conditions considered necessary to stop out-migration, the jobs created are, in principal, open to anyone and not reserved for local inhabitants. (CM)