Rural families are a diverse group of families living in less developed areas of the United States. Geographically, these areas vary from mountain regions to farming communities to the Western frontier areas. Although families living in these regions have unique experiences and ethnic heritages based on their environment and cultural background, there are some commonalities facing this population. Understanding the key attributes of rural families, including well-being, quality of life, education, employment, economics, family composition, and family values, is important to providing effective marriage and family counseling for this population.