Summary:

The aim of this study was to present basic trends in population processes in rural areas of the Świętokrzyskie Voivodeship. With the period of 2003-2008 the main subject focused on changes in population size, elements responsible for the character of population changes with components of natural and migratory move-ment. Changes in the labour market against changes in the number of people em-ployed and unemployment were also discussed. The analysis proved considerable spatial diversification of the processes in question.Positive population-related phenomena were recorded in municipalities located in a suburban zone, whereas negative phenomena occurred in the outskirts of the area and locations of economic restructuring.