Effects of household assets upon rural residents’ self-reported physical and emotional well-being

Information gathered from a sample of residents in four rural Pennsylvania communities is used to test the net effects of household resources (financial assets, supports, and community ties) upon respondents’ physical health and emotional well-being. Size and composition of households, types, and extent of insurance coverage, age, and aspects of household liquidity had major net effects upon physical health. Some measures of liquidity, a range of supports, and community ties had net impacts upon emotional well-being. The importance of considering the collective health needs of rural households in relation to their affordability and sustainability is stressed. The public policy implications of our results are discussed.