Zmiany sytuacji dochodowej polskich rodzin na wsi po akcesji do Unii Europejskiej

The paper presents income situation of Polish rural households in 2005– –2012. The research material came from unpublished empirical studies of Central Statistical Office . Changes of income level and structure of main income sources of the livelihoods were presented. Growing importance of wage from off-farm jobs and a decline of the share of income from agriculture was observed. The author indicated differences in the economic situation of the population living in rural areas and of individual incomes of the families, which suggests the need of checking the activities of the regional policy in relation to rural areas. Conclusions from the analysis are confirmed by the answers of the respondents. According to them, “very good” and “good” levels of income in rural families (over 18% in 2012) came from all sources, including social benefits. Declining share of expenditures reflects positive trends in Polish rural areas after EU accession as well as possibilities of further structural and social changes in rural areas.