Considering its small territorial and population size, Slovenia nevertheless has a considerable geographic, economic and social variety. Not surprisingly, there are significant regional disparities. A research study analysed statistical data for the chosen indicators in the periods 1961-1991 and 1991-2002 and evaluated the demographic potential in the four demographically endangered and economically less-developed areas. The study has also examined in detail eight settlements at selected areas. A special emphasis was placed on the study of households as basic socio-economic units, on which future development of settlements is based.