The article is devoted to the analysis of the results of observing the living conditions of the rural population, assessing the scale and effectiveness of state support measures aimed at the development of rural territories. The development of engineering infrastructure (gasification and water supply), provision of improved housing, accessibility of means of communication, educational and medical services in rural areas was considered. A comparative assessment of the level and structure of household income in the city and the countryside has been carried out. Living conditions have been identified as factors in the deterioration of the socio-economic situation in rural settlements. The directions of improvement of socio-economic conditions of development of rural territories, which involves increase of state support financing within the framework of federal targeted projects and programs, increase of interest of private business and activity of the local community, have been defined.