Abstract: This paper aims to underline the present state of development of the rural space from the Eastern part of Sălaj county, by analysing the rurality coefficient applied to 14 communes for the interval 1990-2008. The indices implemented for the evaluation are: agriculture, work force and population. The case study was accomplished based on the statistical data obtained from the County Directorate of Statistics of Sălaj County and from the evidences in the communes’ mayor’s offices, the intervals of calculation being established at every two years. The values of the rurality coefficient was obtained by applying two mathematical formulae – by the HDI calculation method – which demonstrates its positive or negative significance. The analysis of the results demonstrates the role of Rus village as a local polarizing center and the importance that this territorial-administrative unit would have regarding the sustainable development and planning of the rural space under study. The conclusion drawn from the interpretation of the indicators’ results proves that during an interval of 18 years, the values of the rurality coefficient maintained high, although some economic sectors recorded important modifications (at the indices’ level), emphasizing the strongly rural character of the Someşului Valley and Codru areas.