
<TABLE> <S> <C>

<ARTICLE> 5
<LEGEND>
THIS SCHEDULE CONTAINS SUMMARY FINANCIAL INFORMATION EXTRACTED FROM THE
CONDENSED CONSOLIDATED BALANCE SHEET AT MARCH 31, 1998 (UNAUDITED) AND THE
CONDENSED CONSOLIDATED STATEMENT OF INCOME FOR THE THREE MONTHS ENDED MARCH 31,
1998 OF CARAUSTAR INDUSTRIES, INC. AND IS QUALIFIED IN ITS ENTIRETY BY REFERENCE
TO SUCH FINANCIAL STATEMENTS.
</LEGEND>
<MULTIPLIER> 1,000
       
<S>                             <C>
<PERIOD-TYPE>                   3-MOS
<FISCAL-YEAR-END>                          DEC-31-1998
<PERIOD-START>                             JAN-01-1998
<PERIOD-END>                               MAR-31-1998
<CASH>                                           9,215
<SECURITIES>                                         0
<RECEIVABLES>                                   83,018<F1>
<ALLOWANCES>                                         0
<INVENTORY>                                     69,047
<CURRENT-ASSETS>                               167,815
<PP&E>                                         494,074
<DEPRECIATION>                                (182,592)
<TOTAL-ASSETS>                                 598,694
<CURRENT-LIABILITIES>                           86,111
<BONDS>                                        232,242<F2>
<PREFERRED-MANDATORY>                                0
<PREFERRED>                                          0
<COMMON>                                         2,528
<OTHER-SE>                                     218,880
<TOTAL-LIABILITY-AND-EQUITY>                   598,694
<SALES>                                        176,871
<TOTAL-REVENUES>                               176,871
<CGS>                                          127,116
<TOTAL-COSTS>                                  127,116
<OTHER-EXPENSES>                                     0
<LOSS-PROVISION>                                     0
<INTEREST-EXPENSE>                               3,699
<INCOME-PRETAX>                                 21,763
<INCOME-TAX>                                     8,131
<INCOME-CONTINUING>                             13,177
<DISCONTINUED>                                       0
<EXTRAORDINARY>                                      0
<CHANGES>                                            0
<NET-INCOME>                                    13,177
<EPS-PRIMARY>                                     0.52
<EPS-DILUTED>                                     0.52
<FN>
<F1>(Receivables) are presented net of the allowance for doubtful accounts.
<F2>(Bonds) represent revolving credit loans and long-term debt, less current
maturities.
</FN>
        

</TABLE>
