Basing on results of a representative sociological survey, specifics of civic engagement localization in contemporary Russian society are analyzed. It is shown that civic activity as a general characteristic of society is unequally distributed among social strata and groups whose members have different opinions about the problems facing them, and of the effectiveness of participating in their solution. The question is not just of involvement levels in sociopolitical activity, but also of specific forms, methods and areas of civic participation in particular social environment. Practices involving possibility of informal expression, of self-realization, and initiatives are localized largely among young, educated, urban, and mobile groups of populations. Institutional, conventional forms of civic participation are localized among older generations and hinterland residents. A conclusion is made related to civil participation of all social groups as an important area of life and condition for societal development.