Little information exists on health discrepancies within rural areas. Our research proposes to analyse the Québec Health Survey--a population health survey carried out in Québec in 1987--using a geographic grid which defines three different rural areas: that area bordering urban centers, a more remote area and the very remote hinterland. The analysis brings to light major, statistically significant, discrepancies between these areas in three sectors: health status determinants (physical activity and social support), the actual state of health (perceived health, a global health index and various pathologies) and the consequences that may be attributed to this state of health (disability and medication). It shows the difficult situation of inhabitants of the very remote hinterland.