Men in rural regions of Australia may face distinct health issues because of their location, work and lifestyle. This report provides a snapshot of some of these issues and compares the illness and mortality of men in rural and urban areas.

Overall, men in rural areas are more likely than their urban counterparts to experience chronic health conditions and risk factors. For example, they: are more likely to report daily smoking and risky drinking behaviour; are less likely to possess an adequate level of health literacy; have higher mortality rates from injury, cardiovascular disease and diabetes. This report is a useful resource for policy-makers, researchers and others interested in emerging men's health policies in Australia.