This article reports on the use of the Nottingham health profile (which was developed in the United Kingdom as a valid and reliable indicator of perceived health status) in a community-health survey in Noarlunga, an outer suburban area of Adelaide. The instrument appears valid for use with an Australian population. It was used in Noarlunga to demonstrate a correlation between health status and a range of social and economic variables. The uses of the Nottingham health profile in health-services planning are discussed.