Publication is available only in electronic edition. This publication was prepared as a contribution to the research on the following subject Regional differentiation of agricultural development and its impact upon economic and social problems of rural areas within the framework of the research task The factors of marginalization and competitiveness in the socio-economic structure of the Polish rural areas following the EU accession. The purpose of the study was to analyse selected socio-demographic characteristics of rural population in 2000-2005 and to asses their living standards, by measuring the equipment of households with selected durable goods and technical and sanitary installations, and by description of the rural population health state as well.