The goal of the present study is to compare sociodemographic, economic and health perception variables among 374 elderly individuals inhabitants of a rural area, divided in two groups: 187 displaying depression indicators and 187 without. The study used: Mini Mental State Exam, part of the Older Americans Resources and Services, and the Abbreviated Geriatric Depression Scale. Analysis was carried out using descriptive statistics. Both groups displayed a prevalence of: female sex, 60?70 years of age, married, 4?8 years of schooling and income of one monthly minimum wage. The present study can contribute towards knowledge of the peculiarities of the health of the elderly in rural areas, assisting with public policy, especially with regards to depression.   doi: 10.5216/ree.v16i2.20782.