The objective of this study was to obtain a representative profile of residents in Tai Po district, Hong Kong, with regard to their health status, health service use and socio-demographic characteristics. From October 1992 to February 1993, a cross-sectional telephone survey of 7573 Tai Po residents was undertaken. Acute illness episodes in the past month, chronic illness history, and treatment choices for acute and chronic illnesses were used as outcomes. Socio-demographic data were also obtained. Seventeen per cent of respondents reported having acute illness in the previous month, 66% of whom attended private clinics; 5.2% reported having chronic illness, 58.5% of whom attended public clinics. Most (88.5%) acute illness sufferers who used Western medical services for acute illness did so within Tai Po, while 52.7% of chronic illness sufferers used services outside of the district. Older, female, and lower income respondents were more likely to use public clinics. These preliminary findings help to reflect the health needs of residents in Tai Po.