Distance and remoteness, along with the changing climate and weather, may make it harder to acquire food, clothing and shelter at a reasonable price. Some rural and remote families are able to grow and produce their own food. Housing prices are much cheaper rural and remote areas than urban areas. Clothing styles and fashions are more country oriented; however, online shopping does allow rural and remote families to keep up with fashion trends.

In rural and remote areas there is a higher rate of mortality and illness, particularly in relation to cancer. There is a higher risk of suicide linked to mental health illness in males and more tobacco and alcohol consumption. Due to their location, rural and remote families have less access to aged care facilities and hospital facilities. Often rural families are forced to spend their time on their agriculture businesses and sadly do not see their health as a priority.

Private schools in Sydney offer scholarships for both Aboriginal and Torres Strait Islander people and non-Indigenous students. Distance Education centres are located in Sydney, Dubbo, Lismore and Queanbeyan for students who live too far away from local schools. Some country towns only have Central schools, which is kindergarten to year 10, while wealthy rural families may be able to send their children to Boarding Schools. School of the Air is based in Alice Springs and uses telephone and internet technology. Some rural families may choose to home school their children.

Agricultural based employment was always the most common in rural and remote areas, but now education, manufacturing and retail sales are becoming more common.

Agricultural Research Stations provide employment opportunities and Nanny/Au Pair jobs are available on isolated farming stations.

Rural families are often impacted by the effect of climate and weather on crops and therefore employment. This creates instability and may cause rural and remote families to be less financially secure than families in urban areas. Crime rates may be lower in rural and remote areas than urban areas but emotional/psychological stress and mental health issues are higher with high incidence of suicide in rural males, often associated with financial stress and insecurity.

Rural people tend to be very caring, looking after their neighbours and encouraging a greater sense of belonging amongst themselves. Farmers often feel a great sense of pride as they are the ones that put food on the city dwellers tables. On the other hand, some rural people feel as though they are worthless and can't achieve great things due to the limitations of their location.