Subjective indicators were used to measure perceived overall quality of life and the value placed on and satisfaction with life concerns of some rural, white families in the Upper Peninsula of Michigan. A human ecological systems approach which assumes that human needs are satisfied through use of resources of the natural, human-constructed, and behavioral environments was used. The fundamental proposition was that perceived quality of life is a function of degree of satisfaction with what is valued. Instruments consisted of scale for measurement of perceived overall quality of life, a Self-Anchoring Ladder of Importance (SALI) to measure values, and a Self-Anchoring Ladder of Satisfaction (SALS) to measure satisfaction with twenty-one life concerns. Analysis of variance, correlations and multiple regression techniques were used. Most respondents were highly satisfied with the quality of their lives; overall quality of life varied significantly with family structure. Family life ranked highest in importance and in satisfaction. The presence of children or other persons in the home was found to contribute significantly to persons' perceived quality of life. Stepwise regression analysis revealed that satisfaction with family life, work, accomplishment and financial security accounted for approximately 54 percent of the variance in perceived overall quality of life. (Author)