The impact of race, age, SES, marital status, perceived health and social participation upon life satisfaction was examined. Data were drawn from a survey of 1,347 adult residents of the United States. Hypotheses concerning each independent variable were derived from the literature and tested through regression analysis. Sex was incorporated in the research design as a control variable.The findings indicate that race and quality of perceived health are the most salient predictors of satisfaction. Marital status and social participation emerged as consistent but relatively weak determinants. SES displayed a negligible relationship with satisfaction. And while age was related to satisfaction the direction of the relationship was opposite from that which had been hypothesized. Possible reasons for the results as well as implications for future research are discussed.