Poor self-rated health is considered to be a predictor of short survival, and self-rated health is associated with several lifestyle and sociodemographic factors. To determine whether marital status is an independent risk factor for poor self-rated health among inhabitants in rural areas, we conducted a cross-sectional survey of inhabitants in Japan. Complete responses were obtained from 10,268 individuals. Self-ratings of mental health, demographics, and symptoms were used to predict self-rated health. Being male; having disease, questionnaire-based physical complaints, and depressive state; having lower levels of education; and being divorced resulted in higher odds (95% confidence interval) for poor self-rated health, presenting 1.41 (1.18–1.69), 10.8 (8.62–13.7), 1.11 (1.09–1.12), 1.11 (1.08–1.13), 1.22 (1.02–1.46), and 1.53 (1.01–2.31), respectively. In contrast, age, friendship, and other marital status such as single or bereaved showed no significant relationship with poor self-rated health. To improve self-rated health among rural inhabitants, attention should be focused on divorced inhabitants, especially men.