The influence of socio-economic status and place of residence on walking ability, performance of daily activities and the aid required in these activities were evaluated among 539 total hip replacement (THR) patients. The walking ability of patients of higher socioeconomic status and of urban origin was better than that of patients of lower socio-economic status and of rural origin, both before and after THR. There were no significant interclass differences in the improvement in walking ability. The same pattern was valid as regards preoperative and postoperative performance of daily activities and the need for assistance. Neither socio-economic status nor place of residence had any significant influence on the improvement in the performance of daily activities or on the decrease in use of an aid. Earlier total hip replacement is recommended for patients of lower socio-economic status and for those living in rural areas.