AbstractObjectiveThe relationship between chronic pain and complementary and alternative medicine (CAM) use is poorly understood, and the situation in rural Australia is particularly unclear. The objective here was to determine the socio‐demographic factors associated with the use of CAM for the treatment of chronic pain in a region of rural Australia.MethodsThis secondary analysis used data from a population health survey, Crossroads‐II, to assess the relationships of various socio‐demographic factors with the use of CAM by those suffering from chronic pain.DesignFace‐to‐face surveys at households randomly selected from residential address lists.SettingA large regional centre and three nearby rural towns in northern Victoria, Australia.ParticipantsSixteen years of age and older.Main Outcome MeasuresUse of a CAM service to treat chronic pain.ResultsBeing female (2.40 [1.47, 3.93], p < 0.001) and having a bachelorʼs degree (OR 2.24 [1.20, 4.20], p < 0.001) had a significant positive relationship with the use of CAM overall to redress chronic pain and those 50 years and older had greater odds of using manipulation therapies relative to those below 50 years (50–64: OR 0.52 [0.32, 0.86], p = 0.010; 65+: 0.37 [0.18, 0.75], p = 0.005).ConclusionIn the studied region, females and those with university education have the greatest odds of using CAM to treat chronic pain. This study needs to be complemented with more mechanistic investigations into the reasons people make the decisions they make about using CAM for the management of chronic pain.