The purpose of this study was to compare the caries activity and cariogenic factors in children in different residence areas. The subjects of the study were 268 kindergarten children who were selected from the downtown area(D), apartment area(A), suburban area(S), and rural area(R) in and around the city of Iksan, Korea. Caries activity was measured as past caries experience (dft index and dfs index) and salivary reductase activity (Resazurin Disc Test scores). Cariogenic factors were investigated by a questionnaire. The results were as follows: Reductase activity S > R > D > A dt index R, S > D, A ft index D - the highest dft index A - the lowest ds index R - the highest fs index D - the highest Toothbrushing frequency A - the highest, R - the lowest Toothbrushing before bed D, A > S, R Toothbrushing by parents S, R > A, D Sweets intake freqeuncy A - the highest, S - the lowest Distance to dental office D < A < S < R Dental treatment experience D - the highest, A - the lowest Flouride application rate D > S > R > A Sealant application rate D > A, S > R Birth order A, S > R, D Age D > S > R, A