​Authors examine the impact of rurality, mental health, and racial discrimination on tobacco use, using data from the 2003 California Health Interview Survey. Modified Poisson regression models were adjusted for age, sex, race/ethnicity, birth origin, education, income, insurance, and marital status. Compared to urban residents, rural residents had a significantly higher risk for smoking after adjustment. Those who reported having experienced racial discrimination also had a significantly greater risk for smoking compared to those who did. Additionally, those who reported higher stress had a significantly greater risk for smoking. There was evidence of interaction between rurality and race/ethnicity, and rurality and gender.​