BACKGROUND: Hypertension is the third leading killer in the world and is responsible for one in every eighth death. Hypertension is estimated to cause 4.5% of current global disease burden. Presently 23 % men and 22% women above 25 years of age are Hypertensive in India. Hence the study was undertaken, to measure the extent of hypertension and identify the risk factors.MATERIAL & METHODS: A cross sectional study was carried out among the adults in the age group of 30 years and above, residing under Primary Health Centre (PHC) area of Pathankot District, punjab. The mid-year population for 2014 covered in this PHC area was 29862 out of which 8958 were adults in the age group of 30 years and above (29.5%). Data entry was made using SPSS.RESULTS: 280 individuals (25%) were found to have hypertension including 143 known hypertensives. Among 534 adult males, 123 (23%) and among 579 adult females 157(27%) were found to have hypertension. The odds ratio for hypertension among Smokers were 2.23 and was statistically significant (P<0.001), similarly alcohol use, obesity, tobacco chewing, diabetes and oral contraceptive use were statistically significant.CONCLUSION:The prevalence rate of hypertension was 25.2%. The prevalence rate was higher (27%) among females. Increase in age, family size, occupation, alcohol, smoking , obesity, oral contraceptives use and diabetes mellitus have been found to have association. Hence healthcare providers should take note and institute appropriate preventive measures. Keywords: Hypertension, Cross sectional study, Rural population