According to the international literature the prevalence of chronic pain is high. In the general population prevalence rates of chronic pain vary widely, from 2% to 40%. In nursing homes and homes for the elderly, higher prevalence rates of 45% to 80% have been reported. Prevalence rates in district nursing care in general, however, are lacking. This article is a report of a one-day survey to assess the prevalence and intensity of acute and chronic pain in Dutch district nursing care. We found that the prevalence of pain in patients with district nursing care is high and similar to reported prevalence rates in nursing homes and homes for elderly.