Human development research implies the use of complex interdisciplinary approach. Human development measuring and assessment should not be restricted to calculating and analyzing integral index and its components. Human development is first of all a social process mainly carried out by individuals and their activity (work, education, socio-cultural activities etc.). They ought to be supplemented and verified by sociological analysis of subjective estimates, ideas and views of population about quality and standards of its living, health, education and other values. The article discusses human development assessment in the Republic of Bashkortostan, which along with macroeconomic indicators of regional development embraces feelings, interests and needs of people as well as opportunities to realize their human potential.