St. Margaret's village has a white lime cooperative upon which many members depend for their livelihood. Miscellaneous income generation activities include limited logging, commercial hunting and family members who send money from outside locations such as Belize City and the United States. Local estimates of the current population range between 600-700. This dramatic increase is mainly due to an influx of immigrants from El Salvador and Guatemala during the late 1980's. St. Margaret's is a growing rural community.
Development is an important facet of the immediate future.
A water system was completed in July 1994, bringing clean drinking and bathing water to most households. A health center was recently built, however, the medical care provider only visits St. Margaret's once a month. There is a community telephone for regular communication in the village. Tourism revenue as a source of income generation for communities throughout the region is growing. 5BLNP has widespread community support in St. Margaret's - the two most common reasons for this support has been due to the educational opportunities and community development through nature based tourism which is being developed by the park.