The future Renfrewshire is a mixed urban and rural area with its main population concentrated in Renfrew, Paisley and Johnstone.
Agriculture is still relatively significant in the local economy.
Manufacturing jobs have continued to decline but have been partly compensated for by increases in service sector jobs and computer technology related industries. It has fallen at a faster than average rate over the past year. Deprivation and poverty measures are close to the national average but there is significant variation at ward level. The level of income support claimants is above the national average and the population is generally less healthy than in many other areas, with more people dying at an earlier age. Deprivation and poverty are at the centre of demands for services within the urban areas.