Today, the Kumyk enjoy full Russian citizenship and are found in all income brackets. For several hundred years, the Kumyk economy has been based primarily on agriculture. Even today, most of the Kumyk are farmers. They use crop rotation and artificial irrigation, both of which are profitable techniques. They raise sheep and cattle for milk and meat, horses, and water buffalo are also raised.
Fishing is also important.
Today, the Kumyk who are not farmers work in many of the same fields and occupations as other Russian groups. About one-third of Kumyk work in industry. Wool and cotton textiles, wood and metal items, leather, pottery, and woven rugs are among the products manufactured. A very important trade route passes through the Kumykia region, since it was once the main provisional center for many regions of Daghestan. Most of the Kumyk live in villages.