The population density is 9 thousand people per 1 sq. General demographic tendencies characteristic in Russia are also inherent to the Vologda oblast. Able-bodied average 753 thousand people, including 575 thousand working in economic spheres.
Wages differ considerably in various industries.
By its living standards the Vologda Oblast takes one of the first places among neighbouring oblasts . Since the 90s there has been a process of redistribution of labour in different branches of economy. A system of retraining unemployed has been introduced in the oblast for them to obtain new competitive specialisation. The system combines state educational institutions, educational centres of Employment Service and state and private enterprises. As a rule, any local paper always advertises employment opportunities.