Throughout Walton County's history, farming has been the chief occupation of the majority of Walton County residents. The area's most important staple crops are corn, soybeans, peanuts, wheat, sugar cane, sweet potatoes and forage crops. The principal industrial development of the county is poultry, raising and processing. The dairy and beef cattle business is also an established industry. Timber and related products, especially pine, are primary resources.
Tourism is an important industry as well, especially in south Walton County.