The future Most people in Aberdeenshire live in small towns of under 6,000 people and a few larger settlements ranging from 10,000 to 18,000 people, mainly located around the coast. The economy of Aberdeenshire is generally buoyant, with most employment in fishing and agriculture and related industries and in the public sector, but the recent decline in farming and fishing have had a severe impact.
Tourism also plays a part in the local economy.
The number of children under 18 is likely to fall significantly. The anticipated increase in the older population has major implications for community care provision in the future. Poverty indicators for the area are very low, though there are pockets of deprivation and homelessness is an increasing problem. There is a high level of drug misuse in some fishing towns where heroin has become readily available. Fraserburgh experiences particularly serious problems.