Auvergne is one of the least populated regions in Europe and France. The region is predominantly agricultural with tourism slowly becoming more important.

Two cheeses, Fourme and Bleu d'Auvergne come from the département of Cantal. The milk of 30 cows goes into the making of one 50 kilo wheel of cheese.

Manufacturing is concentrated in Clermont-Ferrand, in the département of Puy-de-Dôme, which emerged as a major industrial center in the late 19th century, and in the département of Allier, which has benefited from its proximity to Paris. The Michelin plant in Clermont-Ferrand is France's largest producer of tires; the industrial complex of Montluçon-Commentry, in Allier, also manufactures tires as well as computers and machines.

Spas are also important to the economic life of this region: the thermal springs of Vichy, Néris-les-Bains, Bourbon-l'Archambault, Royat, and many other towns draw large numbers of visitors to the region.