Economic activities in rural and peri-urban areas are quite different. These differences come from things like how easy it is to get around, how many people live there, and how land is used.

Rural Areas:

1. Focus on Farming:

   • About 75% of jobs in rural areas are in the primary sector, which includes farming, forestry, and fishing.
   • Most farms are small, with the average farm in England being about 84 hectares in size.

2. Limited Job Variety:

   • Rural economies usually rely on just a few main industries.
   • On average, people in rural areas earn around £20,000 a year, which is much less than those in cities.

Peri-Urban Areas:

1. Mix of Jobs:

   • These areas have a combination of farming, low-density housing, and factories.
   • More than 50% of jobs in peri-urban areas are in the services sector, showing a shift towards different types of work.

2. Rapid Growth:

   • The population in peri-urban areas has grown by over 20% in the last ten years. This means there is a bigger need for services and infrastructure.
   • The number of new businesses in these areas has jumped by 30%, showing that the economy is lively.

In summary, rural areas mainly focus on farming, while peri-urban areas have a more varied and active economy.