The population of Beaufort is composed mainly of Bisaya, Brunei Malays, Kadazan-Dusuns, Lun Bawang/Lun Dayeh, Muruts and Chinese (mainly Hakkas).

Originally set up to help economic development of the interior of Sabah, Beaufort's early prosperity was closely linked to rubber cultivation.

Its current prosperity depends on the booming palm oil industry, rubber, pineapple, mangoes, durian and livestock.

The open-air market, locally known as tamu, is held weekly from Friday evening until Saturday afternoon.

Sweet Sambal bambangan is also a popular option, as well as other local dishes such as tapai manis, jelurut, bingka, rojak, soto, nasi ayam special, cendol pulut, satay, mamak foodstuffs and a Chinese noodle dish called Beaufort Mee, served either dry or with soup.