The valley narrows at the western end of the lake where it discharges into the Lower Humber River.
The Humber Valley region has a population of about 36,000, making it the major hub for Western Newfoundland.
The Humber Valley region is sometimes extended to include the communities of Howley, Jackson's Arm and Hampden.
Provincially it is spread across three districts: Corner Brook, Humber-Gros Morne, and Humber-Bay of Islands.
The Deer Lake Regional Airport, along with various government departments and facilities, Grenfell Campus, Memorial University, limited agriculture, and a growing tourism industry centred on the Humber Valley Resort, the Marble Mountain Ski Resort, and the region's proximity to Gros Morne National Park are major economic instigators.