Burlington, Oakville, and Milton are largely urban and suburban, while Halton Hills is more rural.

However, the region is split between the census metropolitan areas (CMAs) of Toronto and Hamilton.

[5] Until the 2000 municipal elections, the chairperson of the regional council had been appointed by the Ontario government.

Joyce Savoline was the last appointed chairperson, and was elected and reelected until her retirement from the position in 2006.

[7] While the urban areas of Burlington, Oakville and Milton are experiencing rapid growth, there is still a significant proportion of the Region that is still rural, most of which is protected as part of the provincial Greenbelt or as part of the Niagara Escarpment Plan.

[2] x = suppressed for reasons of confidentiality Halton's agricultural sector is supported by regional infrastructure such as the Port of Hamilton which is a growing agri-food hub for the import of agricultural inputs and the export of local crops.