It is the largest city in the northern part of the prefecture in terms of population and economy.

The castle ruins remain Tsuyama's main tourist attraction along with Joto Street, a narrow street of old, traditional buildings that was once part of the pilgrimage route from Kyoto to Izumo, and Shūraku-en, a traditional Japanese garden constructed in 1657.

Following the Meiji restoration, the town of Tsuyama was established in June 1889 with the creation of the modern municipalities system.

Tsuyama has a mayor-council form of government with a directly elected mayor and a unicameral city council of 28 members.

Tsuyama, collectively with the towns of Kagamino, Nagi and Shōō, contributes four members to the Okayama Prefectural Assembly.

In terms of national politics, the city is part of the Okayama 3rd district of the lower house of the Diet of Japan.

Tsuyama has a mixed economy based on manufacturing, wholesale and retail commerce, and agriculture.

As with many Japanese cities, cycling is a very common form of transport, particularly among school students.