The total number of main workers in the district as per the 2011 census is 448651 and the number of marginal workers is 180213, which is 40.17 per cent of the total main workers.
Most of the economy in Kanpur Dehat is based on agriculture and agricultural products. Agriculture and allied activities employ 52 per cent of the total workforce. Besides, there are various units of fishing, weaving of basketry, manufacturing and sale of handicraft items, oil mill, flour mill, pulse mill, paddy mill, chemical substances, coach goods, leather and cloth units in the district from which the income of the district is increasing.