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As in most rural villages, finding suitable employment / paid work / income-generating work is a major issue for Crystal Waters residents. Some are self -employed, some employed by internal or external businesses, some depend on pensions and unemployment benefits and others have independent means of support.

The designers aimed for an eventual population of 250-300, as they believed this would be sufficient to sustain an internal economy. Changes to the traditional nuclear family structure in recent years have resulted in fewer than anticipated residents per lot. At this stage in Crystal Waters’ development it would be fair to say that there is insufficient paid work available within the village, and many residents do have to rely on outside sources of income.

However, many residents endeavour to employ other appropriately-skilled residents whenever possible, especially in preference to bringing in outside contractors/workers. A number of small businesses started here regularly employ members of the community, mostly on a part time or casual basis. Most people here have a number of ‘hats’ - they do not rely on just one source of income and turn their hands to a variety of tasks.

The diversity of small businesses at Crystal Waters is steadily growing. They include permaculture designers and teachers, builders and tradespeople, craftspeople, natural health workers and healers, organic food growers and processors, and mail order businesses.