Thiruvallur District has been formed by bifurcating erstwhile Chengalpattu MGR District and is situated on the northern most part of Tamil Nadu embracing the Chennai city on the eastern side. The district has well laid roads and railway lines connecting to Chennai and all major towns within and outside the state.

Agriculture is the mainstay of the economy of Thiruvallur District. As substantial portion of population are dependent on income from agriculture for livelihood, agricultural development holds the key to overall economic development of the District though the peripheral areas of the district has well developed industrial units.

The major crops cultivated are paddy, sugarcane and groundnut. The other crops includes millets like cumbu, ragi, tinai, etc., pulses like red gram, black gram, green gram, etc. gingelly and chillies. Vegetables, flowers and fruits like mango, banana, etc. are grown in the district. Three cropping seasons are being followed in the district for paddy, viz, Sornavari (April-August) Samba (July-Jan) and Navarai( Dec-March).

Apart from Agriculture the Industries, Trade and Commerce occupy a prominent position in the economy of the district.

Thiruvallur District is one of the most vital and vibrant district in terms of industrial development in the state.  Concentration of industries in the district is detailed below: