Based on four indicators of demographic resources of settlements in Osijek – Baranja county, synthetic indicator of demographic resources (ID) has been calculated. With detailed analysis of the results for all the settlements in the county main conclusion is that most of the settlements of Osijek - Baranja county are characterized by extremely unfavorable age, sex and educational structure. According to the typology of settlements on the basis of the index of demographic resources, almost 3 / 4 settlements in the county were characterized as demographically weakened, compromised and ultimately affected areas. Areas with favorable demographic resources can be found only in 20% of all of the county settlements, which are spatially concentrated primarily around in nearby areas of major cities: Osijek, Đakovo and Našice. City areas that are characterized by positive demographic trends are also areas of economic development, and their good transport connections are also very helpful factor of future economic and demographic prosperity. However, most of the county area and settlements are characterized by unfavorable demographic situation of the population, resulting from negative demographic trends of the past, which are at the present time only increasing. The correct, uniform spatial distribution of population, systematic investments in the reconstruction of demographic resources of the county, creating a polycentric mesh of central settlements and investing in the revitalization of the economy are just some of the suggestions for improving the overall development of Osijek - Baranja county.