The characteristics of the Middle Colonies include:
- Some colonists were skilled artisans.
- Agriculture was an important industry.
- Colonies were ethnically diverse.
The Middle Colonies were known for their skilled workforce, diverse agricultural output (including wheat and other grains), and a mix of various ethnicities and cultures due to their more inclusive settlement patterns. While some colonies were royal colonies, not all were established as such, and the settlement was not solely for religious reasons, as many also came for economic opportunities.