The vast majority of people were peasants working the land around a central manor. Many were serfs, who were the personal property of the lord of the manor and worked his land for him. Others were free tenants, who gave him a share of the crop as rent.

In some cases peasants who were prepared to clear new land were given title to it.

One important group who opened up unproductive land in Switzerland were the Walser, German speakers who migrated from canton Valais in the 12-13th centuries, mainly eastwards and southwards into what is now Canton Graubünden and northern Italy. They were given many privileges in exchange for helping to settle and control the Alpine passes. Their descendants still form identifiable communities.

Conditions in general varied from place to place and could change dramatically with a new overlord.