Today, Lhasa exercises jurisdiction over seven counties (Damshung, Tolun Dechen, Chushur, Medro Gongkar, Taktse, Nyemo and Lhundup) and one district (City Propers). Damxung and parts of Nyemo, Doilungdeqen, Lhunzhub and Maizhokunggar, which are north of Lhasa, form the southern rim of the North Tibet Grasslands. These Grasslands feature thriving livestock breeding, and produce quality beef, mutton, butter, cow wool, and sheep wool.

The Lhasa River Valley, in the middle part of the Lhasa area, belongs to the middle reaches of the Yarlung Zangbo River is home to one of the granaries in Tibet. It produces qingke highland barley, wheat, rapeseed, and beans. Lhasa No.1 soya beans are well known in and outside of China for their quality. The Lhasa area is also rich in mineral and water resources, and is home to wild life and plants. Various counties are richly endowed with peat and geothermal resources. Dozens of geothermal sites can be developed for economic and medical purposes. The Qusang Hot Spring in Doilungdeqen and the Dezhong Hot Spring in Maizhokunggar are famous throughout the Tibet Autonomous Region. Other mineral resources with impressive proven reserves include iron, copper and limestone.