The location of the municipality of Joutsa is ideal. Joutsa is located by highway 4. The distance from Helsinki to Joutsa by road is 200 km and there are daily express coach services. The distance from Jyväskylä to Joutsa by road is 70 km and from Lahti to Joutsa by road 100 km. The Joutsa region has well-maintained roads. You can explore the region also by touring with your own car or even by boat.

Over 400 people work for the municipality of Joutsa. Other important sectors are the service, industry, construction and trading. The community's largest employers are the municipality of Joutsa, the Hentinen construction company, the Joutsa engine service and a forestry company called Metsä-Pirkka. There are nearly 300 inhabitants' who work as farmers in the Joutsa region. Also tourism plays a rather big role in Joutsa. A Restel hotel called Joutsenlampi is situated in Joutsa. There are also many other possibilities for bed and breakfast.

The local services in Joutsa are as versatile as those in many larger towns. There are two big supermarkets for daily shopping and a new supermarket is under construction. There are also many small, specialized shops selling textiles, sport equipment, furniture and hardware in Joutsa. The past few years have been a period of rapid progress for Joutsa. At the moment much of the construction is focused on the central area but lots of houses are being built also outside the town.

Travellers who wish to relax and enjoy beautiful seasons will find all the varieties of Finnish nature in Joutsa. The community offers a wide range of recreational activities to suit almost every taste. The rambler will be spoiled for choice by the many paths and hiking trails. The abundance of fresh water offers limitless opportunities for aquatic activities of all kinds. Nature lovers will find Joutsa a dream come true situated in the heart of Central Finland breathtaking natural beauty. The lake Suontee is very famous because of its fresh water and natural beauty. The skiing-tracks are in good condition. Almost every Finn knows the sports club Joutsan Pommi, which is said to be the best skiing sports club in Finland.

Joutsan Joutopäivät (Joutsa Leisure days), is other thing people know about Joutsa. Joutopäivät is a famous summer-happening; in 2005 nearly 25 000 people visited Joutsa at the time of Joutopäivät. Joutsan Joutopäivät lasts for three days in the beginning of July. Many famous artists are seen every year in Joutopäivät. Exhibitions and other activities for all age groups can be found in Joutsa during Joutopäivät. Besides that, a very rare speciality, summer cross-country ski competition, is organised for the second time in the summer of 2006.