The objective of this paper is to analyze the spatial distribution of employment in population-based services across metropolitan France. The population-based economy comprises services that satisfy the demand of both the permanent (residing) and temporary (tourists and day travelers) population. Using spatial regression and shift-share analysis at the functional economic area scale, several categories of location factors are studied: market potential, the propensity to consume locally as well as local attractiveness and access to facilities. Results identify structural and geographic factors related to local demand and show that the distribution of employment follows an urban-rural gradient except in periurban and tourism areas.