Peterborough on the map

Peterborough built-up area

Built-up area48.2 km² (18.6 sq mi)

Location in CambridgeshirePeterborough sits where the marker shows within the county.

285,865
Population
100,838
Households
3 / 10
Deprivation decile
More deprived
12
Schools nearby
£55,426
Avg. household income
11,197
Businesses
331
People per km²
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About Peterborough

Peterborough is a city located in Cambridgeshire, England, within the postcode area PE1. It is known for its impressive cathedral, which dates back to the 12th century and features a remarkable Norman architecture. The city centre offers a variety of shops, restaurants, and cultural attractions, making it a convenient place for both residents and visitors.

The city is also home to the Peterborough Museum, which showcases the local heritage and artefacts from various periods. Additionally, the surrounding area includes parks and green spaces, providing opportunities for outdoor activities. Peterborough's transport links are well-established, with a railway station connecting it to London and other major cities, making it accessible for day trips or longer stays.

School Ratings in Peterborough

Peterborough is served by 96 schools. The King's (The Cathedral) School and Fulbridge Academy are each rated Outstanding by Ofsted. A further 15 schools hold a Good rating.

House Prices in Peterborough

Property prices average £288K across the area, and detached homes are the most common property type, typically selling for £356K.

Crime and Anti-Social Behaviour in Peterborough

Local crime rates sit higher than national averages. Anti-social behaviour accounts for the highest share in Peterborough, with 404 incidents logged in April 2026.

Deprivation and Employment in Peterborough

Based on the 2025 Index of Multiple Deprivation, Peterborough is among the more deprived areas nationally. The area sees higher levels of employment deprivation, with more residents excluded from the labour market. Income deprivation is more prevalent, with household earnings falling below the national average.

Healthcare in Peterborough

There are 30 GP surgeries within three miles of Peterborough, the nearest being Park Medical Centre (162 yards away).

Property Prices 38,264 sales

Average Price £288K
£101 , £109.79M
Detached £356K 12,531
Semi £225K 11,244
Terraced £186K 9,259
Flat £137K 3,557

Household Income in Peterborough ONS 2023

The average total household income in Peterborough is approximately £55,426 a year before tax, in line with the national average of £55,302. After tax and benefits, the average disposable (net) household income is around £41,923. These are modelled estimates from the Office for National Statistics for the financial year ending 2023.

Peterborough £55,426
England & Wales avg. £55,302

Net (after tax) household income averages £41,923.

Businesses in Peterborough ONS 2025

There are approximately 11,197 active businesses based in Peterborough, around 39 for every 1,000 residents. The local economy is dominated by small firms: about 90% are micro-businesses employing fewer than 10 people, while 216 are larger employers with 50 or more staff. Figures are from the Office for National Statistics UK Business Counts.

11,197 Total businesses
39 Per 1,000 residents
Micro, 0-9 90%
Small, 10-49 8%
Medium, 50-249 1%
Large, 250+ 1%

Deprivation and Employment in Peterborough IMD 2025

The 2025 Index of Multiple Deprivation identifies Peterborough as one of the more deprived areas nationally. Residents face greater challenges around employment and income, though ongoing investment in infrastructure and services is helping to address these issues over time.

Overall Deprivation
3/10
Income
2/10
Employment
3/10
Education
2/10
Health
4/10
Housing
4/10
Living Environment
5/10
Children 0-15 21%
Working age 62%
Older 65+ 17%
60,561 Children (0-15) 21%
178,456 Working Age 62%
46,831 Older (65+) 16%
Below Average Child Poverty (IDACI) 58.9% of children in income-deprived families
Below Average Older Person Poverty (IDAOPI) 35.1% of over-60s in income-deprived households
Data from English Indices of Deprivation 2025 · Contains public sector information licensed under the Open Government Licence v3.0

Crime in Peterborough 2,422 crimes · April 2026

High Crime Area

Reported crime in Peterborough is above the national average when measured per capita. Violence & sexual offences dominates the figures, a trend mirrored in many urban centres. Local policing teams work actively in the area, and community initiatives continue to address key concerns.

Violence & Sexual Offences 881
Anti-Social Behaviour 404
Shoplifting 233
Criminal Damage & Arson 189
Public Order 159
Other Theft 124
Vehicle Crime 97
Drugs 90
Burglary 85
Other Crime 65
Weapons 37
Bicycle Theft 24
Robbery 19
Theft from Person 15
Local Policing
Cambridgeshire Peterborough East Visit force website →
Data from data.police.uk · Contains public sector information licensed under the Open Government Licence v3.0
Crime figures depend on reporting by individual police forces and may not reflect the full picture in all areas.

Location

Local Government

District Peterborough
Ward Central
Constituency Peterborough
Parish Peterborough, unparished area
Region East of England

Home Ownership in Peterborough

Of the 114,322 households in and around Peterborough, 61% are owned, 17% are socially rented and 22% are privately rented. Home ownership here is in line with the England and Wales average of 63%.

Owned 61% Social rented 17% Private rented 22%

Tenure from the 2021 Census (ONS), for the postcode districts covering Peterborough.

Frequently Asked Questions about Peterborough

What is the population of Peterborough?
Peterborough has a population of approximately 285,865 residents, based on the latest census figures for the surrounding postcode area.
What is the average house price in Peterborough?
The average property in and around Peterborough sold for about £287,912, based on HM Land Registry Price Paid records. That is around 18% below the England and Wales average of £349,091.
Is Peterborough a deprived area?
Peterborough sits among the more deprived areas in England, with an Index of Multiple Deprivation decile of 3 out of 10, where 1 is the most deprived and 10 the least deprived.
What postcodes cover Peterborough?
Peterborough is covered by the PE1, PE2, PE3, PE4, PE5, PE6, PE7, PE8 postcode districts.
How many schools are there in Peterborough?
There are 12 schools within easy reach of Peterborough, spanning primary, secondary and other phases.