Cornwall spans about 3,518 km² (1,358 sq mi) in England.
Outline from Office for National Statistics and Ordnance Survey data, Open Government Licence v3.0.
Living in Cornwall
Cornwall is a county in the far south west of England, surrounded by the sea on three sides and shaped by its long and distinctive coastline. The landscape is varied, with rugged cliffs, sandy beaches, sheltered coves and open moorland sitting alongside farmland and small fishing villages. This strong connection to the sea has influenced Cornwall’s history, economy and way of life for centuries.
The county includes towns such as Truro, Penzance, St Austell and Bodmin, along with many smaller coastal and inland communities. Truro serves as the county town, while much of Cornwall’s population is spread across villages and market towns rather than large urban centres. Fishing, farming and mining all played important roles historically, and while these industries have changed, they continue to shape local identity and traditions.
Cornwall is particularly valued for its natural environment, from the open expanses of Bodmin Moor to its extensive coastal paths and beaches. Tourism now plays a significant part in the local economy, supported by the county’s scenery, heritage and slower pace of life. Overall, Cornwall offers a distinctive blend of coastal landscape, rural living and enduring cultural character, giving it a strong and recognisable place within England.
Cornwall at a Glance
House Prices in Cornwall
The average sold price in Cornwall is £338,708 across 19,018 recorded sales, making it the 22nd most expensive of 69 counties.
Source: HM Land Registry Price Paid Data. Figures are averages of recorded sales.
People & Demographics
Age structure
Housing tenure
Source: ONS Census 2021 and model-based income estimates.
Schools in Cornwall 280
Source: Department for Education and Ofsted.
Amenities & Getting Around
Source: NHS, National Rail and Open Charge Map.
Frequently Asked Questions
How much are houses in Cornwall?
The average sold price in Cornwall is around £338,708. A detached home averages £442,495, a terraced home £240,565 and a flat £219,303.
What is the population of Cornwall?
Cornwall has a population of about 570,757 people, at a density of 162 per square kilometre.
What is the average income in Cornwall?
The average household income in Cornwall is around £45,991 a year.
How many schools are there in Cornwall?
There are 280 schools in Cornwall.
Largest Towns in Cornwall 12
Location
Elevation & Terrain
Cornwall stretches from 0 ft at Antony Passage up to 1,165 ft at Sharptor, a span of 1,165 ft across 1,454 towns and villages. This reflects dramatic upland terrain, with a substantial climb from the lowest to the highest places.
Deprivation Index (IMD)
Average deprivation scores across 47 postcode areas in Cornwall. Higher deciles (closer to 10) indicate less deprivation.
Main Towns in Cornwall 60
Cornwall has 1,454 towns, villages and localities in total. The main towns are shown below. You can also browse the full A to Z of every place in Cornwall.
Postcode Areas in Cornwall 3
Cornwall is served by 3 postcode areas. Each area contains multiple postcode districts covering different parts of the county.