Gloucestershire spans about 3,128 km² (1,208 sq mi) in England.
Outline from Office for National Statistics and Ordnance Survey data, Open Government Licence v3.0.
Living in Gloucestershire
Gloucestershire is a county in the south west of England, known for its varied countryside, historic towns and long standing rural traditions. The landscape ranges from rolling farmland and river valleys to higher ground and wooded areas, giving the county a gentle but diverse character. Its position bordering Wales and the Midlands has influenced trade, travel and settlement over many centuries.
The county includes towns such as Gloucester, Cheltenham, Stroud, Cirencester and Tewkesbury, each supporting surrounding communities in different ways. Gloucester serves as the county town with a long history linked to the River Severn, while Cheltenham developed as a spa town and later a cultural and commercial centre. Elsewhere, market towns and villages continue to play an important role in everyday life and local identity.
Gloucestershire is strongly shaped by its natural surroundings, including river landscapes, open countryside and areas of protected land. Walking, cycling and outdoor recreation are widely enjoyed, often along quiet lanes, riverside paths and well used footpaths. Overall, Gloucestershire offers a calm and enduring mix of rural landscape, historic settlement and working communities, giving it a settled and well balanced character within England.
Gloucestershire at a Glance
House Prices in Gloucestershire
The average sold price in Gloucestershire is £370,060 across 33,760 recorded sales, making it the 15th 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 Gloucestershire 428
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 Gloucestershire?
The average sold price in Gloucestershire is around £370,060. A detached home averages £509,802, a terraced home £274,594 and a flat £196,024.
What is the population of Gloucestershire?
Gloucestershire has a population of about 936,637 people, at a density of 299 per square kilometre.
What is the average income in Gloucestershire?
The average household income in Gloucestershire is around £56,486 a year.
How many schools are there in Gloucestershire?
There are 428 schools in Gloucestershire.
Largest Towns in Gloucestershire 12
Location
Elevation & Terrain
Gloucestershire stretches from 0 ft at Beachley up to 922 ft at Stockwell, a span of 922 ft across 1,038 towns and villages. This reflects notably varied terrain, with clear contrasts between lower valleys and higher ground.
Deprivation Index (IMD)
Average deprivation scores across 48 postcode areas in Gloucestershire. Higher deciles (closer to 10) indicate less deprivation.
Main Towns in Gloucestershire 60
Gloucestershire has 1,038 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 Gloucestershire.
Postcode Areas in Gloucestershire 8
Gloucestershire is served by 8 postcode areas. Each area contains multiple postcode districts covering different parts of the county.