Herefordshire spans about 2,163 km² (835 sq mi) in England.
Outline from Office for National Statistics and Ordnance Survey data, Open Government Licence v3.0.
Living in Herefordshire
Herefordshire is a largely rural county in the West Midlands of England, known for its agricultural landscape, rolling hills and strong sense of local tradition. It borders Wales to the west and is shaped by fertile farmland, orchards and river valleys, giving much of the county a gentle and spacious feel. Settlement is mostly centred on small towns and villages, with wide areas of open countryside between them.
The city of Hereford serves as the county’s main centre for administration, education and services, supporting a wider network of market towns such as Leominster, Ross on Wye and Ledbury. Farming has long played an important role in the local economy, particularly livestock and fruit production, and continues to shape everyday life across the county. While modern employment has diversified, agriculture remains closely tied to local identity.
Herefordshire is strongly associated with its natural surroundings, including the River Wye and the bordering hills and woodland. Walking, cycling and riverside activities are widely enjoyed, often in quiet and unspoilt settings. Taken together, Herefordshire offers a calm and enduring mix of rural landscape, historic settlement and working countryside, giving it a settled and distinctive character within England.
Herefordshire at a Glance
House Prices in Herefordshire
The average sold price in Herefordshire is £327,177 across 5,760 recorded sales, making it the 23rd 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 Herefordshire 95
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 Herefordshire?
The average sold price in Herefordshire is around £327,177. A detached home averages £410,552, a terraced home £204,784 and a flat £142,637.
What is the population of Herefordshire?
Herefordshire has a population of about 187,551 people, at a density of 87 per square kilometre.
What is the average income in Herefordshire?
The average household income in Herefordshire is around £49,265 a year.
How many schools are there in Herefordshire?
There are 95 schools in Herefordshire.
Largest Towns in Herefordshire 12
Location
Elevation & Terrain
Herefordshire stretches from 89 ft at Leys Hill up to 876 ft at Garway Hill, a span of 787 ft across 675 towns and villages. This reflects notably varied terrain, with clear contrasts between lower valleys and higher ground.
Deprivation Index (IMD)
Average deprivation scores across 18 postcode areas in Herefordshire. Higher deciles (closer to 10) indicate less deprivation.
Main Towns in Herefordshire 48
Herefordshire has 675 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 Herefordshire.
Postcode Areas in Herefordshire 6
Herefordshire is served by 6 postcode areas. Each area contains multiple postcode districts covering different parts of the county.