Hertfordshire spans about 1,630 km² (629 sq mi) in England.
Outline from Office for National Statistics and Ordnance Survey data, Open Government Licence v3.0.
Living in Hertfordshire
Hertfordshire is a county in the East of England, located immediately to the north of London and shaped by both its rural past and modern connections. The landscape includes rolling countryside, farmland and woodland, alongside towns that have expanded through transport links and commuting. Despite its proximity to the capital, much of the county retains a settled and well established feel.
The county includes towns such as St Albans, Watford, Hemel Hempstead, Stevenage and Hitchin, each with its own character and history. St Albans is noted for its historic centre and Roman roots, while Stevenage developed as one of the UK’s first new towns. Across Hertfordshire, communities balance local employment, commuting and strong residential identities.
Hertfordshire benefits from a network of rivers, parks and green spaces that support walking, cycling and outdoor leisure. Market towns, villages and countryside remain an important part of daily life, even within more built up areas. Overall, Hertfordshire offers a calm blend of historic settlement, accessible countryside and practical modern living, giving it a steady and enduring place within southern England.
Hertfordshire at a Glance
House Prices in Hertfordshire
The average sold price in Hertfordshire is £530,269 across 34,999 recorded sales, making it the 3rd 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 Hertfordshire 532
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 Hertfordshire?
The average sold price in Hertfordshire is around £530,269. A detached home averages £868,788, a terraced home £417,577 and a flat £284,941.
What is the population of Hertfordshire?
Hertfordshire has a population of about 1,182,100 people, at a density of 725 per square kilometre.
What is the average income in Hertfordshire?
The average household income in Hertfordshire is around £68,578 a year.
How many schools are there in Hertfordshire?
There are 532 schools in Hertfordshire.
Largest Towns in Hertfordshire 12
Location
Elevation & Terrain
Hertfordshire stretches from 79 ft at Waltham Cross up to 725 ft at Wigginton, a span of 646 ft across 543 towns and villages. This reflects notably varied terrain, with clear contrasts between lower valleys and higher ground.
Deprivation Index (IMD)
Average deprivation scores across 51 postcode areas in Hertfordshire. Higher deciles (closer to 10) indicate less deprivation.
Main Towns in Hertfordshire 60
Hertfordshire has 543 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 Hertfordshire.
Postcode Areas in Hertfordshire 8
Hertfordshire is served by 8 postcode areas. Each area contains multiple postcode districts covering different parts of the county.