Leicester on the map

Leicester built-up area

Built-up area73.7 km² (28.5 sq mi)

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

638,855
Population
223,781
Households
3 / 10
Deprivation decile
More deprived
12
Schools nearby
£51,265
Avg. household income
24,214
Businesses
954
People per km²
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About Leicester

Leicester is a city in Leicestershire, England, located in the East Midlands. It is known for its diverse culture and a mix of modern and historical architecture. The city centre features a variety of shops, restaurants, and entertainment options, making it a lively area for both residents and visitors. The famous Leicester Market is one of the largest outdoor markets in Europe, offering a wide range of goods, from fresh produce to unique crafts.

The city is also home to several notable landmarks, including the King Richard III Visitor Centre, which tells the story of the last Plantagenet king and his rediscovery. Additionally, the Cathedral Church of St. Martin provides insight into the city’s religious heritage. Leicester is well-connected by public transport, making it easy to explore its many attractions and surrounding areas.

School Ratings in Leicester

Families in Leicester have access to 235 local schools. The Children's Hospital School and Beauchamp City Sixth Form are each rated Outstanding by Ofsted. A further 2 schools hold a Good rating.

House Prices in Leicester

Homes sell for an average of £294K locally. Most of the housing is made up of semi-detached homes, averaging £244K.

Crime and Anti-Social Behaviour in Leicester

Crime in the area is higher than the national average. Anti-social behaviour is the leading concern across Leicester, with 938 incidents recorded in May 2026.

Deprivation and Employment in Leicester

The 2025 Index of Multiple Deprivation places Leicester within the more deprived parts of England. Employment rates locally are in line with what is seen across England. Average incomes in the area are typical for England.

Healthcare in Leicester

There are 119 GP surgeries within three miles of Leicester, the nearest being Turning Point Leicestershre County (0.2 miles away).

Property Prices 66,665 sales

Average Price £294K
£100 , £58.8M
Detached £391K 17,979
Semi £244K 23,126
Terraced £200K 17,476
Flat £137K 5,146

Household Income in Leicester ONS 2023

The average total household income in Leicester is approximately £51,265 a year before tax, 7% below the national average of £55,302. After tax and benefits, the average disposable (net) household income is around £37,926. These are modelled estimates from the Office for National Statistics for the financial year ending 2023.

Leicester £51,265
England & Wales avg. £55,302

Net (after tax) household income averages £37,926.

Businesses in Leicester ONS 2025

There are approximately 24,214 active businesses based in Leicester, around 38 for every 1,000 residents. The local economy is dominated by small firms: about 89% are micro-businesses employing fewer than 10 people, while 392 are larger employers with 50 or more staff. Figures are from the Office for National Statistics UK Business Counts.

24,214 Total businesses
38 Per 1,000 residents
Micro, 0-9 89%
Small, 10-49 9%
Medium, 50-249 1%
Large, 250+ 1%

Deprivation and Employment in Leicester IMD 2025

According to the 2025 Index of Multiple Deprivation, Leicester experiences higher levels of deprivation than much of England. Employment and income indicators fall below the national average, though the area benefits from targeted regeneration and community support programmes.

Overall Deprivation
3/10
Income
4/10
Employment
5/10
Education
4/10
Health
3/10
Housing
2/10
Living Environment
3/10
Children 0-15 20%
Working age 64%
Older 65+ 16%
127,303 Children (0-15) 20%
411,204 Working Age 64%
100,368 Older (65+) 16%
Below Average Child Poverty (IDACI) 55.2% of children in income-deprived families
Below Average Older Person Poverty (IDAOPI) 54.9% 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 Leicester 6,436 crimes · May 2026

High Crime Area

Crime figures for Leicester are higher than the England and Wales average, with violence & sexual offences the most prevalent offence recorded. Urban density and footfall contribute to elevated reporting in areas like this. Ongoing investment in policing and community safety programmes aims to improve the picture.

Violence & Sexual Offences 2,245
Anti-Social Behaviour 938
Criminal Damage & Arson 626
Public Order 616
Shoplifting 509
Other Theft 401
Vehicle Crime 343
Burglary 213
Drugs 180
Other Crime 122
Robbery 72
Bicycle Theft 63
Weapons 58
Theft from Person 50
Local Policing
Leicestershire City Centre 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.

Nearest Train Stations 3 stations

Syston Train Station 4.8 miles
Sileby Train Station 6.7 miles
Barrow-Upon-Soar Train Station 7.9 miles

Location

Local Government

District Leicester
Ward Castle
Constituency Leicester South
Parish Leicester, unparished area
Region East Midlands

Home Ownership in Leicester

Of the 237,917 households in and around Leicester, 62% are owned, 16% are socially rented and 22% are privately rented. Home ownership here is in line with the England and Wales average of 63%.

Owned 62% Social rented 16% Private rented 22%

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

Frequently Asked Questions about Leicester

What is the population of Leicester?
Leicester has a population of approximately 638,855 residents, based on the latest census figures for the surrounding postcode area.
What is the average house price in Leicester?
The average property in and around Leicester sold for about £293,949, based on HM Land Registry Price Paid records. That is around 16% below the England and Wales average of £349,091.
Is Leicester a deprived area?
Leicester 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 Leicester?
Leicester is covered by the LE1, LE19, LE2, LE21, LE3, LE4, LE41, LE5, LE6, LE7, LE8, LE87, LE9, LE94, LE95 postcode districts.
How many schools are there in Leicester?
There are 12 schools within easy reach of Leicester, spanning primary, secondary and other phases.
Where is the nearest train station to Leicester?
The nearest railway station to Leicester is Syston Train Station, about 4.8 miles away.