North Yorkshire spans about 8,554 km² (3,303 sq mi) in England.
Outline from Office for National Statistics and Ordnance Survey data, Open Government Licence v3.0.
Living in North Yorkshire
North Yorkshire is a large county in the north of England, known for its wide open landscapes, historic towns and strong rural character. It stretches from the Pennines in the west to the North Sea coast in the east, encompassing a varied landscape of moorland, valleys and farmland. Much of the county feels spacious and lightly populated, with settlements spread across a broad and diverse area.
The county includes towns such as York, Harrogate, Scarborough, Northallerton and Skipton, each serving surrounding communities in different ways. York stands out for its historic importance and role as a cultural and economic centre, while coastal towns developed through fishing and tourism. Market towns and villages continue to support local services, agriculture and everyday life across the county.
North Yorkshire is strongly associated with its natural environment, including areas such as the Yorkshire Dales and the North York Moors. Walking, cycling and outdoor recreation are widely enjoyed, often in quiet and scenic surroundings. Overall, North Yorkshire offers a calm and enduring mix of rural landscape, historic settlement and coastal influence, giving it a distinctive and well rooted place within England.
North Yorkshire at a Glance
House Prices in North Yorkshire
The average sold price in North Yorkshire is £279,622 across 37,874 recorded sales, making it the 35th 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 North Yorkshire 510
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 North Yorkshire?
The average sold price in North Yorkshire is around £279,622. A detached home averages £397,644, a terraced home £194,134 and a flat £184,986.
What is the population of North Yorkshire?
North Yorkshire has a population of about 1,140,932 people, at a density of 133 per square kilometre.
What is the average income in North Yorkshire?
The average household income in North Yorkshire is around £49,328 a year.
How many schools are there in North Yorkshire?
There are 510 schools in North Yorkshire.
Largest Towns in North Yorkshire 12
Location
Elevation & Terrain
North Yorkshire stretches from 0 ft at Boulby up to 1,430 ft at Ravenseat, a span of 1,430 ft across 1,199 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 66 postcode areas in North Yorkshire. Higher deciles (closer to 10) indicate less deprivation.
Main Towns in North Yorkshire 60
North Yorkshire has 1,199 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 North Yorkshire.
Postcode Areas in North Yorkshire 9
North Yorkshire is served by 9 postcode areas. Each area contains multiple postcode districts covering different parts of the county.