Living in Oxfordshire
Oxfordshire is a historic county in South East England, known for its gently rural character, attractive market towns and long established academic traditions. It borders several neighbouring counties including Buckinghamshire, Warwickshire and Berkshire, and is shaped by a landscape of rolling countryside, river valleys and softly wooded hills. Much of the county is associated with classic English scenery, from stone built villages to wide stretches of open farmland.
At the centre of the county sits the city of Oxford, home to one of the oldest universities in the world and a place that has influenced education, science and public life for centuries. The city continues to draw students and researchers from across the globe, while the wider county includes well known towns such as Banbury, Bicester and Henley on Thames, each with its own pace and character.
Oxfordshire is also defined by its natural setting, particularly the River Thames, which flows through the county and supports both wildlife and leisure activities. Walking, cycling and boating are popular ways to enjoy the area, helped by well maintained paths and waterways. Overall, Oxfordshire offers a calm balance of heritage, landscape and everyday life, making it a quietly appealing place to live and visit.
Largest Towns in Oxfordshire 12
Location
Elevation & Terrain
Oxfordshire stretches from 112 ft at Sonning Eye up to 817 ft at Christmas Common, a span of 705 ft across 618 towns and villages. This reflects notably varied terrain, with clear contrasts between lower valleys and higher ground.
Deprivation Index (IMD)
Average deprivation scores across 35 postcode areas in Oxfordshire. Higher deciles (closer to 10) indicate less deprivation.
Places in Oxfordshire 618
Postcode Areas in Oxfordshire 6
Oxfordshire is served by 6 postcode areas. Each area contains multiple postcode districts covering different parts of the county.