Oxfordshire spans about 2,583 km² (997 sq mi) in England.
Outline from Office for National Statistics and Ordnance Survey data, Open Government Licence v3.0.
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.
Oxfordshire at a Glance
House Prices in Oxfordshire
The average sold price in Oxfordshire is £469,753 across 21,753 recorded sales, making it the 6th 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 Oxfordshire 293
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 Oxfordshire?
The average sold price in Oxfordshire is around £469,753. A detached home averages £632,531, a terraced home £369,510 and a flat £260,477.
What is the population of Oxfordshire?
Oxfordshire has a population of about 724,367 people, at a density of 280 per square kilometre.
What is the average income in Oxfordshire?
The average household income in Oxfordshire is around £66,653 a year.
How many schools are there in Oxfordshire?
There are 293 schools in Oxfordshire.
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.
Main Towns in Oxfordshire 60
Oxfordshire has 618 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 Oxfordshire.
Postcode Areas in Oxfordshire 6
Oxfordshire is served by 6 postcode areas. Each area contains multiple postcode districts covering different parts of the county.