Shropshire spans about 3,460 km² (1,336 sq mi) in England.
Outline from Office for National Statistics and Ordnance Survey data, Open Government Licence v3.0.
Living in Shropshire
Shropshire is a largely rural county in the West Midlands of England, known for its rolling countryside, historic market towns and long standing agricultural traditions. Bordering Wales to the west, the county has a strong sense of place shaped by hills, river valleys and wide areas of open farmland. Much of Shropshire feels spacious and lightly populated, with settlements spread out across a varied landscape.
The county includes towns such as Shrewsbury, Telford, Oswestry and Ludlow, each serving its surrounding area in different ways. Shrewsbury acts as the county town and has a long history as a centre for trade and administration, while Telford developed more recently as a planned new town. Elsewhere, market towns and villages continue to support local services, small businesses and close knit communities.
Shropshire is strongly associated with its natural surroundings, including the Shropshire Hills and the River Severn, which flows through the county. Walking, cycling and outdoor recreation are widely enjoyed, often in quiet and unspoilt settings. Overall, Shropshire offers a calm and enduring mix of rural landscape, historic settlement and everyday community life, giving it a settled and distinctive character within England.
Shropshire at a Glance
House Prices in Shropshire
The average sold price in Shropshire is £285,707 across 16,832 recorded sales, making it the 34th 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 Shropshire 227
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 Shropshire?
The average sold price in Shropshire is around £285,707. A detached home averages £363,039, a terraced home £183,095 and a flat £137,106.
What is the population of Shropshire?
Shropshire has a population of about 502,842 people, at a density of 145 per square kilometre.
What is the average income in Shropshire?
The average household income in Shropshire is around £50,158 a year.
How many schools are there in Shropshire?
There are 227 schools in Shropshire.
Largest Towns in Shropshire 12
Location
Elevation & Terrain
Shropshire stretches from 92 ft at Lower Forge up to 1,437 ft at Hillside, a span of 1,345 ft across 1,180 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 41 postcode areas in Shropshire. Higher deciles (closer to 10) indicate less deprivation.
Main Towns in Shropshire 60
Shropshire has 1,180 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 Shropshire.
Postcode Areas in Shropshire 8
Shropshire is served by 8 postcode areas. Each area contains multiple postcode districts covering different parts of the county.