Somerset spans about 4,145 km² (1,600 sq mi) in England.
Outline from Office for National Statistics and Ordnance Survey data, Open Government Licence v3.0.
Living in Somerset
Somerset is a county in the south west of England, known for its wide open landscapes, agricultural heritage and gently rural character. The county stretches from the Bristol Channel coast inland to rolling hills, river valleys and low lying levels, creating a varied and often peaceful setting. Farming has long played a central role in shaping both the landscape and local communities.
The county includes towns such as Taunton, Yeovil, Bridgwater, Glastonbury and Wells, each contributing to local life in different ways. Taunton serves as the county town and administrative centre, while Wells is known for its historic cathedral and small city character. Elsewhere, market towns and villages support agriculture, local services and traditional industries.
Somerset is strongly associated with its natural environment, including the Somerset Levels, Mendip Hills and areas of open countryside. Walking, cycling and outdoor leisure are widely enjoyed, often alongside rivers, hills and quiet lanes. Overall, Somerset offers a calm and enduring mix of rural landscape, historic settlement and everyday community life, giving it a settled and distinctive place within England.
Somerset at a Glance
House Prices in Somerset
The average sold price in Somerset is £356,768 across 34,252 recorded sales, making it the 19th 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 Somerset 425
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 Somerset?
The average sold price in Somerset is around £356,768. A detached home averages £478,066, a terraced home £276,457 and a flat £206,164.
What is the population of Somerset?
Somerset has a population of about 983,434 people, at a density of 237 per square kilometre.
What is the average income in Somerset?
The average household income in Somerset is around £54,289 a year.
How many schools are there in Somerset?
There are 425 schools in Somerset.
Largest Towns in Somerset 12
Location
Elevation & Terrain
Somerset stretches from 0 ft at Blue Anchor up to 1,227 ft at Gupworthy, a span of 1,227 ft across 1,521 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 63 postcode areas in Somerset. Higher deciles (closer to 10) indicate less deprivation.
Main Towns in Somerset 60
Somerset has 1,521 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 Somerset.
Postcode Areas in Somerset 6
Somerset is served by 6 postcode areas. Each area contains multiple postcode districts covering different parts of the county.