South Yorkshire spans about 1,539 km² (594 sq mi) in England.
Outline from Office for National Statistics and Ordnance Survey data, Open Government Licence v3.0.
Living in South Yorkshire
South Yorkshire is a metropolitan county in the north of England, shaped by its industrial past and varied urban landscape. It lies at the eastern edge of the Pennines, with former coalfields, river valleys and areas of open countryside influencing how settlements developed. While much of the county is urban in character, green spaces and surrounding hills remain an important part of its setting.
The county includes the cities and towns of Sheffield, Rotherham, Doncaster and Barnsley, each with its own history and role within the wider area. Sheffield developed around steelmaking and engineering, while other towns grew through coal mining, railways and manufacturing. Although heavy industry has declined, its influence is still visible in the built environment and strong local identities that continue to shape community life.
South Yorkshire has seen significant regeneration in recent decades, with investment in education, culture, transport and modern employment. Parks, waterways and nearby countryside provide opportunities for walking and outdoor recreation alongside everyday urban life. Taken together, South Yorkshire offers a steady mix of industrial heritage, working towns and evolving city centres, giving it a grounded and resilient character within northern England.
South Yorkshire at a Glance
House Prices in South Yorkshire
The average sold price in South Yorkshire is £210,736 across 43,066 recorded sales, making it the 60th 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 South Yorkshire 520
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 South Yorkshire?
The average sold price in South Yorkshire is around £210,736. A detached home averages £309,958, a terraced home £137,272 and a flat £135,138.
What is the population of South Yorkshire?
South Yorkshire has a population of about 1,376,161 people, at a density of 894 per square kilometre.
What is the average income in South Yorkshire?
The average household income in South Yorkshire is around £45,057 a year.
How many schools are there in South Yorkshire?
There are 520 schools in South Yorkshire.
Largest Towns in South Yorkshire 9
Location
Elevation & Terrain
South Yorkshire stretches from 3 ft at Hatfield Chase up to 1,312 ft at Hollow Meadows, a span of 1,309 ft across 513 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 50 postcode areas in South Yorkshire. Higher deciles (closer to 10) indicate less deprivation.
Main Towns in South Yorkshire 60
South Yorkshire has 513 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 South Yorkshire.
Postcode Areas in South Yorkshire 3
South Yorkshire is served by 3 postcode areas. Each area contains multiple postcode districts covering different parts of the county.