West Midlands spans about 894 km² (345 sq mi) in England.
Outline from Office for National Statistics and Ordnance Survey data, Open Government Licence v3.0.
Living in West Midlands
The West Midlands is a metropolitan county in central England, shaped by its industrial heritage and dense network of towns and cities. It developed rapidly during the Industrial Revolution, becoming a centre for manufacturing, engineering and trade. While largely urban in character, the county also includes parks, canals and green spaces that reflect its industrial past and support everyday life.
The county includes the cities and towns of Birmingham, Coventry, Wolverhampton, Dudley, Walsall and Solihull, each with its own history and role within the wider area. Birmingham serves as the main economic and cultural centre, while other towns developed around metalworking, automotive manufacturing and related industries. Today, the local economy is more diverse, with employment across business services, education, healthcare, technology and creative sectors.
The West Midlands continues to evolve through regeneration and investment in transport, housing and public spaces. Canals, urban parks and nearby countryside provide opportunities for walking and leisure alongside busy city life. Overall, the West Midlands offers a steady mix of industrial heritage, modern urban living and strong local communities, giving it a distinctive and well established place within England.
West Midlands at a Glance
House Prices in West Midlands
The average sold price in West Midlands is £258,620 across 70,936 recorded sales, making it the 38th 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 West Midlands 1,116
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 West Midlands?
The average sold price in West Midlands is around £258,620. A detached home averages £419,735, a terraced home £191,031 and a flat £156,553.
What is the population of West Midlands?
West Midlands has a population of about 2,913,889 people, at a density of 3,259 per square kilometre.
What is the average income in West Midlands?
The average household income in West Midlands is around £48,336 a year.
How many schools are there in West Midlands?
There are 1,116 schools in West Midlands.
Largest Towns in West Midlands 12
Location
Elevation & Terrain
West Midlands stretches from 217 ft at Finham up to 791 ft at Darby's Hill, a span of 574 ft across 514 towns and villages. This reflects notably varied terrain, with clear contrasts between lower valleys and higher ground.
Deprivation Index (IMD)
Average deprivation scores across 94 postcode areas in West Midlands. Higher deciles (closer to 10) indicate less deprivation.
Main Towns in West Midlands 39
West Midlands has 514 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 West Midlands.
Postcode Areas in West Midlands 5
West Midlands is served by 5 postcode areas. Each area contains multiple postcode districts covering different parts of the county.