Aberdeenshire spans about 6,266 km² (2,419 sq mi) in Scotland.
Outline from Office for National Statistics and Ordnance Survey data, Open Government Licence v3.0.
Living in Aberdeenshire
Aberdeenshire is a large and diverse county in the north east of Scotland, known for its wide open landscapes, long coastline and strong rural traditions. It surrounds the city of Aberdeen and stretches from the North Sea coast inland to the Cairngorm mountains, giving it an impressive range of scenery. The county includes fertile farmland, rolling hills, forested areas and dramatic upland terrain, all of which have shaped local life over generations.
The county is dotted with small towns and villages such as Peterhead, Fraserburgh, Huntly and Stonehaven, many of which have grown around fishing, farming or local industry. Aberdeenshire has a deep sense of history, reflected in its castles, standing stones and traditional settlements. Agriculture remains an important part of the local economy, alongside energy, tourism and food production, helping to support stable communities across a wide geographic area.
Natural features play a central role in defining Aberdeenshire, from its rugged coastline and sandy beaches to inland rivers such as the Dee, Don and Deveron. Outdoor activities are part of everyday life for many residents, with walking, cycling and wildlife watching widely enjoyed throughout the year. Overall, Aberdeenshire offers a calm and enduring blend of landscape, heritage and working rural life, making it a distinctive and well balanced county within Scotland.
Aberdeenshire at a Glance
Amenities & Getting Around
Source: NHS, National Rail and Open Charge Map.
Frequently Asked Questions
What is the population of Aberdeenshire?
Aberdeenshire has a population of about 256,371 people, at a density of 41 per square kilometre.
Largest Towns in Aberdeenshire 12
Location
Elevation & Terrain
Aberdeenshire stretches from 0 ft at Broadsea up to 1,598 ft at Dunandhu, a span of 1,598 ft across 451 towns and villages. This reflects dramatic upland terrain, with a substantial climb from the lowest to the highest places.
Main Towns in Aberdeenshire 60
Aberdeenshire has 451 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 Aberdeenshire.
Postcode Areas in Aberdeenshire 2
Aberdeenshire is served by 2 postcode areas. Each area contains multiple postcode districts covering different parts of the county.