Dumfries and Galloway spans about 6,386 km² (2,466 sq mi) in Scotland.
Outline from Office for National Statistics and Ordnance Survey data, Open Government Licence v3.0.
Living in Dumfries and Galloway
Dumfries and Galloway is a large and predominantly rural county area in the south west of Scotland, known for its open landscapes, coastline and quiet market towns. It borders England to the south and is shaped by rolling hills, forests, rivers and a long, varied coastline along the Solway Firth and Irish Sea. The area feels spacious and lightly populated, with settlements spread across wide stretches of countryside.
The county includes towns such as Dumfries, Stranraer, Annan and Kirkcudbright, each playing a role in supporting local communities and services. Dumfries acts as the main administrative and commercial centre, while other towns developed around ports, agriculture or regional trade. Farming, forestry and tourism remain important to the local economy, helping to sustain everyday life across a large geographic area.
Dumfries and Galloway is shaped by its natural environment, with hills, lochs and rivers providing space for outdoor activity and wildlife. Walking, cycling and coastal pursuits are widely enjoyed, often in quiet and unspoilt surroundings. Overall, the area offers a calm and enduring mix of rural landscape, small town life and strong regional identity, giving it a distinctive and grounded place within Scotland.
Dumfries and Galloway at a Glance
Amenities & Getting Around
Source: NHS, National Rail and Open Charge Map.
Frequently Asked Questions
How much are houses in Dumfries and Galloway?
The average sold price in Dumfries and Galloway is around £0. A detached home averages £305,125, a terraced home £0 and a flat £0.
What is the population of Dumfries and Galloway?
Dumfries and Galloway has a population of about 145,892 people, at a density of 23 per square kilometre.
What is the average income in Dumfries and Galloway?
The average household income in Dumfries and Galloway is around £37,048 a year.
Largest Towns in Dumfries and Galloway 12
Location
Elevation & Terrain
Dumfries and Galloway stretches from 0 ft at Browhouses up to 1,430 ft at Wanlockhead, a span of 1,430 ft across 292 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 1 postcode areas in Dumfries and Galloway. Higher deciles (closer to 10) indicate less deprivation.
Main Towns in Dumfries and Galloway 46
Dumfries and Galloway has 292 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 Dumfries and Galloway.
Postcode Areas in Dumfries and Galloway 2
Dumfries and Galloway is served by 2 postcode areas. Each area contains multiple postcode districts covering different parts of the county.