Cities in the UK
Last updated 25 September 2026
All 66 cities in the UK with more than 100,000 residents: the official population, a short profile and the crime rate recorded by the police, set against the rate for their own nation.
Local authority areas with at least 100,000 residents on 30 June 2025 whose area is essentially one named city or town (England and Wales: ONS districts; Scotland: council areas; Northern Ireland: districts).
How to read the figures
- Population is the latest official figure from ONS, National Records of Scotland and NISRA.
- The crime rate is: police-recorded crime per 1,000 residents, year to March 2026, from ONS (England and Wales), the Scottish Government (Scotland) and PSNI (Northern Ireland). National rate: England and Wales 84.7, Scotland 56.9, Northern Ireland 49.0.
- England and Wales, Scotland and Northern Ireland count crime under different rules, so each city is compared with its own nation: England and Wales 84.7 (excluding fraud), Scotland 56.9, Northern Ireland 49. Rates cover the whole local authority, including offences against commuters and visitors.
- Compare cities within the UK only: every country defines and records crime differently.
- The figure is not your personal risk: offences are counted where they happen, so city centres with many commuters and visitors record higher rates.
All 66 cities
| City | Region | Residents | Crime rate |
|---|---|---|---|
| London | London, England | 9,122,909 | 101.8 |
| Birmingham | West Midlands, England | 1,176,960 | 114.2 |
| Leeds | West Yorkshire, Yorkshire and The Humber, England | 840,550 | 114.6 |
| Glasgow | Scotland | 654,330 | 84.9 (Scotland 56.9) |
| Manchester | Greater Manchester, North West England | 588,256 | 142.7 |
| Sheffield | South Yorkshire, Yorkshire and The Humber, England | 579,517 | 96.9 |
| Bradford | West Yorkshire, Yorkshire and The Humber, England | 557,758 | 117.0 |
| Edinburgh | Scotland | 531,370 | 74.4 (Scotland 56.9) |
| Liverpool | Merseyside, North West England | 507,915 | 124.1 |
| Bristol | South West England | 495,260 | 131.0 |
| Leicester | East Midlands, England | 383,116 | 110.0 |
| Cardiff | Wales | 381,516 | 93.8 |
| Coventry | West Midlands, England | 364,766 | 88.4 |
| Belfast | Northern Ireland | 351,927 | 88.0 (Northern Ireland 49.0) |
| Nottingham | East Midlands, England | 325,765 | 124.9 |
| Newcastle upon Tyne | Tyne and Wear, North East England | 320,838 | 107.4 |
| Bolton | Greater Manchester, North West England | 309,732 | 98.0 |
| Milton Keynes | South East England | 308,866 | 87.8 |
| Sunderland | Tyne and Wear, North East England | 287,070 | 93.6 |
| Brighton and Hove | South East England | 284,170 | 99.8 |
| Wolverhampton | West Midlands, England | 281,434 | 92.0 |
| Derby | East Midlands, England | 275,344 | 111.5 |
| Hull | Yorkshire and The Humber, England | 273,257 | 121.5 |
| Stoke-on-Trent | West Midlands, England | 272,282 | 111.0 |
| Plymouth | South West England | 271,361 | 93.1 |
| Southampton | South East England | 259,230 | 120.1 |
| Swansea | Wales | 249,429 | 74.2 |
| Swindon | South West England | 245,286 | 69.6 |
| Luton | East of England | 236,380 | 82.2 |
| Aberdeen | Scotland | 230,180 | 66.7 (Scotland 56.9) |
| Peterborough | East of England | 224,757 | 106.3 |
| Warrington | North West England | 215,425 | 70.4 |
| Portsmouth | South East England | 211,475 | 112.7 |
| York | Yorkshire and The Humber, England | 209,118 | 65.7 |
| Colchester | Essex, East of England | 201,163 | 82.6 |
| Basildon | Essex, East of England | 193,489 | 84.8 |
| Maidstone | Kent, South East England | 191,415 | – |
| Chelmsford | Essex, East of England | 190,570 | 70.4 |
| Southend-on-Sea | East of England | 185,214 | 96.5 |
| Reading | South East England | 183,762 | 97.9 |
| Newport | Wales | 168,584 | 109.4 |
| Slough | South East England | 167,450 | 88.3 |
| Oxford | Oxfordshire, South East England | 165,940 | 96.3 |
| Preston | Lancashire, North West England | 164,498 | 98.7 |
| Middlesbrough | North East England | 152,795 | 150.0 |
| Cambridge | Cambridgeshire, East of England | 149,872 | 91.7 |
| Dundee | Scotland | 148,390 | 92.9 (Scotland 56.9) |
| Norwich | Norfolk, East of England | 145,676 | 108.9 |
| Blackpool | North West England | 143,492 | 145.8 |
| Ashford | Kent, South East England | 142,523 | 65.3 |
| Ipswich | Suffolk, East of England | 139,457 | 90.5 |
| Gloucester | Gloucestershire, South West England | 138,565 | 107.3 |
| Exeter | Devon, South West England | 137,894 | 96.1 |
| Newcastle-under-Lyme | Staffordshire, West Midlands, England | 128,093 | 70.5 |
| Rugby | Warwickshire, West Midlands, England | 125,594 | 55.1 |
| Crawley | West Sussex, South East England | 124,462 | 109.2 |
| Cheltenham | Gloucestershire, South West England | 121,452 | 79.7 |
| Worthing | West Sussex, South East England | 113,844 | 80.3 |
| Darlington | North East England | 113,402 | 91.0 |
| Watford | Hertfordshire, East of England | 107,658 | 86.7 |
| Worcester | Worcestershire, West Midlands, England | 106,954 | – |
| Chesterfield | Derbyshire, East Midlands, England | 106,419 | 100.7 |
| Woking | Surrey, South East England | 106,197 | 62.3 |
| Eastbourne | East Sussex, South East England | 103,894 | 110.4 |
| Lincoln | Lincolnshire, East Midlands, England | 103,351 | 116.6 |
| Burnley | Lancashire, North West England | 100,946 | 107.4 |
The cities, from largest
London
London, England · 9,122,909 residents on 30 June 2025.
Greater London has 33 local authorities, the 32 London boroughs and the City of London Corporation, alongside the Mayor of London and the London Assembly. It is the seat of the UK Parliament and is served by Heathrow, Britain's aviation hub.
Police-recorded crime per 1,000 residents, year to March 2026: London 101.8, England and Wales 84.7.
Sources – population: ONS · Crime: ONS · About the city: Greater London Authority – How we work for London, UK Parliament – Visiting Parliament, Heathrow – About Heathrow
Birmingham
West Midlands, England · 1,176,960 residents on 30 June 2025.
Birmingham is a city in the West Midlands and the most populous local authority district in the United Kingdom. It is home to the University of Birmingham, Aston University and Birmingham City University.
Police-recorded crime per 1,000 residents, year to March 2026: Birmingham 114.2, England and Wales 84.7.
Sources – population: ONS · Crime: ONS · About the city: University of Birmingham, Aston University, Birmingham City University
Leeds
West Yorkshire, Yorkshire and The Humber, England · 840,550 residents on 30 June 2025.
Leeds is a city in West Yorkshire and the most populous local authority district in Yorkshire and The Humber. It is home to the University of Leeds and Leeds Beckett University, and is served by Leeds Bradford Airport.
Police-recorded crime per 1,000 residents, year to March 2026: Leeds 114.6, England and Wales 84.7.
Sources – population: ONS · Crime: ONS · About the city: University of Leeds, Leeds Beckett University, Leeds Bradford Airport
Glasgow
Scotland · 654,330 residents on 30 June 2025.
Glasgow is a city and the most populous council area in Scotland. It is home to the University of Glasgow and the University of Strathclyde.
Police-recorded crime per 1,000 residents, year to March 2026: Glasgow 84.9, Scotland 56.9.
Sources – population: National Records of Scotland · Crime: Scottish Government · About the city: University of Glasgow, University of Strathclyde, Glasgow, National Records of Scotland – Mid-2025 population estimates
Manchester
Greater Manchester, North West England · 588,256 residents on 30 June 2025.
Manchester is a city in North West England and the most populous district of Greater Manchester. It is home to the University of Manchester and Manchester Metropolitan University, and is served by Manchester Airport.
Police-recorded crime per 1,000 residents, year to March 2026: Manchester 142.7, England and Wales 84.7.
Sources – population: ONS · Crime: ONS · About the city: The University of Manchester, Manchester Metropolitan University, Manchester Airport
Sheffield
South Yorkshire, Yorkshire and The Humber, England · 579,517 residents on 30 June 2025.
Sheffield is a city in Yorkshire and The Humber and the most populous district of South Yorkshire. It is home to the University of Sheffield and Sheffield Hallam University.
Police-recorded crime per 1,000 residents, year to March 2026: Sheffield 96.9, England and Wales 84.7.
Sources – population: ONS · Crime: ONS · About the city: The University of Sheffield, Sheffield Hallam University, ONS – Estimates of the population for England and Wales, mid-2025
Bradford
West Yorkshire, Yorkshire and The Humber, England · 557,758 residents on 30 June 2025.
Bradford is a city in West Yorkshire and was UK City of Culture for 2025. It is home to the University of Bradford.
Police-recorded crime per 1,000 residents, year to March 2026: Bradford 117.0, England and Wales 84.7.
Sources – population: ONS · Crime: ONS · About the city: GOV.UK – Bradford crowned UK City of Culture 2025, University of Bradford
Edinburgh
Scotland · 531,370 residents on 30 June 2025.
Edinburgh is the seat of the Scottish Parliament, at Holyrood, and of the Scottish Government. It is home to the University of Edinburgh.
Police-recorded crime per 1,000 residents, year to March 2026: Edinburgh 74.4, Scotland 56.9.
Sources – population: National Records of Scotland · Crime: Scottish Government · About the city: Scottish Parliament – Visit, Scottish Government – Contact, The University of Edinburgh
Liverpool
Merseyside, North West England · 507,915 residents on 30 June 2025.
Liverpool is a port city on the River Mersey and the most populous district of Merseyside. It is home to the University of Liverpool and Liverpool John Moores University.
Police-recorded crime per 1,000 residents, year to March 2026: Liverpool 124.1, England and Wales 84.7.
Sources – population: ONS · Crime: ONS · About the city: Peel Ports – Port of Liverpool, University of Liverpool, Liverpool John Moores University
Bristol
South West England · 495,260 residents on 30 June 2025.
Bristol is a city in South West England. It is home to the University of Bristol and the University of the West of England (UWE Bristol).
Police-recorded crime per 1,000 residents, year to March 2026: Bristol 131.0, England and Wales 84.7.
Sources – population: ONS · Crime: ONS · About the city: University of Bristol, University of the West of England Bristol, Cabinet Office – List of cities (GOV.UK)
Leicester
East Midlands, England · 383,116 residents on 30 June 2025.
Leicester is a city in the East Midlands of England. It is home to the University of Leicester and De Montfort University.
Police-recorded crime per 1,000 residents, year to March 2026: Leicester 110.0, England and Wales 84.7.
Sources – population: ONS · Crime: ONS · About the city: University of Leicester, De Montfort University, Cabinet Office – List of cities (GOV.UK)
Cardiff (Cardiff / Caerdydd)
Wales · 381,516 residents on 30 June 2025.
Cardiff is the capital of Wales and its most populous local authority, and the Senedd (Welsh Parliament) is in Cardiff Bay. It is home to Cardiff University and Cardiff Metropolitan University.
Police-recorded crime per 1,000 residents, year to March 2026: Cardiff 93.8, England and Wales 84.7.
Sources – population: ONS · Crime: ONS · About the city: Cardiff University, Senedd Cymru – Visit, Cardiff Metropolitan University
Coventry
West Midlands, England · 364,766 residents on 30 June 2025.
Coventry is a city in the West Midlands where Jaguar Land Rover has its registered office. It is home to Coventry University and the University of Warwick.
Police-recorded crime per 1,000 residents, year to March 2026: Coventry 88.4, England and Wales 84.7.
Sources – population: ONS · Crime: ONS · About the city: JLR corporate website, Coventry University, University of Warwick
Belfast
Northern Ireland · 351,927 residents on 30 June 2025.
Belfast is the capital city of Northern Ireland, and the Northern Ireland Assembly is based at Parliament Buildings on the Stormont Estate in the city. It is home to Queen's University Belfast and a campus of Ulster University.
Police-recorded crime per 1,000 residents, year to March 2026: Belfast 88.0, Northern Ireland 49.0. Rate calculated by Relocate in Europe from the official count and the official population.
Sources – population: NISRA · Crime: PSNI · About the city: Queen's University Belfast, Northern Ireland Assembly – Visit, Ulster University
Nottingham
East Midlands, England · 325,765 residents on 30 June 2025.
Nottingham is a city in the East Midlands of England. It is home to the University of Nottingham and Nottingham Trent University.
Police-recorded crime per 1,000 residents, year to March 2026: Nottingham 124.9, England and Wales 84.7.
Sources – population: ONS · Crime: ONS · About the city: University of Nottingham, Nottingham Trent University, Cabinet Office – List of cities (GOV.UK)
Newcastle upon Tyne
Tyne and Wear, North East England · 320,838 residents on 30 June 2025.
Newcastle upon Tyne is a city in North East England and the most populous district of Tyne and Wear. It is home to Newcastle University and Northumbria University.
Police-recorded crime per 1,000 residents, year to March 2026: Newcastle upon Tyne 107.4, England and Wales 84.7.
Sources – population: ONS · Crime: ONS · About the city: Newcastle University, Northumbria University, ONS – Estimates of the population for England and Wales, mid-2025
Bolton
Greater Manchester, North West England · 309,732 residents on 30 June 2025.
Bolton is a town in Greater Manchester, North West England. It is home to the University of Greater Manchester, whose campus is on Deane Road in Bolton.
Police-recorded crime per 1,000 residents, year to March 2026: Bolton 98.0, England and Wales 84.7.
Sources – population: ONS · Crime: ONS · About the city: University of Greater Manchester, ONS – Estimates of the population for England and Wales, mid-2025
Milton Keynes
South East England · 308,866 residents on 30 June 2025.
Milton Keynes, in South East England, was granted city status in 2022. The Open University has its headquarters at Walton Hall in Milton Keynes.
Police-recorded crime per 1,000 residents, year to March 2026: Milton Keynes 87.8, England and Wales 84.7.
Sources – population: ONS · Crime: ONS · About the city: GOV.UK – Record number of city status winners announced to celebrate Platinum Jubilee, The Open University – About
Sunderland
Tyne and Wear, North East England · 287,070 residents on 30 June 2025.
Sunderland is a city in Tyne and Wear, North East England. It is home to the University of Sunderland.
Police-recorded crime per 1,000 residents, year to March 2026: Sunderland 93.6, England and Wales 84.7.
Sources – population: ONS · Crime: ONS · About the city: University of Sunderland, Cabinet Office – List of cities (GOV.UK), ONS – Estimates of the population for England and Wales, mid-2025
Brighton and Hove
South East England · 284,170 residents on 30 June 2025.
Brighton and Hove is a city in South East England. It is home to the University of Brighton and the University of Sussex.
Police-recorded crime per 1,000 residents, year to March 2026: Brighton and Hove 99.8, England and Wales 84.7.
Sources – population: ONS · Crime: ONS · About the city: University of Brighton, University of Sussex, Cabinet Office – List of cities (GOV.UK)
Wolverhampton
West Midlands, England · 281,434 residents on 30 June 2025.
Wolverhampton is a city in the West Midlands of England. It is home to the University of Wolverhampton.
Police-recorded crime per 1,000 residents, year to March 2026: Wolverhampton 92.0, England and Wales 84.7.
Sources – population: ONS · Crime: ONS · About the city: University of Wolverhampton, Cabinet Office – List of cities (GOV.UK)
Derby
East Midlands, England · 275,344 residents on 30 June 2025.
Derby is a city in the East Midlands of England. It is home to the University of Derby.
Police-recorded crime per 1,000 residents, year to March 2026: Derby 111.5, England and Wales 84.7.
Sources – population: ONS · Crime: ONS · About the city: University of Derby, Cabinet Office – List of cities (GOV.UK)
Hull (Kingston upon Hull)
Yorkshire and The Humber, England · 273,257 residents on 30 June 2025.
Kingston upon Hull is a city on the Humber, where Associated British Ports operates the Port of Hull. It is home to the University of Hull.
Police-recorded crime per 1,000 residents, year to March 2026: Hull 121.5, England and Wales 84.7.
Sources – population: ONS · Crime: ONS · About the city: Associated British Ports – Hull, University of Hull, Cabinet Office – List of cities (GOV.UK)
Stoke-on-Trent
West Midlands, England · 272,282 residents on 30 June 2025.
Stoke-on-Trent is a city in the West Midlands of England whose museums include the Potteries Museum and Art Gallery and the Gladstone Pottery Museum. The University of Staffordshire has a campus in the city.
Police-recorded crime per 1,000 residents, year to March 2026: Stoke-on-Trent 111.0, England and Wales 84.7.
Sources – population: ONS · Crime: ONS · About the city: Stoke-on-Trent City Council, University of Staffordshire
Plymouth
South West England · 271,361 residents on 30 June 2025.
Plymouth is a city in Devon, South West England, and the location of HM Naval Base Devonport, which the Ministry of Defence describes as the largest naval base in Western Europe. The University of Plymouth is based in the city.
Police-recorded crime per 1,000 residents, year to March 2026: Plymouth 93.1, England and Wales 84.7.
Sources – population: ONS · Crime: ONS · About the city: GOV.UK (Ministry of Defence) – Defence Secretary visits largest Navy base in Western Europe, University of Plymouth
Southampton
South East England · 259,230 residents on 30 June 2025.
Southampton is a port city in South East England, where Associated British Ports operates the Port of Southampton. It is home to the University of Southampton and Southampton Solent University.
Police-recorded crime per 1,000 residents, year to March 2026: Southampton 120.1, England and Wales 84.7.
Sources – population: ONS · Crime: ONS · About the city: Associated British Ports – Southampton, University of Southampton, Southampton Solent University
Swansea (Swansea / Abertawe)
Wales · 249,429 residents on 30 June 2025.
Swansea is a city in Wales where the Driver and Vehicle Licensing Agency (DVLA) is based. It is home to Swansea University.
Police-recorded crime per 1,000 residents, year to March 2026: Swansea 74.2, England and Wales 84.7.
Sources – population: ONS · Crime: ONS · About the city: GOV.UK – Driver and Vehicle Licensing Agency, Swansea University, Cabinet Office – List of cities (GOV.UK)
Swindon
South West England · 245,286 residents on 30 June 2025.
Swindon is a town in South West England. Nationwide Building Society has its head office in the town.
Police-recorded crime per 1,000 residents, year to March 2026: Swindon 69.6, England and Wales 84.7.
Sources – population: ONS · Crime: ONS · About the city: Nationwide Building Society, ONS – Estimates of the population for England and Wales, mid-2025
Luton
East of England · 236,380 residents on 30 June 2025.
Luton is a town in the East of England and the location of London Luton Airport. The University of Bedfordshire is based at University Square in Luton.
Police-recorded crime per 1,000 residents, year to March 2026: Luton 82.2, England and Wales 84.7.
Sources – population: ONS · Crime: ONS · About the city: London Luton Airport, University of Bedfordshire
Aberdeen
Scotland · 230,180 residents on 30 June 2025.
Aberdeen is a port city in Scotland, and the Port of Aberdeen serves the oil and gas, renewables and decommissioning sectors. It is home to the University of Aberdeen and Robert Gordon University.
Police-recorded crime per 1,000 residents, year to March 2026: Aberdeen 66.7, Scotland 56.9.
Sources – population: National Records of Scotland · Crime: Scottish Government · About the city: Port of Aberdeen, University of Aberdeen, Robert Gordon University
Peterborough
East of England · 224,757 residents on 30 June 2025.
Peterborough is a city in the East of England. Anglia Ruskin University (ARU) has a campus in the city.
Police-recorded crime per 1,000 residents, year to March 2026: Peterborough 106.3, England and Wales 84.7.
Sources – population: ONS · Crime: ONS · About the city: Anglia Ruskin University, Cabinet Office – List of cities (GOV.UK)
Warrington
North West England · 215,425 residents on 30 June 2025.
Warrington is a town in North West England. Warrington Hospital is run by North Cheshire and Mersey NHS Foundation Trust.
Police-recorded crime per 1,000 residents, year to March 2026: Warrington 70.4, England and Wales 84.7.
Sources – population: ONS · Crime: ONS · About the city: North Cheshire and Mersey NHS Foundation Trust – Our locations, ONS – Estimates of the population for England and Wales, mid-2025
Portsmouth
South East England · 211,475 residents on 30 June 2025.
Portsmouth is a city in South East England and the location of HM Naval Base Portsmouth, one of the Royal Navy's three main naval bases. The University of Portsmouth is based in the city.
Police-recorded crime per 1,000 residents, year to March 2026: Portsmouth 112.7, England and Wales 84.7.
Sources – population: ONS · Crime: ONS · About the city: GOV.UK (Ministry of Defence) – £26 billion investment in UK naval bases, University of Portsmouth, Cabinet Office – List of cities (GOV.UK)
York
Yorkshire and The Humber, England · 209,118 residents on 30 June 2025.
York is a city in Yorkshire and The Humber and the location of York Minster. It is home to the University of York and York St John University.
Police-recorded crime per 1,000 residents, year to March 2026: York 65.7, England and Wales 84.7.
Sources – population: ONS · Crime: ONS · About the city: York Minster, University of York, York St John University
Colchester
Essex, East of England · 201,163 residents on 30 June 2025.
Colchester, in Essex, was granted city status in 2022. The University of Essex has its Colchester campus in the city.
Police-recorded crime per 1,000 residents, year to March 2026: Colchester 82.6, England and Wales 84.7.
Sources – population: ONS · Crime: ONS · About the city: GOV.UK – Record number of city status winners announced to celebrate Platinum Jubilee, University of Essex
Basildon
Essex, East of England · 193,489 residents on 30 June 2025.
Basildon is a borough in Essex, East of England, made up mainly of the towns of Basildon, Billericay and Wickford. At the 2021 Census about 62% of its residents lived in the Basildon built-up area.
Police-recorded crime per 1,000 residents, year to March 2026: Basildon 84.8, England and Wales 84.7.
Sources – population: ONS · Crime: ONS · About the city: ONS – Towns and cities, characteristics of built-up areas, England and Wales: Census 2021 (dataset), ONS Open Geography Portal – Output Area (2021) to BUA to LAD to Region (December 2022) Best Fit Lookup, Nomis – Census 2021 TS001 usual residents by output area
Maidstone
Kent, South East England · 191,415 residents on 30 June 2025.
Maidstone is a town in Kent, South East England. MidKent College has its Maidstone Campus and University Centre Maidstone in the town.
Not available. Since 2024, because of IT problems at Kent Police, crime in Maidstone has been recorded under an “Unassigned Kent” group, so ONS publishes no usable figure for the town. England and Wales: 84.7.
Sources – population: ONS · Crime: ONS · About the city: MidKent College, ONS – Estimates of the population for England and Wales, mid-2025
Chelmsford
Essex, East of England · 190,570 residents on 30 June 2025.
Chelmsford, in Essex, was granted city status in 2012, and Essex County Council is based at County Hall in the city. Anglia Ruskin University has a campus in Chelmsford.
Police-recorded crime per 1,000 residents, year to March 2026: Chelmsford 70.4, England and Wales 84.7.
Sources – population: ONS · Crime: ONS · About the city: GOV.UK – Results of Diamond Jubilee Civic Honours Competition announced, Essex County Council – Contact us, Anglia Ruskin University
Southend-on-Sea
East of England · 185,214 residents on 30 June 2025.
Southend-on-Sea, in the East of England, was awarded city status in honour of Sir David Amess MP. It is served by London Southend Airport.
Police-recorded crime per 1,000 residents, year to March 2026: Southend-on-Sea 96.5, England and Wales 84.7.
Sources – population: ONS · Crime: ONS · About the city: GOV.UK – List of cities, London Southend Airport
Reading
South East England · 183,762 residents on 30 June 2025.
Reading is a town in South East England. It is home to the University of Reading.
Police-recorded crime per 1,000 residents, year to March 2026: Reading 97.9, England and Wales 84.7.
Sources – population: ONS · Crime: ONS · About the city: University of Reading, ONS – Estimates of the population for England and Wales, mid-2025
Newport (Newport / Casnewydd)
Wales · 168,584 residents on 30 June 2025.
Newport is a city in South Wales where the Office for National Statistics has offices. The University of South Wales has a campus in the city.
Police-recorded crime per 1,000 residents, year to March 2026: Newport 109.4, England and Wales 84.7.
Sources – population: ONS · Crime: ONS · About the city: ONS – General and statistical enquiries, University of South Wales, Cabinet Office – List of cities (GOV.UK)
Slough
South East England · 167,450 residents on 30 June 2025.
Slough is a town in South East England. It is home to SEGRO's Slough Trading Estate.
Police-recorded crime per 1,000 residents, year to March 2026: Slough 88.3, England and Wales 84.7.
Sources – population: ONS · Crime: ONS · About the city: SEGRO, ONS – Estimates of the population for England and Wales, mid-2025
Oxford
Oxfordshire, South East England · 165,940 residents on 30 June 2025.
Oxford is a city in Oxfordshire, South East England, and the base of Oxfordshire County Council. It is home to the University of Oxford and Oxford Brookes University.
Police-recorded crime per 1,000 residents, year to March 2026: Oxford 96.3, England and Wales 84.7.
Sources – population: ONS · Crime: ONS · About the city: Oxfordshire County Council, University of Oxford, Oxford Brookes University
Preston
Lancashire, North West England · 164,498 residents on 30 June 2025.
Preston is a city in Lancashire, North West England, and the base of Lancashire County Council. It is home to the University of Lancashire.
Police-recorded crime per 1,000 residents, year to March 2026: Preston 98.7, England and Wales 84.7.
Sources – population: ONS · Crime: ONS · About the city: Lancashire County Council, University of Lancashire, Cabinet Office – List of cities (GOV.UK)
Middlesbrough
North East England · 152,795 residents on 30 June 2025.
Middlesbrough is a town in North East England. It is home to Teesside University.
Police-recorded crime per 1,000 residents, year to March 2026: Middlesbrough 150.0, England and Wales 84.7.
Sources – population: ONS · Crime: ONS · About the city: Teesside University, ONS – Estimates of the population for England and Wales, mid-2025
Cambridge
Cambridgeshire, East of England · 149,872 residents on 30 June 2025.
Cambridge is a city in Cambridgeshire, East of England. It is home to the University of Cambridge and Anglia Ruskin University.
Police-recorded crime per 1,000 residents, year to March 2026: Cambridge 91.7, England and Wales 84.7.
Sources – population: ONS · Crime: ONS · About the city: University of Cambridge, Anglia Ruskin University, Cabinet Office – List of cities (GOV.UK)
Dundee
Scotland · 148,390 residents on 30 June 2025.
Dundee is a city in Scotland. It is home to the University of Dundee and Abertay University.
Police-recorded crime per 1,000 residents, year to March 2026: Dundee 92.9, Scotland 56.9.
Sources – population: National Records of Scotland · Crime: Scottish Government · About the city: University of Dundee, Abertay University, Cabinet Office – List of cities (GOV.UK)
Norwich
Norfolk, East of England · 145,676 residents on 30 June 2025.
Norwich is a cathedral city in Norfolk, East of England, and the base of Norfolk County Council. The University of East Anglia is located at Norwich Research Park.
Police-recorded crime per 1,000 residents, year to March 2026: Norwich 108.9, England and Wales 84.7.
Sources – population: ONS · Crime: ONS · About the city: Norwich Cathedral, Norfolk County Council – Contact us, University of East Anglia
Blackpool
North West England · 143,492 residents on 30 June 2025.
Blackpool is a town in North West England. It is home to Blackpool and The Fylde College.
Police-recorded crime per 1,000 residents, year to March 2026: Blackpool 145.8, England and Wales 84.7.
Sources – population: ONS · Crime: ONS · About the city: Blackpool and The Fylde College, ONS – Estimates of the population for England and Wales, mid-2025
Ashford
Kent, South East England · 142,523 residents on 30 June 2025.
Ashford is a town in Kent, South East England. International trains pass through but no longer stop at Ashford International station, and the borough council is campaigning for their return.
Police-recorded crime per 1,000 residents, year to March 2026: Ashford 65.3, England and Wales 84.7.
Sources – population: ONS · Crime: ONS · About the city: Ashford Borough Council – Bring Back the Eurostar Campaign, ONS – Estimates of the population for England and Wales, mid-2025
Ipswich
Suffolk, East of England · 139,457 residents on 30 June 2025.
Ipswich is a port town on the River Orwell and the base of Suffolk County Council. It is home to the University of Suffolk.
Police-recorded crime per 1,000 residents, year to March 2026: Ipswich 90.5, England and Wales 84.7.
Sources – population: ONS · Crime: ONS · About the city: Associated British Ports – Ipswich, Suffolk County Council, University of Suffolk
Gloucester
Gloucestershire, South West England · 138,565 residents on 30 June 2025.
Gloucester is a cathedral city in Gloucestershire, South West England. The University of Gloucestershire has campuses in the city.
Police-recorded crime per 1,000 residents, year to March 2026: Gloucester 107.3, England and Wales 84.7.
Sources – population: ONS · Crime: ONS · About the city: Gloucester Cathedral, University of Gloucestershire, Cabinet Office – List of cities (GOV.UK)
Exeter
Devon, South West England · 137,894 residents on 30 June 2025.
Exeter is a city in Devon, South West England, and the base of Devon County Council and the Met Office. It is home to the University of Exeter.
Police-recorded crime per 1,000 residents, year to March 2026: Exeter 96.1, England and Wales 84.7.
Sources – population: ONS · Crime: ONS · About the city: Devon County Council, Met Office – Contact, University of Exeter
Newcastle-under-Lyme
Staffordshire, West Midlands, England · 128,093 residents on 30 June 2025.
Newcastle-under-Lyme is a town in Staffordshire, West Midlands. The borough includes Keele, home to Keele University.
Police-recorded crime per 1,000 residents, year to March 2026: Newcastle-under-Lyme 70.5, England and Wales 84.7.
Sources – population: ONS · Crime: ONS · About the city: Newcastle-under-Lyme Borough Council, Keele University, ONS – Estimates of the population for England and Wales, mid-2025
Rugby
Warwickshire, West Midlands, England · 125,594 residents on 30 June 2025.
Rugby is a town in Warwickshire, West Midlands. It is home to Rugby School, one of the original seven public schools in England.
Police-recorded crime per 1,000 residents, year to March 2026: Rugby 55.1, England and Wales 84.7.
Sources – population: ONS · Crime: ONS · About the city: Rugby School, ONS – Estimates of the population for England and Wales, mid-2025
Crawley
West Sussex, South East England · 124,462 residents on 30 June 2025.
Crawley is a town in West Sussex, South East England. Gatwick Airport, the UK's second airport, is located within the borough.
Police-recorded crime per 1,000 residents, year to March 2026: Crawley 109.2, England and Wales 84.7.
Sources – population: ONS · Crime: ONS · About the city: Crawley Borough Council – Transport and streets, ONS – Estimates of the population for England and Wales, mid-2025
Cheltenham
Gloucestershire, South West England · 121,452 residents on 30 June 2025.
Cheltenham is a town in Gloucestershire, South West England, and the location of GCHQ's headquarters. The University of Gloucestershire has campuses in the town.
Police-recorded crime per 1,000 residents, year to March 2026: Cheltenham 79.7, England and Wales 84.7.
Sources – population: ONS · Crime: ONS · About the city: GCHQ – Cheltenham, University of Gloucestershire
Worthing
West Sussex, South East England · 113,844 residents on 30 June 2025.
Worthing is a town in West Sussex, South East England. Worthing Hospital is run by University Hospitals Sussex NHS Foundation Trust.
Police-recorded crime per 1,000 residents, year to March 2026: Worthing 80.3, England and Wales 84.7.
Sources – population: ONS · Crime: ONS · About the city: University Hospitals Sussex NHS Foundation Trust, ONS – Estimates of the population for England and Wales, mid-2025
Darlington
North East England · 113,402 residents on 30 June 2025.
Darlington is a town in North East England. It hosts the Darlington Economic Campus, a government hub that brings together several government departments.
Police-recorded crime per 1,000 residents, year to March 2026: Darlington 91.0, England and Wales 84.7.
Sources – population: ONS · Crime: ONS · About the city: GOV.UK (HM Treasury) – Darlington Economic Campus, ONS – Estimates of the population for England and Wales, mid-2025
Watford
Hertfordshire, East of England · 107,658 residents on 30 June 2025.
Watford is a town in Hertfordshire, East of England. Watford General Hospital is run by West Hertfordshire Teaching Hospitals NHS Trust.
Police-recorded crime per 1,000 residents, year to March 2026: Watford 86.7, England and Wales 84.7.
Sources – population: ONS · Crime: ONS · About the city: West Hertfordshire Teaching Hospitals NHS Trust, ONS – Estimates of the population for England and Wales, mid-2025
Worcester
Worcestershire, West Midlands, England · 106,954 residents on 30 June 2025.
Worcester is a cathedral city in Worcestershire, West Midlands, and the base of Worcestershire County Council. It is home to the University of Worcester.
Not published for Worcester alone. ONS reports it within the South Worcester area (Malvern Hills, Worcester and Wychavon): 63.6 offences per 1,000 residents in the year to March 2026. England and Wales: 84.7.
Sources – population: ONS · Crime: ONS · About the city: Worcester Cathedral, Worcestershire County Council – Contact, University of Worcester
Chesterfield
Derbyshire, East Midlands, England · 106,419 residents on 30 June 2025.
Chesterfield is a market town in Derbyshire, East Midlands, known for its Crooked Spire. Chesterfield Market is held every Monday, Friday and Saturday.
Police-recorded crime per 1,000 residents, year to March 2026: Chesterfield 100.7, England and Wales 84.7.
Sources – population: ONS · Crime: ONS · About the city: Chesterfield Borough Council – Visitor information, ONS – Estimates of the population for England and Wales, mid-2025
Woking
Surrey, South East England · 106,197 residents on 30 June 2025.
Woking is a town in Surrey, South East England. Surrey is going through local government reorganisation, under which new East Surrey and West Surrey councils are being created.
Police-recorded crime per 1,000 residents, year to March 2026: Woking 62.3, England and Wales 84.7.
Sources – population: ONS · Crime: ONS · About the city: Woking Borough Council, ONS – Estimates of the population for England and Wales, mid-2025
Eastbourne
East Sussex, South East England · 103,894 residents on 30 June 2025.
Eastbourne is a town in East Sussex, South East England. Eastbourne District General Hospital is run by East Sussex Healthcare NHS Trust.
Police-recorded crime per 1,000 residents, year to March 2026: Eastbourne 110.4, England and Wales 84.7.
Sources – population: ONS · Crime: ONS · About the city: East Sussex Healthcare NHS Trust, ONS – Estimates of the population for England and Wales, mid-2025
Lincoln
Lincolnshire, East Midlands, England · 103,351 residents on 30 June 2025.
Lincoln is a city in Lincolnshire, East Midlands, and the base of Lincolnshire County Council. It is home to the University of Lincoln.
Police-recorded crime per 1,000 residents, year to March 2026: Lincoln 116.6, England and Wales 84.7.
Sources – population: ONS · Crime: ONS · About the city: Lincolnshire County Council – Contact us, University of Lincoln, Cabinet Office – List of cities (GOV.UK)
Burnley
Lancashire, North West England · 100,946 residents on 30 June 2025.
Burnley is a town in Lancashire, North West England. The University of Lancashire has a campus in the town.
Police-recorded crime per 1,000 residents, year to March 2026: Burnley 107.4, England and Wales 84.7.
Sources – population: ONS · Crime: ONS · About the city: University of Lancashire, ONS – Estimates of the population for England and Wales, mid-2025
Sources and method
Population: Mid-year population estimates for 30 June 2025: ONS Estimates of the population for England and Wales, mid-2025 (MYE25, published 29 July 2026); National Records of Scotland, Mid-2025 population estimates (published 14 July 2026); NISRA 2025 mid-year population estimates for Northern Ireland (published 24 September 2026). Crime: ONS, Crime in England and Wales: Police Force Area data tables, year ending March 2026 (Table C4: rates by Community Safety Partnership; Table P3: London), published 23 July 2026. Where a figure was not published for a city, we say so rather than estimate it. Found an error? Write to editor@relocateineurope.com.