Chichester area guide

Population

128,934

Chichester

Avg. house price

£427,112

-4.8% /yr

Avg. rent (pcm)

£1,325

+3.1% /yr

Rental yield

3.7%

gross

Chichester sits within Chichester; property and population figures shown are for the wider Chichester area. Sources: ONS mid-2024 population, HM Land Registry / ONS house prices and ONS private rents.

About Chichester

Chichester is a historic cathedral city in West Sussex, in the South East of England, close to the coast and within easy reach of the South Downs National Park. It sits on the site of the Roman town of Noviomagus Reginorum, and its Georgian and medieval street layout still follows the original Roman grid, enclosed in part by the old city walls. Chichester Cathedral, dating from the Norman period, remains the city's most recognisable landmark. The wider Chichester district, with a population of around 128,934 (ONS mid-2024), combines the city itself with surrounding towns, villages and coastal communities such as Selsey and Bognor Regis.

Schools & education

The University of Chichester is the city's main higher education institution, with its principal campus in Chichester and a further campus at Bognor Regis, offering a range of undergraduate and postgraduate courses. Chichester College provides further education, vocational training and apprenticeships for school leavers and adult learners. The city has a number of state primary and secondary schools, including Chichester High School and Bishop Luffa School, alongside independent schools in the surrounding area. Families relocating to the district generally have a choice of state and independent options, as is typical of many South East market towns and cities.

Transport & airports

Chichester railway station offers direct services to London Victoria, with journeys typically taking around 90 minutes, as well as connections along the south coast towards Brighton, Southampton and Portsmouth via the Coastway line. The city is well served by road, sitting on the A27 coastal route, which links it to Portsmouth, Southampton and Brighton, with the A286 and A259 providing routes north and along the coast. Gatwick Airport is the nearest major international airport, reachable by direct train, while Southampton Airport also lies within reasonable driving distance for regional and European flights.

Economy & jobs

Chichester's economy has traditionally been built on agriculture, tourism and retail, reflecting its role as a market town serving a wide rural hinterland. The city attracts visitors for its cathedral, festival theatre, historic centre and proximity to the Goodwood Estate, which hosts events including horse racing, motorsport and the Festival of Speed. Rolls-Royce Motor Cars operates its manufacturing plant at Goodwood, just outside the city, making it one of the area's notable employers. Public sector organisations, including Chichester District Council and St Richard's Hospital, along with education and healthcare services, also provide significant local employment.

Living in Chichester

Chichester offers a generally relaxed, semi-rural lifestyle, with a compact historic centre, independent shops, markets and cultural venues including the Chichester Festival Theatre and Pallant House Gallery. Its coastal and countryside surroundings, including nearby beaches and the South Downs, make it popular with families, retirees and commuters who value access to London while living somewhere quieter. Housing costs are relatively high for the region, with average house prices around £427,112 and average monthly rents near £1,325, reflecting demand for the area's quality of life. The city tends to suit those looking for a slower pace, strong sense of heritage and easy access to both coast and countryside, rather than a large urban centre.

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Chichester FAQs

What is the population of Chichester?

The wider Chichester district had a population of around 128,934 according to ONS mid-2024 estimates.

What is the nearest major airport to Chichester?

Gatwick Airport is the nearest major airport, accessible by direct train, with Southampton Airport also within reasonable driving distance.

What is the main university in Chichester?

The University of Chichester is the city's principal higher education institution, with campuses in Chichester and nearby Bognor Regis.

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