East Midlands · England
Leicester area guide
Population
388,348
ONS 2024
Avg. house price
£234,631
+2.9% /yr
Avg. rent (pcm)
£1,024
+3.1% /yr
Rental yield
5.2%
gross
Sources: ONS mid-2024 population, HM Land Registry / ONS house prices and ONS private rents.
About Leicester
Leicester is a city in the East Midlands of England, situated on the River Soar roughly midway between Birmingham and Nottingham. It is one of the oldest cities in England, with origins dating back to Roman times as Ratae Corieltauvorum, and it later grew into an industrial centre known for textiles, hosiery and engineering. In recent years it has become known internationally for the discovery of King Richard III's remains beneath a city-centre car park in 2012, with his reinterment at Leicester Cathedral in 2015. Today it is a diverse, multicultural city with a population of 388,348 (ONS mid-2024).
Schools & education
Leicester is home to two universities: the University of Leicester, a long-established research institution with a campus close to the city centre, and De Montfort University, known for its creative arts, business and technology courses. Leicester College provides further education and vocational training across several sites in the city. The city also has a wide mix of state primary and secondary schools, along with a number of independent schools, serving its varied communities.
Transport & airports
Leicester railway station sits on the Midland Main Line, offering regular direct services to London St Pancras as well as connections to Nottingham, Sheffield and beyond. The city is well connected by road, lying close to the M1 motorway and near the M69, which links towards Coventry. East Midlands Airport, shared with Nottingham and Derby, is the nearest major airport and provides both passenger and cargo flights. Within the city, local bus services are extensive, and the compact centre is easily walkable.
Economy & jobs
Leicester's economy has evolved from its industrial past in textiles and footwear manufacturing into a broader mix of retail, logistics, food production, engineering and professional services. PepsiCo's Walkers crisps factory is a well-known local employer, and the city's universities and NHS trust (University Hospitals of Leicester) are also major sources of employment. The city centre supports a range of retail, hospitality and public sector jobs, while its location near the M1 makes it a convenient base for distribution and logistics businesses.
Living in Leicester
Leicester is known for its cultural diversity, with long-established South Asian, Caribbean and other communities contributing to its identity, reflected in events such as the Leicester Diwali celebrations along the Golden Mile, one of the largest outside India. The city has a lively food scene, museums, theatres such as Curve, and sporting heritage through Leicester City FC and Leicester Tigers rugby club. Housing costs remain relatively affordable compared with London and the South East, with the average house price around £234,631 and average monthly rent near £1,024, making it attractive to families, students and young professionals alike. Its central location and mix of urban and green spaces, including Bradgate Park nearby, suit those wanting city amenities without a high cost of living.
Leicester FAQs
What is the population of Leicester?
According to ONS mid-2024 estimates, Leicester has a population of 388,348.
What is the nearest major airport to Leicester?
East Midlands Airport, shared with Nottingham and Derby, is the nearest major airport to Leicester.
What are the main universities in Leicester?
Leicester's two main universities are the University of Leicester and De Montfort University.
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This guide is provided for general information. Statistics are from official sources on the dates shown; other details are an overview and may change. Browse all UK city guides →