West Midlands · England
Lichfield area guide
Population
111,932
Lichfield
Avg. house price
£335,981
+3.4% /yr
Avg. rent (pcm)
£1,096
+8.7% /yr
Rental yield
3.9%
gross
Lichfield sits within Lichfield; property and population figures shown are for the wider Lichfield area. Sources: ONS mid-2024 population, HM Land Registry / ONS house prices and ONS private rents.
About Lichfield
Lichfield is a small cathedral city in Staffordshire, in the West Midlands region of England, lying roughly midway between Birmingham and Stafford. It is best known for its striking three-spired medieval cathedral, one of the few of its kind in the country, and for its well-preserved historic core of Georgian and older buildings. The city has a long history as a market and ecclesiastical centre, and is the birthplace of Samuel Johnson, the celebrated writer and lexicographer, whose former home is now a museum. Today Lichfield combines this historic character with the role of a commuter town for nearby Birmingham and the wider West Midlands conurbation.
Schools & education
Lichfield itself does not host a university, but South Staffordshire College operates a campus in the city, offering further education and vocational courses. School provision includes a mix of primary and secondary schools, among them King Edward VI School, a long-established grammar school, alongside comprehensive schools such as Friary School and Nether Stowe School. Families in Lichfield also have access to higher education by commuting to nearby institutions, including Staffordshire University and Keele University to the north, and the universities of Birmingham and Birmingham City University to the south.
Transport & airports
Lichfield is served by two railway stations, Lichfield City and Lichfield Trent Valley, the latter sitting on the West Coast Main Line and offering fast connections towards Birmingham, London and the north-west. Road links are strong, with the A38 and A5 passing close to the city and the M6 Toll providing a direct route to the wider motorway network, easing access towards Birmingham and beyond. The nearest major airport is Birmingham Airport, around 20 miles to the south, which offers a wide range of domestic and international flights.
Economy & jobs
Lichfield's economy has traditionally been built around retail, services and its role as a market town, and this remains visible in its city-centre shops, markets and hospitality trade. Its location close to the M6 Toll and A38 corridor has also encouraged logistics, distribution and light industrial activity in the surrounding district. Public sector employment plays a role too, with council and administrative functions based in the area. Many residents commute to Birmingham and other West Midlands towns for work, reflecting Lichfield's position as a relatively affluent commuter city within reach of larger employment centres.
Living in Lichfield
Life in Lichfield tends to appeal to those wanting a historic, relatively small-scale city with good transport links to bigger urban centres. The cathedral, museums and events such as the Lichfield Festival and the traditional Lichfield Bower give the city a cultural identity rooted in its heritage, while independent shops, cafes and pubs sit within the largely pedestrianised centre. Housing costs, with an average house price of around £335,981 and average monthly rents near £1,096, reflect its popularity with commuters and families seeking a quieter alternative to Birmingham while remaining within easy reach of it. The district's population, put at 111,932 in the latest ONS mid-2024 estimate, includes a broad mix of families, professionals and retirees, and the surrounding area offers access to countryside as well as nearby attractions such as the National Memorial Arboretum.
Lichfield FAQs
What is the population of Lichfield?
According to ONS mid-2024 estimates, the population of the Lichfield district is 111,932.
What is the nearest major airport to Lichfield?
Birmingham Airport, around 20 miles away, is the nearest major airport, offering a range of UK and international flights.
Does Lichfield have its own university?
No, Lichfield does not have its own university, though South Staffordshire College has a campus there, and residents can commute to nearby universities such as Staffordshire University, Keele University and the University of Birmingham.
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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 →