East Midlands · England
Nottingham area guide
Population
331,077
ONS 2024
Avg. house price
£192,543
+0.4% /yr
Avg. rent (pcm)
£1,006
+3.1% /yr
Rental yield
6.3%
gross
Sources: ONS mid-2024 population, HM Land Registry / ONS house prices and ONS private rents.
About Nottingham
Nottingham is a city in the East Midlands of England, straddling the River Trent and best known internationally for its association with the legend of Robin Hood. It has a long history rooted in lace-making and textile manufacturing, which shaped much of its Victorian architecture and its emergence as an industrial centre. Today it is a regional hub for the East Midlands, with a population of 331,077 (ONS mid-2024), combining its historic core with a modern city centre, university presence and cultural scene.
Schools & education
Nottingham is home to two well-established universities: the University of Nottingham, a large research-intensive institution with its main campus at University Park, and Nottingham Trent University, known for its city-centre campus and strong applied and creative courses. Nottingham College provides further education and vocational training across several sites in the city. Between them, these institutions bring a substantial student population and contribute significantly to the local economy and housing market.
Transport & airports
Nottingham railway station offers direct services to London, Birmingham, Sheffield and other major cities, and the city is well connected to the national road network via the M1 motorway and the A52 and A6097 routes. Locally, the Nottingham Express Transit (NET) tram network links the city centre with suburbs and park-and-ride sites, complementing an extensive bus network. The nearest major airport is East Midlands Airport, located a short distance south-west of the city, offering domestic and international flights as well as being a significant hub for air freight.
Economy & jobs
Nottingham's economy has diversified considerably from its textile and lace-making origins into sectors including healthcare, life sciences, retail, finance and education. Boots, the pharmacy and healthcare retailer, was founded in Nottingham and continues to have a major presence in the city, particularly at its Beeston site. Other notable employers include Experian, the two universities, and the NHS through Nottingham's hospital trusts. The city centre also supports a substantial retail and service sector, alongside a growing presence of creative and digital businesses.
Living in Nottingham
With two large universities, Nottingham has a youthful, diverse population and a lively cultural and nightlife scene, including live music venues, theatres such as the Theatre Royal and Nottingham Playhouse, and a range of independent shops and restaurants. Green space is readily available, from Wollaton Park to the grounds around Nottingham Castle, and the city supports two professional football clubs, Nottingham Forest and Notts County. The mix of established universities, varied housing stock and reasonable cost of living compared with many UK cities makes it appealing to students, young professionals and families alike.
Nottingham FAQs
What is the population of Nottingham?
According to ONS mid-2024 estimates, Nottingham has a population of 331,077.
What is the nearest major airport to Nottingham?
East Midlands Airport is the nearest major airport, located a short distance south-west of the city.
What are Nottingham's main universities?
Nottingham's main universities are the University of Nottingham and Nottingham Trent University, alongside Nottingham College for further education.
Latest Nottingham property news
InvestmentDollar Buyers Storm Back Into Prime London as Discounts Bite
DevelopmentBirmingham's House of Fraser Site Eyes 650-Home Rebirth
DevelopmentSleaford's 52-Home Supported Living Scheme Signals Wider Investment Shift
RentalRental Stock Plunges 20% as Landlord Exodus Bites Tenants Hardest
InvestmentBirmingham's Student Housing Squeeze Signals PBSA Opportunity
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 →