Peterborough area guide

Population

223,655

ONS 2024

Avg. house price

£236,378

+2.1% /yr

Avg. rent (pcm)

£981

+1.7% /yr

Rental yield

5.0%

gross

Sources: ONS mid-2024 population, HM Land Registry / ONS house prices and ONS private rents.

About Peterborough

Peterborough is a cathedral city in the East of England, sitting on the River Nene in Cambridgeshire, roughly 80 miles north of London. Its history stretches back to Roman and Anglo-Saxon times, and its magnificent Norman cathedral, the burial place of Catherine of Aragon, remains the heart of the historic centre. Designated a New Town in the late 1960s, Peterborough saw significant expansion and investment from that period onward, blending its older market-town core with newer residential districts and business parks. Today it is one of the fastest-growing cities in the region, with a population recorded at 223,655 in the ONS mid-2024 estimate.

Schools & education

Peterborough College is the city's main provider of further education, offering vocational courses, apprenticeships and A-levels. Higher education is served locally by ARU Peterborough, a campus of Anglia Ruskin University established to widen access to university-level study in the city. The city has a range of state primary and secondary schools, along with some independent options, serving its growing and increasingly diverse population. Many residents also commute to universities in nearby Cambridge for a wider choice of higher education courses.

Transport & airports

Peterborough railway station is a major stop on the East Coast Main Line, with fast services to London King's Cross taking under an hour, as well as connections to Cambridge, Birmingham, Leicester, Lincoln and the north of England. The city is well served by road, sitting at the junction of the A1(M) and the A47, making it a convenient base for onward travel across the East of England and the Midlands. There is no airport within Peterborough itself; the nearest major airports are London Stansted, London Luton and East Midlands Airport, all reachable within roughly an hour to ninety minutes by car.

Economy & jobs

Peterborough's economy has diversified considerably from its industrial roots in brick-making and engineering. Precision engineering and manufacturing remain important, alongside a strong presence in financial and business services. Anglian Water, one of the UK's major water companies, is headquartered in the city, and Perkins Engines has long been a significant local employer in engine manufacturing. The city's location at the crossroads of major road and rail routes has also made it a hub for logistics and distribution, while agriculture and food production remain relevant given the surrounding fenland farmland.

Living in Peterborough

Peterborough offers a lifestyle that mixes city amenities with easy access to green space, notably along the River Nene and at Ferry Meadows Country Park. The population is ethnically and culturally diverse, reflecting waves of migration over recent decades, and the city has a family-friendly, community feel alongside its historic core. Housing costs remain more accessible than in much of the South East, with average house prices around £236,378 and average monthly rents near £981, making it attractive to first-time buyers, families and commuters. Its fast rail links to London suit commuters, while its relatively compact size and surrounding countryside appeal to those wanting a quieter pace of life without being far from major transport routes.

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Peterborough FAQs

What is the population of Peterborough?

According to ONS mid-2024 estimates, Peterborough has a population of 223,655.

What is the nearest major airport to Peterborough?

London Stansted is generally the nearest major airport, though London Luton and East Midlands Airport are also within reasonable driving distance.

Does Peterborough have a university?

Yes, ARU Peterborough is a campus of Anglia Ruskin University, providing higher education courses within the city, alongside Peterborough College for further education.

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