East of England · England
St Albans area guide
Population
151,012
St Albans
Avg. house price
£631,152
+1.7% /yr
Avg. rent (pcm)
£1,925
+3.3% /yr
Rental yield
3.7%
gross
St Albans sits within St Albans; property and population figures shown are for the wider St Albans area. Sources: ONS mid-2024 population, HM Land Registry / ONS house prices and ONS private rents.
About St Albans
St Albans is a cathedral city in Hertfordshire, in the East of England, roughly 20 miles north of central London. Built on the site of the Roman city of Verulamium, it has one of the longest histories of continuous settlement in Britain, and its Norman-era cathedral remains a defining landmark. Today it combines a well-preserved historic centre, with a medieval street pattern and weekly market, with the character of a prosperous commuter city within easy reach of the capital.
Schools & education
St Albans has a good range of state and independent schools, including St Albans School and St Albans High School for Girls, along with several well-regarded secondary and primary schools across the district. Post-16 education is provided locally through Oaklands College, a further education college with campuses in and around the city, and sixth-form provision at schools such as Verulam School. There is no university based in St Albans itself, but the University of Hertfordshire, with campuses in nearby Hatfield, is a short distance away and serves the wider area.
Transport & airports
St Albans City station offers frequent Thameslink services to London St Pancras and King's Cross St Pancras area, as well as southbound connections towards Luton, Gatwick and beyond, making commuting into London straightforward. A separate station, St Albans Abbey, provides a branch line link to Watford Junction. The city sits close to the M25, M1 and A1(M), giving good road access to London and the wider motorway network. London Luton Airport is the nearest major airport, roughly 10 miles away, with London Heathrow and London Stansted also within reasonable driving distance.
Economy & jobs
St Albans has a diverse local economy weighted towards professional and financial services, retail and small businesses, reflecting its role as a commuter city for London. Many residents travel into the capital for work, while the city itself hosts offices, independent shops, hospitality businesses and public sector employers, including St Albans City and District Council. Historically the city was known for brewing, straw plaiting and printing, though these have given way to a more service-based economy. Its central location and strong transport links also make it attractive to businesses serving the wider Hertfordshire and London region.
Living in St Albans
St Albans is generally regarded as an affluent and desirable place to live, popular with commuters, families and professionals drawn by its historic charm, green spaces and strong transport links to London. The city centre retains a market-town feel, with independent shops, cafes, pubs and a regular market alongside Verulamium Park, the cathedral and Roman-era heritage sites. Housing costs and rents are high relative to national averages, reflecting demand from those wanting a shorter commute into London without living in the city itself. The overall lifestyle suits those seeking a blend of historic character, community feel and easy access to the capital.
St Albans FAQs
What is the population of St Albans?
According to ONS mid-2024 estimates, St Albans has a population of around 151,012.
What is the nearest major airport to St Albans?
London Luton Airport is the nearest major airport, around 10 miles from the city, though Heathrow and Stansted are also within reasonable reach.
Is there a university in St Albans?
St Albans does not have its own university, but the University of Hertfordshire, based in nearby Hatfield, serves the local area, alongside further education at Oaklands College.
Latest St Albans property news
InvestmentSt Albans Institution's Sale Signals Estate Agency Consolidation Wave
DevelopmentSt Albans mixed-use scheme highlights lender appetite for prime commuter
PolicyLabour's £400m mansion tax gamble reshapes prime property landscape
Housing MarketSouthern England's property downturn deepens beyond London's decline
InvestmentLondon Fringe Properties Command Premium Despite Economic Headwinds
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 →