Wrexham area guide

Population

138,245

ONS 2024

Avg. house price

£209,457

+3.6% /yr

Avg. rent (pcm)

£757

+2.6% /yr

Rental yield

4.3%

gross

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

About Wrexham

Wrexham is the largest city in north Wales, situated close to the border with England and around 12 miles south of Chester. Long established as the principal market town of the region, it was formally granted city status in 2022 in recognition of its size and regional significance. Its history is rooted in coal mining, steel and leather industries, and it retains a compact town-centre feel alongside newer retail and residential development. In recent years Wrexham has gained wider recognition through the profile of Wrexham AFC, though its everyday character remains that of a working regional centre serving a wide surrounding area.

Schools & education

Wrexham is home to Wrexham University (formerly Glyndŵr University), which offers a range of undergraduate and postgraduate courses and has a long-standing presence in the city. Further education is provided chiefly by Coleg Cambria, which has a campus in Wrexham and offers vocational and academic courses for school leavers and adult learners. The city and surrounding county have a network of primary and secondary schools, including some Welsh-medium provision, reflecting the bilingual nature of the area. Overall, the city offers a reasonably full range of educational options from school age through to higher education without residents needing to travel far.

Transport & airports

Wrexham is served by Wrexham General railway station, which has regular services along the Wrexham to Chester and Shrewsbury lines, giving connections onward to Birmingham, Manchester and other parts of the rail network; the smaller Wrexham Central station offers local services. The city sits on the A483, which links to the A55 North Wales Expressway and provides road connections to Chester, the wider North West of England and along the coast. There is no airport within Wrexham itself; the nearest major airport is Liverpool John Lennon Airport, with Manchester Airport also accessible for a wider range of international flights. Chester, a short drive or train journey away, provides an additional transport hub for the area.

Economy & jobs

Wrexham's economy has historically been built on manufacturing and industry, and it remains home to one of the larger industrial estates in the UK, hosting a range of manufacturing, engineering and logistics businesses. Notable employers with a presence in or near the city include Kellogg's, alongside a variety of manufacturing and distribution firms operating from the industrial estate. Retail, public services, education and healthcare also provide significant local employment, with the city centre serving as a shopping and service hub for a wide catchment across north east Wales. Agriculture remains important in the surrounding rural areas, complementing the more industrial base within the city itself.

Living in Wrexham

Life in Wrexham combines the convenience of a city with the pace and scale of a market town, and it suits those looking for affordable housing within reach of both countryside and larger English cities. The population is a mix of long-standing local families and newer residents drawn by employment, education or more affordable living costs compared with nearby Chester or Manchester. Welsh and English are both part of everyday life, with Welsh-medium schooling and cultural events forming part of the community fabric. Football has become an increasingly visible part of local identity thanks to Wrexham AFC, while the surrounding countryside, including the Clwydian Range, offers easy access to outdoor pursuits for those who enjoy a quieter lifestyle alongside city amenities.

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Wrexham FAQs

What is the population of Wrexham?

Wrexham has a population of approximately 138,245, according to ONS mid-2024 estimates, making it the largest city in north Wales.

What is the nearest major airport to Wrexham?

Liverpool John Lennon Airport is the nearest major airport to Wrexham, with Manchester Airport also within reasonable driving distance for a wider range of flights.

What is the main university in Wrexham?

Wrexham University, formerly known as Glyndŵr University, is the city's main higher education institution, alongside Coleg Cambria for further education.

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