List of urban areas in the United Kingdom
 | Figures are from the 2011 census. More recent data from the 2021 census will be added once available. |
This is a list of the most populous urban areas in the United Kingdom based on the 2011 census, as defined by the Office for National Statistics (ONS). As of June 2026[update], the ONS has not published the equivalent data based on the 2021 census.
Definition
[edit]2001
[edit]In reporting the 2001 census, the ONS gave a clearer definition of the term "built-up" for the 2001 urban area as follows:
This comprises permanent structures and the land on which they are situated, including land enclosed by or closely associated with such structures; transportation corridors such as roads, railways and canals which have built up land on one or both sides, or which link built-up sites which are less than 200 metres apart; transportation features such as airports and operational airfields, railway yards, motorway service areas and car parks; mine buildings, excluding mineral workings and quarries; and any area completely surrounded by builtup sites. Areas such as playing fields and golf courses are excluded unless completely surrounded by builtup sites...[1]
2011
[edit]The methodology used by ONS in 2011 is set out in 2011 Built-up Areas – Methodology and Guidance, published in June 2013. When ONS reported the results of the 2011 UK census, it used the term built-up area rather than the term urban area as used in previous censuses. ONS states, however, that the criteria used to define built-up area have not changed:
the definition follows a ‘bricks and mortar’ approach, with areas defined as built-up land with a minimum area of 20 hectares (200,000 m2), while settlements within 200 metres of each other are linked. Built-up area sub-divisions are also identified to provide greater detail in the data, especially in the larger conurbations.[2]
2021
[edit]As of May 2026[update], ONS has not defined a new nomenclature for each of the macro-scaled 2021 areas. [3]
Most populous
[edit]The list below shows the most populated urban areas in the United Kingdom as defined by the Office for National Statistics (ONS). The list includes all urban areas with a population in excess of 100,000 at the 2011 census.[4]
Map
[edit]_location_map.svg)
Dearne Valley
See also
[edit]
Notes
[edit]- ^ The built-up area names are taken from the 2011 census. Some articles use other names or link to the most appropriate article.
- ^ ONS definition. Excludes motorways, rivers, lakes, parks and other open space, even if fully contained but wider than 200m.[2]: 10
- ^ ONS definition.[2]: 6
- ^ The areas and sub-divisions can be renamed, merged, split or removed between censuses.
- ^ The BUASD that the ONS calls "Milton Keynes" is just that part of Milton Keynes after subtraction of Bletchley,[8] which has been part of its designated area since 1967 and which has expanded since then as part of the overall development.
- ^ Stapenhill and Winshill were treated as a separate urban area in the 2001 census but in the 2011 census they were treated as part of the Burton-upon-Trent subdivision.
References
[edit]- ^ "Census 2001: Key Statistics for urban areas in the North" (PDF). 2004. p. 1. Archived from the original (PDF) on 21 July 2014.
- ^ a b c "2011 Built-up Areas – Methodology and Guidance" (PDF). 2013 v1. Office for National Statistics. June 2013. p. 3. Archived from the original (PDF) on 21 September 2013.
- ^ "2021 Rural Urban Classification". Office for National Statistics. 22 August 2025. Retrieved 20 December 2025. Table 4A in the Supplementary Tables
- ^ "United Kingdom: Urban Areas". Citypopulation.de. Retrieved 31 December 2014.
- ^ "2011 Census – Built-up areas". ONS. Retrieved 1 July 2013. (needs a more direct citation)
- ^ "Census 2001 Key Statistics, Urban areas in England and Wales". Office of National Statistics. Retrieved 6 February 2026.
- ^ UK Census (2011). "Local Area Report – Milton Keynes BUA Built-up area (E34005056)". Nomis. Office for National Statistics. Retrieved 29 March 2019.
- ^ UK Census (2011). "Local Area Report – Milton Keynes Built-up area sub-division (E35001516)". Nomis. Office for National Statistics. Retrieved 2 January 2022.