Quick facts about Herefordshire

Herefordshire is characterised by its rurality and demography, both of which influence many of the other factors affecting life in the county. 189,900 residents are scattered across 2,180 square kilometres mainly reliant on a network of B and C roads, posing an almost unique challenge for providing services. The average age of 48 is eight years older than England’s, and older age groups continue to grow disproportionately to the rest of the population.

The makeup of the economy influences the county’s relatively low productivity and average earnings. This combined with the nature of housing stock (dominated by large, older properties) means that housing affordability is a long-standing issue, as is fuel poverty.

There is a strong sense of community and local identity, and the county is a nature-rich and attractive place to live, although the environment faces threats from climate change and pollution. Overall deprivation and poverty is relatively low compared to the rest of England, but there are persistent pockets in the city and market towns. Although life expectancy is better than nationally, the gap is narrowing and people born in the most deprived areas can expect to live at least four years less than other parts of the county.

Technology provides opportunities to make it easier for people to access services, and there has been significant investment in infrastructure to improve connectivity – but there is still a digital divide whereby some people are less likely than others to have the skills needed to use the internet.

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