Living in Lancashire

Lancashire is a county in the north west of England, known for its varied landscape, industrial heritage and strong regional identity. The county stretches from coastal areas along the Irish Sea inland to rolling countryside and upland moorland, creating a diverse and often contrasting setting. Its geography has influenced settlement and industry, shaping both rural communities and larger towns.

The county includes towns such as Preston, Blackburn, Burnley, Lancaster and Blackpool, each with its own history and role within the wider area. Many settlements developed rapidly during the Industrial Revolution through textiles, manufacturing and trade, leaving a lasting mark on local character. Alongside industry, market towns and villages continue to support agriculture and everyday community life.

Lancashire benefits from access to open countryside, river valleys and coastal spaces, providing opportunities for walking and outdoor recreation. Areas of regeneration sit alongside long established neighbourhoods, reflecting ongoing change across the county. Overall, Lancashire offers a calm and enduring mix of working heritage, rural landscape and coastal influence, giving it a grounded and distinctive place within northern England.

Largest Towns in Lancashire 12

Preston
287.2K
Blackburn
141.2K
Blackpool
134.2K
Wigan
103.4K
Southport
96.7K
Burnley
94.2K
Chorley
90.3K
Lancaster
74.6K
Accrington
61.4K
Bury
53.4K
Morecambe
50.8K
Wigan, Skelmersdale
46.3K

Location

Elevation & Terrain

Lowest point Bispham — 0 ft (0 m)
Highest point Sharneyford — 1,253 ft (382 m)
Average across towns 302 ft (92 m)
Elevation range 1,253 ft (382 m)

Lancashire stretches from 0 ft at Bispham up to 1,253 ft at Sharneyford, a span of 1,253 ft across 743 towns and villages. This reflects dramatic upland terrain, with a substantial climb from the lowest to the highest places.

Deprivation Index (IMD)

Average deprivation scores across 52 postcode areas in Lancashire. Higher deciles (closer to 10) indicate less deprivation.

Overall Deprivation
5/10
Income
6/10
Employment
5/10
Education
6/10
Health
4/10
Housing
6/10
Environment
5/10
479,498 Children (0-15) 18%
1,629,406 Working Age 61%
731,607 Older (60+) 27%

Places in Lancashire 743

A B C D E F G H I J K L M N O P Q R S T U W Y

Postcode Areas in Lancashire 9

Lancashire is served by 9 postcode areas. Each area contains multiple postcode districts covering different parts of the county.

Neighbouring Counties 5