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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).

Definition

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 m), 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.

In reporting the 2001 census, the ONS gave a clearer definition of the term "built-up" 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...

Most populous

The list below shows the most populated urban areas in the United Kingdom as defined by the Office for National Statistics (ONS), but as readily referenced at Citypopulation.de. The list includes all urban areas with a population in excess of 100,000 at the 2011 census.

Map

See also

• City region (United Kingdom)
• Cities portal

Notes

1. The built-up area names are taken from the 2011 census. Some articles use other names or link to the most appropriate article.
2. ONS definition. Excludes motorways, rivers, lakes, parks and other open space, even if fully contained but wider than 200m.
3. ONS definition.
4. The areas and sub-divisions can be renamed, merged, split or removed between censuses.
5. The BUASD that the ONS calls "Milton Keynes" is just that part of Milton Keynes after subtraction of Bletchley, which has been part of its designated area since 1967 and which has expanded since then as part of the overall development.
6. 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

1. ^ "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.
2. "Census 2001: Key Statistics for urban areas in the North" (PDF). 2004. p. 1. Archived from the original (PDF) on 21 July 2014.
3. "United Kingdom: Urban Areas". Citypopulation.de. Retrieved 31 December 2014.
4. "2011 Census – Built-up areas". ONS. Retrieved 1 July 2013. (needs a more direct citation)
5. Census 2001 Key Statistics, Urban areas in England and Wales Office of National Statistics
6. UK Census (2011). "Local Area Report – Milton Keynes BUA Built-up area (E34005056)". Nomis. Office for National Statistics. Retrieved 29 March 2019.
7. UK Census (2011). "Local Area Report – Milton Keynes Built-up area sub-division (E35001516)". Nomis. Office for National Statistics. Retrieved 2 January 2022.

External links

• 2011 census – built-up areas Nomis
• Mid 2012 Population estimates for Scotland
• The population of Northern Ireland – at NISRA

• Geography of the United Kingdom
• Lists of urban areas
• Office for National Statistics
• United Kingdom geography-related lists
• United Kingdom lists by population
• Urban areas of the United Kingdom