Are you considering relocating or studying in the UK city and wondering which cities have the best balance of population size, economy, and safety?
If so, you’ve come to the right place! We’ve compiled a list featuring all of the major UK cities with readily available information about their populations, economies, and safety ratings.
So fasten your seatbelt and let us show you what life on Britain’s vibrant streets has to offer!
Top 13 UK City By Population
UK City Ranking by Population：Latest
| UK Ranking | World Ranking | City | Population |
|---|---|---|---|
| 1 | 32 | London | 10,236,000 |
| 2 | 170 | Manchester | 2,639,000 |
| 3 | 183 | Birmingham | 2,512,000 |
| 4 | 259 | Leeds | 1,893,000 |
| 5 | 390 | Glasgow | 1,220,000 |
| 6 | 565 | Portsmouth | 883,000 |
| 7 | 570 | Liverpool | 875,000 |
| 8 | 619 | Newcastle | 793,000 |
| 9 | 650 | Nottingham | 755,000 |
| 10 | 701 | Sheffield | 706,000 |
| 11 | 776 | Bristol | 646,000 |
| 12 | 824 | Belfast | 600,000 |
| 13 | 942 | Leicester | 534,000 |
The Consultant firm Demographia annually ranks the world’s cities with populations of 500,000 or more for its World Urban Areas Report, and 13 UK cities are on the list this year.
As you can see from the chart, London’s population is larger than all the combined populations of the cities ranked second to seventh.
Most of the densely populated cities are concentrated in England, with only one city in Northern Ireland and one in Scotland on the list (Belfast and Glasgow).
Major Cities in UK
To summarize, the Tier 1 and Tie 2 UK Cities are ranked according to population.
Mega-city (Tier 1): London
Secondary Mega-cities (Tier 2): Birmingham, Manchester
Major UK cities: Glasgow, Leeds, Liverpool, Newcastle, Sheffield
Big cities in UK: Belfast, Bristol, Nottingham, Southampton/Portsmouth, Leicester, etc.
Best UK City by Economy
Most Thriving City in UK Right Now
To jump into the economic ranking of UK cities, first follow the member to understand an economic concept: Gross Value Added (GVA), which is equal to the Gross Domestic Product (GDP) minus taxes on products plus subsidies on products.
GVA Ranking of UK
As we can see from the chart above, other cities are definitely not in the same level as London, which deserves to be the financial centre of Europe!
So if we leave London out of this first place, we get the bar chart above of the economic ranking of UK cities with relatively small differences between them.
Among them, two biggest cities, Manchester and Birmingham, have a more pronounced lead, with GVA around double that of the next few cities.
Unlike the population rankings, Scottish cities, apart from Glasgow, the capital city of Edinburgh, is also on the list and is relatively high up. Aberdeen, Scotland’s third-largest city, is also on the list.
UK Cities by Economy
| UK Ranking | City |
|---|---|
| 1 | London |
| 2 | Manchester |
| 3 | Birmingham |
| 4 | Glasgow |
| 5 | Bristol |
| 6 | Leeds |
| 7 | Edinburgh |
| 8 | Newcastle |
| 9 | Sheffield |
| 10 | Liverpool |
| 11 | Nottingham |
| 12 | reading |
| 13 | portsmouth |
| 14 | aberdeen |
| 15 | Leicester |
| 16 | Bournemouth |
| 17 | Milton Keynes |
| 18 | Bradford |
| 19 | Southampton |
| 20 | Cardiff |
| 21 | Middlesbrough |
Bonus: Business Learning & Jobs in UK
The Most Safe UK City
The Most Safe City in UK
Safety is a major concern for many people who come to the UK to study or work.
The safest and least safe cities in the UK are ranked by a poll of 2,000 people who voted on how safe a city is!
| UK Ranking | City |
|---|---|
| 1 | Edinburgh |
| 2 | Bristol |
| 3 | Brighton and Hove |
| 4 | Southampton |
| 5 | Cambridge |
What’s interesting to note about this ranking is that three of the top five are relatively large cities in the UK – Edinburgh, Bristol and Southampton.
Generally. eople think that smaller cities are safer (e.g. Cambridge), but this ranking shows that big cities are necessarily safe!
The Most Dangerous City in UK
| UK Ranking | City |
|---|---|
| 1 | Birmingham |
| 2 | Leicester |
| 3 | Manchester |
| 4 | London |
| 5 | Sheffield |
London, with its police cars running around every day, is not the most dangerous city. Before London, there were Birmingham, Leicester and Manchester. ( Examples of big industrial cities in the UK)
Note: no matter where you live, every city (regardless of its ranking) has its safe and unsafe places, and it’s important to raise your own safety awareness.
UK City List: Priortise Your Needs First
As you can see, the UK is a country of wildly varied populations, economies, and safety standards.
It’s full of exciting and compelling stories, each city with its own unique atmosphere. These cities in the UK are indeed among some of the greatest places to live!
Is London where your heart belongs? Are Manchester’s industrial roots calling you? Don’t wait too long – start exploring what stepped foot into the United Kingdom right now!
FAQs of UK Cities
Q1:How many cities are in UK?
The United Kingdom is home to 69 official cities, with each one having its unique history, culture, and attractions. This count includes historical cities with ancient roots and modern, vibrant urban centres.
Q2: What are the 4 capital cities of the UK?
The United Kingdom comprises four distinct nations, each with its own capital city. These are London for England, Edinburgh for Scotland, Cardiff for Wales, and Belfast for Northern Ireland, each offering a rich tapestry of cultural and historical significance.
Q3: What are the top 10 largest cities in the UK?
The UK’s largest cities, known for their vibrant culture and bustling urban life, include London, Birmingham, Glasgow, Liverpool, Manchester, Sheffield, Leeds, Edinburgh, Bristol, and Cardiff. These cities are significant hubs for commerce, education, and culture within the UK.
