Community Risk Register

Northamptonshire CRR profile

Northamptonshire’s main town of Northampton is situated in the East Midlands about halfway between London and Birmingham. It is one of the largest towns in England and is approximately seventy miles from London. 

The county is often described as the Rose of the Shires or County of Squires and Spires - highlighting the county’s rich history of nobility and architectural heritage.

River Nene

The River Nene flows through Northamptonshire and is popular with boaters. The river is a hundred miles long and is the eighth longest river in the UK. There are several other major river systems and canals which connect Northamptonshire to various major towns and cities. 

Population and demographics

Northamptonshire has an estimated population of 747,622. Approximately 31% of the county’s population lives in the densely populated town of Northampton.

In total, 68.8% of the county’s population live in ‘urban city and town’ areas, 20.1% in areas classified as ‘rural town and fringe’ and 11.1% in ‘rural villages and dispersed’.

Industry

Northamptonshire’s has several major industry sectors including:

  • financial services
  • advanced manufacturing
  • healthcare
  • hospitality
  • logistics
  • distribution and retail

Northamptonshire is renowned worldwide for its tradition of high quality shoe making and has earned it the esteemed title of being the ‘shoe capital of the world’.

Last updated 28 May 2024