Preston Population 2026
Preston has a population of 313,332, making it the #20 biggest city in 🇬🇧 United Kingdom, located in England. Roughly 0.4% of United Kingdom's population lives here. It is about 29× smaller than London, the country's biggest city.
Population (city proper)
313,332
Rank in United Kingdom
#20
Coordinates
53.76°N, 2.70°W
~34 m elevation · Europe/London
Distance to capital (London)
305 km
189 miles, straight line
Other big cities in England
| City | Population | Rank in United Kingdom |
|---|---|---|
| London | 8,961,989 | #1 |
| Birmingham | 1,157,603 | #2 |
| Manchester | 568,996 | #4 |
| Sheffield | 556,500 | #5 |
| Leeds | 536,280 | #6 |
| Liverpool | 496,770 | #8 |
| Bristol | 479,024 | #9 |
| Leicester | 368,600 | #11 |
Cities near Preston
FAQ
What is the population of Preston?
Preston has a population of 313,332 (city proper, latest official figure via GeoNames), making it the #20 biggest city in United Kingdom.
What region is Preston in?
Preston is located in England, United Kingdom.
Is Preston the capital of United Kingdom?
No, the capital of United Kingdom is London, about 305 km away.
Sources & notes
Population refers to the city proper (municipal boundaries), not the metropolitan area. Source: GeoNames (CC BY 4.0), retrieved 2026-07-07. Country data: UN World Population Prospects 2024.
← All biggest cities in United Kingdom · United Kingdom population by year