A Brief Look at the County of Somerset

Somerset has an area of 3450 square kilometres and a population of 498,093 (2001 Census).

With 35 miles of Bristol Channel coastline from Porlock in the west to Berrow in the east and the rolling hills of Exmoor, Quantocks, Mendips and Blackdowns protecting the natuallry distinctive Somerset Levels & Moors, the landscape of Somerset is at the centre of business, social and cultural existence.

South Somerset has the largest population (150k) of the five districts in Somerset, followed by Sedgemoor (80k), Mendip (80k) and Taunton Deane (80k), which have very similar populations. The population of West Somerset (35k) is the smallest.

There are a total of 210,587 households in Somerset and the majority of those (74%) are owner occupied. Council rentals account for 7% of households in the county.  27% of Somerset households have dependent children and 28% are pensioners.

The county boasts quite a large cultural and heritage sector, which in turn promotes tourism on a national and international level. There are 11,500 buildings listed as special architectural or historic interest; 523 scheduled ancient monuments; 192 conservation areas; 41 parks and gardens; 36 English Heritage sites, and 19 National Trust sites. The total spend of staying and day visitors in Somerset is estimated to have been approximately £750m (See our Tourism in Somerset page for more information).

Somerset has a stable and successful economy, with many economic indicators performing better than the regional and national averages. Over the last decade Somerset has maintained a steady level of economic growth, low unemployment and continuous job growth.

Business dynamism has been good in Somerset between in recent years. VAT registrations per 1,000 of population is better that anywhere except London.

Business start-up rates in Somerset contiue to grow and further evidence of Somerset's entrepreneurial spirit.

84% of firms in Somerset employ less than 10 people. This is the same in the South West as a whole but higher than the national figure of 83%. In all other firm sizes in Somerset are broadly in line with the South West and the UK.