Read our 2025 State of the City Report
Compiled by Norwich Business Improvement District (BID) & Work in Norwich, our new State of the City report provides an overview of Norwich today, presenting data on the city’s economy, population and business landscape.
Did you know?
- Norwich ranks 10th in the UK (excluding London) in the latest Demos-PwC Good Growth for Cities Index
- Norwich was recently voted the happiest city in the UK
- 34% of businesses in the Norwich BID area are in the retail sector
- 84.4% of Norwich businesses employ 0-9 people
- 82.7% of the population are employed in Norwich; this is above the UK average of 75.1%
- Norwich is a Real Living Wage city, with over 80 employers voluntarily paying above the legal minimum to make sure everyone earns enough
Norwich’s population is currently estimated at 147,182, reflecting steady growth over the past decade. Major investment is reshaping key areas, most notably the £350 million Anglia Square regeneration, which will deliver 1,100 new homes, new retail and leisure spaces, and create more than 3,500 jobs. This large-scale scheme is set to reshape the north of the city and increase residential density around the centre, influencing footfall patterns and strengthening the city core.
The city’s business landscape remains one of its distinguishing features. In the Norwich BID area, retail accounts for 34% of businesses and leisure for 24%. More widely, 84.4% of Norwich businesses employ between zero and nine people, reflecting a strong independent and small enterprise culture. This creates a diverse commercial environment, characterised by specialist firms, creative companies, and local retailers.
Employment levels continue to demonstrate stability. Norwich’s employment rate stands at 82.7%, supported by a broad mix of established industries including retail, education, health, public administration and hospitality. Alongside these, high growth sectors are playing an increasingly prominent role in the region. Digital tech, advanced manufacturing, financial services, and life sciences collectively employ tens of thousands of people across Norfolk. Norwich Research Park, major insurance and financial organisations and a growing cluster of digital and creative firms contribute significantly to the city’s economic trajectory.
Activity in the city centre is reinforced by sustained visitor numbers. December 2024 recorded the highest monthly footfall for three years, with 1,859,384 visitors. Tourism spend in Norwich remains strong, driven by food and drink, accommodation, shopping and attractions. Norwich’s cultural institutions add strength to the city experience; Norwich Theatre welcomes more than 500,000 visitors each year, while Norwich Cathedral recorded more than 626,000 visitors in 2024–25.
Cultural programming also continues to be a major contributor to city centre vitality, with events such as the Norfolk and Norwich Festival, Norwich Science Festival, Norwich Games Festival, Run Norwich and Norwich Summer Sessions attracting large audiences throughout the year.
Living standards remain a key part of Norwich’s appeal. The city is a Real Living Wage city, with more than 80 employers voluntarily committing to higher pay standards. Typical rents and everyday costs remain competitive compared with larger urban centres, contributing to Norwich’s attractiveness as a base for both employers and employees.
Transport connectivity continues to support the city’s role as a regional hub. Norwich Train Station recorded 4,176,640 journeys in 2024, with London Liverpool Street the most common origin or destination. Norwich Airport served 352,517 passengers in 2023/24, supporting both business and leisure travel and enhancing the city’s reach.
The latest data presents a picture of a city that is continuing to grow and diversify. With a strong employment base, a dynamic cultural offer and an active city centre, Norwich remains a competitive environment for businesses and an appealing place to work and build a career.