Regional evidence report

The West of England’s strengths, challenges and future prospects

This report sets out the current position on the social, economic and environmental conditions that contribute to the quality of life of the people in the West of England. It is the second edition of our State of the West of England series. This year’s report provides much of the evidence that has informed the West of England Growth Strategy, and provides a foundation for future decision-making.

The Mayoral Combined Authority has drawn from a wide body of research, local authority insights, and national data in putting together the report. Where key evidence gaps have been identified, these will be addressed through ongoing research with regional partners to help shape the region's priorities and actions.

The strengths of the West of England

The West of England has a burgeoning economy, a young and qualified workforce, and a number of key industries that provide a strong foundation for future growth. It is well-connected externally, offers a host of cultural and natural attractions, and has vibrant communities.

1.2m population (increase of nearly 10% since 2015)
11% increase in working-age population between 2015 and 2024 (exceeding that of all other combined authorities)
2.4% annual regional GDP growth since 2019 (compared to UK rate of 0.6%)
112000 students across the region’s four universities
56% of the region’s working age population hold a degree-level qualification
32m+ visitors annually
Boat, river and bridge
Image credit: Anna Barclay & Freia Turland

An attractive place to live

The West of England is one of the fastest-growing regions in the country, with population growth outstripping the UK average and every other combined authority. The region benefits from strong national and international connections by rail, road, air and port, supporting a visitor economy of more than 32 million trips each year. These links, combined with access to cultural and natural assets, contribute to a high quality of life that continues to attract people to the area.

Did you know? London, Birmingham and Southampton can all be directly reached by train from Bristol in less than 2 hours.

Dynamic jobs and businesses

Economic growth in the West of England has exceeded the national average, and the region continues to have the highest productivity of all combined authorities. Business formation and survival rates are strong, and employment in priority sectors has expanded rapidly - up 52% in Digital and Technologies and 82% in the Creative Industries since 2015.

The region's output (£GVA) in Advanced Manufacturing more than doubled between 2015 and 2023, while Clean Energy job postings increased by 140% from 2016 to 2025. Employing 57% of the regional workforce, the region's Everyday Economy provides a strong foundation for growth.

Did you know? More than 600 high-growth businesses are now based in the region.

Image credit: Bower Ashton, UWE

A young and qualified workforce

The region’s working-age population has grown faster than that of every other combined authority. A high proportion of residents hold degree-level qualifications, and the area’s four universities are home to 112,000 students. This young, well-qualified workforce continues to support innovation, business growth and economic competitiveness.

Did you know? 56% of the working-age population are educated to degree level or above - far higher than the national average.

The challenges we face

While the West of England has many strengths, significant challenges remain. From tackling inequality and housing costs, to addressing congestion and carbon emissions, the region must take bold steps to ensure a more sustainable and equitable future for all.

100 neighbourhoods in the region fall in the country’s 20% most deprived (181,000 residents)
67550 of the region’s children are living in poverty
45% at 45% and 43% of median incomes, Bristol and Bath have the least affordable rental costs outside London
150% increase in the number of residents within a 30 minute bus journey of Bristol city centre, if congestion was addressed
44% of the region’s total CO2 emissions from transport (just a 9% decrease in 10 years)
118 of the region’s 138 Sites of Special Scientific Interest are considered both ‘unfavourable’ and ‘declining’ in quality

Areas of deprivation and inequality

Many people across the West of England experience significantly lower living standards than the regional average. Around 181,000 residents live in the most deprived 20% of neighbourhoods in England, including high concentrations in parts of Bristol, Bath, Avonmouth and Weston-super-Mare. Almost 70,000 children live in poverty, with rates rising and becoming more acute once housing costs are accounted for. These inequalities affect access to opportunities and contribute to uneven outcomes across communities.

Did you know? 1,800 households currently live in temporary accommodation.

High housing costs

High rental and purchase prices are affecting living standards and reducing the ability of employers to attract and retain workers. Private rents in Bristol now average 45% of median income – the highest outside London – while house prices in areas such as B&NES are more than 10 times average earnings. A substantial backlog of unmet housing need has resulted in long waiting lists and increased numbers of households in temporary accommodation.

Did you know? The median house price across the region is £350,000.

Traffic congestion and emissions

Traffic congestion affects quality of life, limits access to jobs and services, and carries significant economic costs. Congestion in Bristol and Bath is estimated to have cost £151 million in 2024, and limits public transport performance, with more than a fifth of bus services running late and satisfaction levels below the national average. Transport is the largest contributor to regional emissions, accounting for 44% of the total, and progress has been slow, with transport emissions falling only 9% over the past decade.

Did you know? Removing congestion would increase the number of residents within a 30-minute bus journey of Bristol city centre by almost 150%.

What is the Mayoral Combined Authority doing about it?

We want to transform our region.

The next decade will see the West of England change. Growth will mean more job opportunities, new homes, an injection in pace and investment in the transformation of our transport network and the strengthening of those relationships that will help us deliver.

In 10 years, the action in this strategy will deliver tangible change and improve the lives of the people who call this region home.

Read the 10 year Growth Strategy