Economic statistics

How many businesses operate in Oxford?

The city is home to around 3,400 businesses providing 106,000 jobs.  89% of employees work in services, including 42% in public administration, education and health.

There is a high level of in-commuting, with about half of Oxford's workforce living outside its boundary.

How large is the tourism industry?

Oxford is the sixth most visited city in the UK by international visitors and is the tourism gateway to the rest of Oxfordshire.  We attract approximately 9.3 million visitors per year, generating £740 million of income for local Oxford businesses.

How many people are unemployed in Oxford?

Oxford is estimated to have an unemployment rate of 6.7%, which is higher than the 5.2% national average (though this is not a statistically significant difference).  By contrast, the percentage of working age people claiming unemployment benefit (Jobseeker's Allowance) is 1.5%, which is lower than the 2.5% national average.

At £488 per week, median gross earnings of residents are lower than the regional average.

Where can I find more information?

For more details of Oxford's economic profile please visit our business pages.

Statistics and detailed reports about tourism in Oxford are available from the Visit Oxford website.

A regularly updated profile of Oxford's labour market is available from the Nomis website.

For more on economic statistics, visit the Oxfordshire Data Observatory website under Data - Themes - Economy.

Data sources

• Nomis labour market statistics
• 2001 Census, ONS
• International Passenger Survey
• Economic Impact of Tourism in Oxford 2006, Tourism South East

Page last reviewed 4 Nov 2008