4.8 Urban

There is no doubt that Oxford is a major hub in the County with, according to the 2001 Census data, 22% of the population of the County living within the administrative boundary of the City. Oxford is also where the highest concentration of businesses and jobs are found and is the largest draw for visitors - best museums outside London, architectural glories and retail.

The other key urban centres of Banbury, Abingdon, Witney, Bicester and Didcot also act as hubs. These six main urban centres (including Oxford) account for approximately 46% of the County’s population, not including those living in their hinterlands, and these form the hubs around which much of the economic life of the County takes place.

Oxford and Banbury are the only urban centres in Oxfordshire which have more jobs than residents - Oxford significantly so with some 27,000 more jobs than residents according to 2001 Census. The other towns in Oxfordshire have a "dormitory" element to them. Economic development and job creation across the County is important to balance the growth in housing in towns.

The city of Oxford and the other major County towns also occupy an important part of the public consciousness, and can act as a barometer of the ‘feel-good factor’ in Oxfordshire. They also act as ‘shop windows’ for those coming from outside the County, giving a strong impression of the nature, culture and priorities we share.