York is the top city in the UK for growth and quality of life, according to a respected national survey.
It has beaten Edinburgh to the top spot in the 2025 Good Growth for Cities Index, compiled by accountancy firm PwC and thinktank Demos.
The report says: “York is the highest performing city in the Index, with Edinburgh rising to second place and Bristol in third place.
“These cities scored highly across high streets, skills, and jobs which are key indicators of prosperity that the public increasingly values.
“York ranked among the top three cities for both high street and jobs.”
York has risen from sixth in the index last year which ranks 50 UK cities. It claimed top spot above Edinburgh and Bristol this year.
Carl Sizer, chief markets officer at PwC, said: “The cities and regions making the most progress are those that align their sector priorities with local strengths and invest in essentials like housing, transport, digital infrastructure, and skills.
“They ensure that the priorities of communities, employers, and key institutions are in sync.”
The Good Growth for Cities Index rates locations on a number of factors, including jobs, skills, work-life balance, environment, transport, safety and the High Street and shops.
York scored highly on jobs and skills, but less well on new businesses.
The report has words of caution. It says: “Plymouth and York score highly on the Good Growth Index but have weaker growth forecasts, reflecting their exposure to slower-growing sectors.”
Deputy City of York Council leader Pete Kilbane welcomed the report. He said: “We are proud to have a diverse economy ranging from micro businesses and our amazing independents to globally recognised names.
“Our businesses are constantly innovating in a range of sectors, including science and media arts plus the fantastic festivals and events we host so well.
“Our high streets continue to buck national trends, with shop occupancy well above the national average. There is much more to come. We have a skilled population and innovative businesses in a range of high growth sectors.
“On top of that we have one of the country’s biggest regeneration projects in York Central which will deliver thousands more well-paid jobs to the city, as well as much needed genuinely affordable housing and high quality public spaces. While this is great news for our city, we need to ensure all residents feel the benefit. We will continue to do all we can to make sure that economic growth helps tackle the deprivation, poverty and inequality that can be found in many areas of our city.
You can find out more on the PwC website here.
