Key Facts

Overview of Forest of Dean Economy 

• A largely rural district with no major urban centres. 

• Good road communications, with the M4, M5 and M50 in close proximity. 

• Population of 82,900 per ONS mid year population estimate 2010 and predicted to continue growing in the next decade.

• Relatively more people are employed in the manufacturing sector compared with the national and South West averages.

• Generally low unemployment though there are some areas of high unemployment and deprivation.

• Low proportion of long-term unemployment.

• Economically active population of 42,000 (81.7%) in 2010.

• There is a significant outflow of commuters from the district, with daily net commuting journeys from the district currently at 10,000 approx.

• Training and qualifications are generally higher than national averages.

• Tourism is a significant sector of the economy, accounting for 7.5% of employment and generating £110 million in 2009.