Lincoln's Economy by the Numbers: 2025 in Review

2025 was a standout year for Lincoln's economy. Key metrics across employment, trade, property, and investment all moved in the right direction.

Headline figures

• Exports: £3.8 billion (+12% YoY)
• Unemployment: 3.1% (lowest since 2019)
• New business registrations: +18% YoY
• Average commercial rent: £16/sq ft (+4%)
• University graduate retention: 42% (up from 35%)

What's driving it

The growth is broad-based. Agri-food and defence remain the backbone, but technology and professional services are the fastest-growing sectors.

The University of Lincoln's expanding research partnerships are beginning to create a self-reinforcing cycle: more research attracts more businesses, which creates more jobs, which attracts more talent.