Rushden is a town and civil parish in the North Northamptonshire district, in the ceremonial county of Northamptonshire, England, around 18 miles east of Northampton. The parish is on the border with Bedfordshire, 12 miles north of Bedford. The parish of Rushden covers an area of some 9,001 acres. The population of Rushden is 32,038, making it the fifth largest town in the county. The larger urban area, which includes the adjoining town of Higham Ferrers, has a population of 40,865.