Bidwell on the map

Location in BedfordshireBidwell sits where the marker shows within the county.

42,768
Population
15,310
Households
6 / 10
Deprivation decile
Around average
12
Schools nearby
£60,321
Avg. household income
1,590
Businesses
874
People per km²
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About Bidwell

Bidwell is a small settlement located in the county of Bedfordshire, within the country of England. It falls within the LU5 postcode area, which covers parts of the surrounding rural landscape. The area is characterised by open countryside and agricultural land, typical of the Bedfordshire region. While not a large community, Bidwell offers a quiet, rural environment with access to local amenities and services. The village is situated near the border of Cambridgeshire, making it a convenient location for those commuting between the two counties. The surrounding area features a mix of farmland, woodland, and small residential properties, contributing to a peaceful and relaxed atmosphere. The LU5 postcode is shared with nearby villages, reflecting the close-knit nature of the local community.

School Ratings in Bidwell

Families in Bidwell have access to 114 local schools. A further 12 schools hold a Good rating.

House Prices in Bidwell

Homes sell for an average of £410K locally. Most of the housing is made up of semi-detached homes, averaging £337K.

Crime and Anti-Social Behaviour in Bidwell

Crime in the area is higher than the national average. Anti-social behaviour is the leading concern across Bidwell, with 86 incidents recorded in April 2026.

Deprivation and Employment in Bidwell

The 2025 Index of Multiple Deprivation places Bidwell around the national average for deprivation. Employment rates locally are in line with what is seen across England. Average incomes in the area are typical for England.

Healthcare in Bidwell

There are 26 GP surgeries within three miles of Bidwell, the nearest being Houghton Regis Medical Centre (0.4 miles away).

Property Prices 6,277 sales

Average Price £410K
£500 , £114.75M
Detached £465K 1,092
Semi £337K 2,105
Terraced £275K 1,876
Flat £179K 990

Household Income in Bidwell ONS 2023

The average total household income in Bidwell is approximately £60,321 a year before tax, 9% above the national average of £55,302. After tax and benefits, the average disposable (net) household income is around £43,205. These are modelled estimates from the Office for National Statistics for the financial year ending 2023.

Bidwell £60,321
England & Wales avg. £55,302

Net (after tax) household income averages £43,205.

Businesses in Bidwell ONS 2025

There are approximately 1,590 active businesses based in Bidwell, around 37 for every 1,000 residents. The local economy is dominated by small firms: about 90% are micro-businesses employing fewer than 10 people, while 34 are larger employers with 50 or more staff. Figures are from the Office for National Statistics UK Business Counts.

1,590 Total businesses
37 Per 1,000 residents
Micro, 0-9 90%
Small, 10-49 8%
Medium, 50-249 2%
Large, 250+ 0%

Deprivation and Employment in Bidwell IMD 2025

Deprivation levels in Bidwell are around the national average based on the 2025 Index of Multiple Deprivation. Employment is accessible for most residents and household incomes reflect the broader national picture. The area maintains a steady balance between affordability and quality of life.

Overall Deprivation
6/10
Income
5/10
Employment
6/10
Education
4/10
Health
6/10
Housing
6/10
Living Environment
7/10
Children 0-15 21%
Working age 64%
Older 65+ 15%
8,800 Children (0-15) 21%
27,296 Working Age 64%
6,674 Older (65+) 16%
Average Child Poverty (IDACI) 32.2% of children in income-deprived families
Average Older Person Poverty (IDAOPI) 18% of over-60s in income-deprived households
Data from English Indices of Deprivation 2025 · Contains public sector information licensed under the Open Government Licence v3.0

Crime in Bidwell 432 crimes · April 2026

High Crime Area

Crime figures for Bidwell are higher than the England and Wales average, with violence & sexual offences the most prevalent offence recorded. Urban density and footfall contribute to elevated reporting in areas like this. Ongoing investment in policing and community safety programmes aims to improve the picture.

Violence & Sexual Offences 154
Anti-Social Behaviour 86
Criminal Damage & Arson 29
Shoplifting 28
Vehicle Crime 25
Public Order 23
Other Theft 20
Drugs 18
Other Crime 18
Burglary 17
Robbery 8
Bicycle Theft 4
Weapons 1
Theft from Person 1
Local Policing
Bedfordshire Houghton Regis and Rural Visit force website →
Data from data.police.uk · Contains public sector information licensed under the Open Government Licence v3.0
Crime figures depend on reporting by individual police forces and may not reflect the full picture in all areas.

Nearest Train Stations 6 stations

Leagrave Train Station 2.9 miles
Harlington (Bedfordshire) Train Station 3.9 miles
Luton Train Station 5.1 miles
Luton Airport Parkway Train Station 6.1 miles
Leighton Buzzard Train Station 6.5 miles
Flitwick Train Station 6.6 miles

Location

Local Government

District Central Bedfordshire
Ward Dunstable-Manshead
Constituency South West Bedfordshire
Parish Dunstable
Region East of England

Home Ownership in Bidwell

Of the 16,999 households in and around Bidwell, 68% are owned, 18% are socially rented and 15% are privately rented. Home ownership here is higher than the England and Wales average of 63%.

Owned 68% Social rented 18% Private rented 15%

Tenure from the 2021 Census (ONS), for the postcode districts covering Bidwell.

Frequently Asked Questions about Bidwell

What is the population of Bidwell?
Bidwell has a population of approximately 42,768 residents, based on the latest census figures for the surrounding postcode area.
What is the average house price in Bidwell?
The average property in and around Bidwell sold for about £409,539, based on HM Land Registry Price Paid records. That is around 17% above the England and Wales average of £349,091.
Is Bidwell a deprived area?
Bidwell sits around the national average for deprivation, with an Index of Multiple Deprivation decile of 6 out of 10, where 1 is the most deprived and 10 the least deprived.
What postcodes cover Bidwell?
Bidwell is covered by the LU5 postcode district.
How many schools are there in Bidwell?
There are 12 schools within easy reach of Bidwell, spanning primary, secondary and other phases.
Where is the nearest train station to Bidwell?
The nearest railway station to Bidwell is Leagrave Train Station, about 2.9 miles away.