Cardington on the map

Cardington built-up area

Built-up area0.3 km² (0.1 sq mi)

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

16,275
Population
6,430
Households
6 / 10
Deprivation decile
Around average
12
Schools nearby
£68,342
Avg. household income
1,222
Businesses
76
People per km²
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About Cardington

Cardington is a village located in the county of Bedfordshire, within the MK44 postcode area of England. It lies to the west of the town of Bedford and is known for its rural setting and proximity to the A421 road. The village has a long history, with evidence of settlement dating back to the Anglo-Saxon period. One of its most notable features is the Cardington Airfield, which has been used for aviation research and training, including the construction of large airships in the early 20th century. The area is characterised by open countryside and traditional English farmland, with a mix of residential properties and agricultural land. The village maintains a quiet, community-focused atmosphere, with local amenities including a church, a pub, and a small primary school. Its location makes it accessible to nearby towns and cities while retaining a peaceful, countryside feel.

School Ratings in Cardington

There are 75 schools in and around Cardington. A further 12 schools hold a Good rating.

House Prices in Cardington

The average property price is £503K, with detached homes making up the majority of the housing stock at around £559K.

Crime and Anti-Social Behaviour in Cardington

Recorded crime levels are lower than the national average. Anti-social behaviour is prevalent across Cardington, with 2 recorded incidents in April 2026.

Deprivation and Employment in Cardington

Cardington sits around the middle of the national deprivation scale, according to the 2025 Index of Multiple Deprivation. Employment levels are broadly typical for the area, sitting close to the national average. Household incomes are broadly in line with the national average.

Healthcare in Cardington

There are 20 GP surgeries within three miles of Cardington, the nearest being Ache Shortstown Beds (0.6 miles away).

Local Data for Cardington

Dig deeper into the area around Cardington with our free postcode tools.

Food Hygiene Ratings Hygiene scores for cafes, takeaways and shops Nearest GP Surgery Find the GP surgeries closest to a postcode Compare Areas Put two areas head to head House Prices Recent sale prices and trends

Property Prices 2,317 sales

Average Price £503K
£100 , £30.34M
Detached £559K 1,203
Semi £376K 501
Terraced £271K 372
Flat £216K 37

Schools & Education 12 nearby View all schools

45 Primary
10 Secondary
20 Other
Good 12
Requires improvement 1

Ofsted ratings for schools in the MK44 postcode area.

Shortstown Primary School Primary Good 0.6 miles Eastcotts Family Hub (Bedford Borough) Good 0.7 miles Elstow School Primary 1.3 miles Cotton End Forest School Primary 1.4 miles Sheerhatch Primary School Primary Good 1.4 miles Bedford Academy Secondary Good 1.5 miles King's Oak Primary School Primary Good 1.6 miles KWS School Not applicable Good 1.7 miles Goldington Green Academy Primary 1.9 miles Shackleton Primary School Primary Good 2 miles Cherry Trees Nursery School Nursery Outstanding 2.1 miles Bedford Girls' School Not applicable 2.2 miles

Household Income in Cardington ONS 2023

The average total household income in Cardington is approximately £68,342 a year before tax, 24% above the national average of £55,302. After tax and benefits, the average disposable (net) household income is around £47,664. These are modelled estimates from the Office for National Statistics for the financial year ending 2023.

Cardington £68,342
England & Wales avg. £55,302

Net (after tax) household income averages £47,664.

Businesses in Cardington ONS 2025

There are approximately 1,222 active businesses based in Cardington, around 75 for every 1,000 residents. The local economy is dominated by small firms: about 90% are micro-businesses employing fewer than 10 people, while 19 are larger employers with 50 or more staff. Figures are from the Office for National Statistics UK Business Counts.

1,222 Total businesses
75 Per 1,000 residents
Micro, 0-9 90%
Small, 10-49 8%
Medium, 50-249 1%
Large, 250+ 1%

Deprivation and Employment in Cardington IMD 2025

Cardington sits around the national average for deprivation according to the 2025 Index of Multiple Deprivation. Employment and income levels are broadly typical, reflecting a mixed local economy. The area offers a balance of residential and commercial activity common to most parts of England.

Overall Deprivation
6/10
Income
7/10
Employment
7/10
Education
6/10
Health
7/10
Housing
2/10
Living Environment
5/10
Children 0-15 17%
Working age 59%
Older 65+ 24%
2,689 Children (0-15) 17%
9,626 Working Age 59%
3,953 Older (65+) 24%
Average Child Poverty (IDACI) 24.8% of children in income-deprived families
Average Older Person Poverty (IDAOPI) 10.4% 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 Cardington 11 crimes · April 2026

Low Crime Area

Cardington records relatively low levels of reported crime compared to national averages. Violence & sexual offences is the most commonly logged offence type, though overall numbers remain modest. The area is generally considered a safe and settled small town with a strong sense of community.

Violence & Sexual Offences 6
Anti-Social Behaviour 2
Burglary 2
Other Crime 1
Local Policing
Bedfordshire Wilstead, Shortstown, Willington 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

Bedford St Johns Train Station 2.4 miles
Bedford Train Station 3 miles
Kempston Hardwick Train Station 3.8 miles
Stewartby Train Station 5.4 miles
Sandy Train Station 5.8 miles
Millbrook (Bedfordshire) Train Station 6.5 miles

Location

Nearby Towns & Villages 12 found

Chapel End 0.9 miles Shortstown 0.9 miles Water End 1.2 miles Eastcotts 1.2 miles Harrowden 1.2 miles Cotton End 1.2 miles Cople 1.4 miles Fenlake 1.4 miles Herring's Green 1.9 miles Elstow 2 miles Goldington 2 miles Littleworth 2 miles

Local Government

District Bedford
County Cambridgeshire
Ward Sharnbrook
Constituency North East Bedfordshire
Parish Knotting and Souldrop
Region East of England

Home Ownership in Cardington

Of the 6,741 households in and around Cardington, 78% are owned, 10% are socially rented and 12% are privately rented. Home ownership here is higher than the England and Wales average of 63%.

Owned 78% Social rented 10% Private rented 12%

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

Frequently Asked Questions about Cardington

What is the population of Cardington?
Cardington has a population of approximately 16,275 residents, based on the latest census figures for the surrounding postcode area.
What is the average house price in Cardington?
The average property in and around Cardington sold for about £503,308, based on HM Land Registry Price Paid records. That is around 44% above the England and Wales average of £349,091.
Is Cardington a deprived area?
Cardington 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 Cardington?
Cardington is covered by the MK44 postcode district.
How many schools are there in Cardington?
There are 12 schools within easy reach of Cardington, spanning primary, secondary and other phases.
Where is the nearest train station to Cardington?
The nearest railway station to Cardington is Bedford St Johns Train Station, about 2.4 miles away.

Streets in MK44 30 shown View all streets

A1 4 Addingtons Road 2 All Saints Road 1 Arkwright Road 1 Armistice Croft 1 Avenue Farm Lane 1 B660 2 Back Lane 3 Balls Lane 1 Barford Road 5 Barrance Way 1 Beanfield Close 1 Beauchamp Place 1 Bedford Road 23 Bedford Southern Bypass 2 Begwary Lane 1 Bennetts Close 2 Birch End Road 1 Birchfield Road 1 Bletsoe Road 3 Blunham Road 4 Bourne End Lane 3 Bourne Road 1 Bowers Close 1 Bowers Lane 1 Brickhill Close 1 Brittons Close 2 Brook Lane 1 Brooklands Road 1 Brookside 1

Postcodes in MK44 50 shown View all postcodes

MK44 1AA MK44 1AB MK44 1AD MK44 1AE MK44 1AF MK44 1AG MK44 1AH MK44 1AJ MK44 1AL MK44 1AN MK44 1AP MK44 1AQ MK44 1AR MK44 1AS MK44 1AT MK44 1AU MK44 1AW MK44 1AX MK44 1BA MK44 1BB MK44 1BD MK44 1BE MK44 1BF MK44 1BG MK44 1BH MK44 1BJ MK44 1BL MK44 1BN MK44 1BP MK44 1BQ MK44 1BS MK44 1BT MK44 1BU MK44 1BX MK44 1BY MK44 1BZ MK44 1DA MK44 1DB MK44 1DD MK44 1DE MK44 1DF MK44 1DG MK44 1DH MK44 1DJ MK44 1DL MK44 1DN MK44 1DP MK44 1DQ MK44 1DR MK44 1DS