Dunstable on the map

Dunstable built-up area

Built-up area6.5 km² (2.5 sq mi)

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

77,510
Population
28,451
Households
6 / 10
Deprivation decile
Around average
12
Schools nearby
£59,410
Avg. household income
3,147
Businesses
692
People per km²
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About Dunstable

Dunstable is a town located in Bedfordshire, England, within the LU6 postcode area. It has a diverse community and offers a variety of amenities, including shops, restaurants, and parks. The town centre features a mix of modern and traditional architecture, with several local businesses contributing to its character. Dunstable is also home to the Dunstable Downs, which provide opportunities for outdoor activities and scenic views over the surrounding countryside.

Historically, Dunstable has significance dating back to the Roman period, with remnants of its past still visible today. The town is known for its historical sites, including the Priory Church of St Peter, which dates back to the 12th century. Dunstable also hosts various events throughout the year, fostering a sense of community among its residents. Public transport links make it accessible for those wishing to explore nearby areas.

School Ratings in Dunstable

Dunstable is served by 126 schools. A further 9 schools hold a Good rating.

House Prices in Dunstable

Property prices average £398K across the area, and semi-detached homes are the most common property type, typically selling for £346K.

Crime and Anti-Social Behaviour in Dunstable

Local crime rates sit broadly in line with national averages. Anti-social behaviour accounts for the highest share in Dunstable, with 89 incidents logged in April 2026.

Deprivation and Employment in Dunstable

Based on the 2025 Index of Multiple Deprivation, Dunstable falls within the mid-range nationally for overall deprivation. Working-age employment is around the national average for the area. Income levels locally sit close to the national average.

Healthcare in Dunstable

There are 23 GP surgeries within three miles of Dunstable, the nearest being Kirby Road Surgery (51 yards away).

Property Prices 10,997 sales

Average Price £398K
£500 , £114.75M
Detached £531K 2,218
Semi £346K 3,379
Terraced £282K 3,077
Flat £175K 1,899

Household Income in Dunstable ONS 2023

The average total household income in Dunstable is approximately £59,410 a year before tax, 7% above the national average of £55,302. After tax and benefits, the average disposable (net) household income is around £43,463. These are modelled estimates from the Office for National Statistics for the financial year ending 2023.

Dunstable £59,410
England & Wales avg. £55,302

Net (after tax) household income averages £43,463.

Businesses in Dunstable ONS 2025

There are approximately 3,147 active businesses based in Dunstable, around 41 for every 1,000 residents. The local economy is dominated by small firms: about 91% are micro-businesses employing fewer than 10 people, while 49 are larger employers with 50 or more staff. Figures are from the Office for National Statistics UK Business Counts.

3,147 Total businesses
41 Per 1,000 residents
Micro, 0-9 91%
Small, 10-49 7%
Medium, 50-249 1%
Large, 250+ 1%

Deprivation and Employment in Dunstable IMD 2025

The 2025 Index of Multiple Deprivation places Dunstable in the mid-range nationally. Employment and income levels are close to the England average, with a mix of opportunities across sectors. Overall living conditions are comparable to similar areas across the country.

Overall Deprivation
6/10
Income
6/10
Employment
7/10
Education
5/10
Health
7/10
Housing
5/10
Living Environment
7/10
Children 0-15 20%
Working age 63%
Older 65+ 17%
15,158 Children (0-15) 20%
48,593 Working Age 63%
13,756 Older (65+) 18%
Average Child Poverty (IDACI) 26.6% of children in income-deprived families
Average Older Person Poverty (IDAOPI) 14% 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 Dunstable 463 crimes · April 2026

Average Crime Area

Dunstable experiences crime rates that are roughly comparable to the national picture. Violence & sexual offences is the most reported category, consistent with broader patterns across similar communities. Day-to-day life here reflects the usual mix of challenges found in any established town.

Violence & Sexual Offences 169
Anti-Social Behaviour 89
Criminal Damage & Arson 30
Vehicle Crime 28
Public Order 27
Shoplifting 26
Burglary 24
Other Theft 24
Drugs 17
Other Crime 13
Robbery 9
Bicycle Theft 4
Weapons 2
Theft from Person 1
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 3.3 miles
Luton Train Station 4.8 miles
Luton Airport Parkway Train Station 5.6 miles
Harlington (Bedfordshire) Train Station 5.7 miles
Cheddington Train Station 6 miles
Leighton Buzzard Train Station 6.8 miles

Location

Local Government

District Central Bedfordshire
County Hertfordshire
Ward Dunstable-Northfields
Constituency South West Bedfordshire
Parish Dunstable
Region East of England

Home Ownership in Dunstable

Of the 31,525 households in and around Dunstable, 70% are owned, 15% are socially rented and 15% are privately rented. Home ownership here is higher than the England and Wales average of 63%.

Owned 70% Social rented 15% Private rented 15%

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

Frequently Asked Questions about Dunstable

What is the population of Dunstable?
Dunstable has a population of approximately 77,510 residents, based on the latest census figures for the surrounding postcode area.
What is the average house price in Dunstable?
The average property in and around Dunstable sold for about £397,809, based on HM Land Registry Price Paid records. That is around 14% above the England and Wales average of £349,091.
Is Dunstable a deprived area?
Dunstable 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 Dunstable?
Dunstable is covered by the LU5, LU6 postcode districts.
How many schools are there in Dunstable?
There are 12 schools within easy reach of Dunstable, spanning primary, secondary and other phases.
Where is the nearest train station to Dunstable?
The nearest railway station to Dunstable is Leagrave Train Station, about 3.3 miles away.