Heath and Reach on the map

Heath and Reach built-up area

Built-up area0.5 km² (0.2 sq mi)

Location in BedfordshireHeath and Reach sits where the marker shows within the county.

60,712
Population
22,314
Households
8 / 10
Deprivation decile
Among least deprived
12
Schools nearby
£67,777
Avg. household income
2,763
Businesses
412
People per km²
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About Heath and Reach

Heath and Reach is a village located in Bedfordshire, England, within the LU7 postcode area. It is situated near the larger town of Leighton Buzzard and provides a mix of residential living and local amenities. The village features a number of shops, a primary school, and various community facilities, making it a convenient place for families.

The surrounding area offers opportunities for outdoor activities, with nearby parks and woodlands for walking and cycling. Heath and Reach is also close to the Grand Union Canal, which provides a scenic route for leisurely strolls. The village's location allows for easy access to nearby towns and attractions, making it a practical choice for those seeking a quieter lifestyle while still being connected to urban conveniences.

School Ratings in Heath and Reach

There are 43 schools in and around Heath and Reach. Oak Bank School is rated Outstanding by Ofsted. A further 16 schools hold a Good rating.

House Prices in Heath and Reach

The average property price is £386K, with semi-detached homes making up the majority of the housing stock at around £362K.

Crime and Anti-Social Behaviour in Heath and Reach

Recorded crime levels are lower than the national average. Anti-social behaviour is prevalent across Heath and Reach, with 40 recorded incidents in April 2026.

Deprivation and Employment in Heath and Reach

According to the 2025 Index of Multiple Deprivation, Heath and Reach ranks among the least deprived areas in England. Employment levels are strong, with low rates of working-age exclusion from the labour market. Household incomes are broadly in line with the national average.

Healthcare in Heath and Reach

There are 6 GP surgeries within three miles of Heath and Reach, the nearest being Dr Jl Henderson & Partners (1.4 miles away).

Property Prices 10,374 sales

Average Price £386K
£1K , £20.27M
Detached £533K 2,753
Semi £362K 3,147
Terraced £303K 2,799
Flat £183K 1,293

Household Income in Heath and Reach ONS 2023

The average total household income in Heath and Reach is approximately £67,777 a year before tax, 23% above the national average of £55,302. After tax and benefits, the average disposable (net) household income is around £47,676. These are modelled estimates from the Office for National Statistics for the financial year ending 2023.

Heath and Reach £67,777
England & Wales avg. £55,302

Net (after tax) household income averages £47,676.

Businesses in Heath and Reach ONS 2025

There are approximately 2,763 active businesses based in Heath and Reach, around 46 for every 1,000 residents. The local economy is dominated by small firms: about 91% are micro-businesses employing fewer than 10 people, while 46 are larger employers with 50 or more staff. Figures are from the Office for National Statistics UK Business Counts.

2,763 Total businesses
46 Per 1,000 residents
Micro, 0-9 91%
Small, 10-49 8%
Medium, 50-249 1%
Large, 250+ 0%

Deprivation and Employment in Heath and Reach IMD 2025

Heath and Reach is one of the least deprived areas in England according to the 2025 Index of Multiple Deprivation. Employment opportunities are widely accessible and household incomes tend to sit comfortably above the national average. The area benefits from strong local services and a settled, established community.

Overall Deprivation
8/10
Income
7/10
Employment
8/10
Education
7/10
Health
8/10
Housing
5/10
Living Environment
7/10
Children 0-15 20%
Working age 62%
Older 65+ 18%
12,012 Children (0-15) 20%
37,495 Working Age 62%
11,204 Older (65+) 18%
Average Child Poverty (IDACI) 22.2% of children in income-deprived families
Average Older Person Poverty (IDAOPI) 11.2% 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 Heath and Reach 225 crimes · April 2026

Low Crime Area

Heath and Reach 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 town with a strong sense of community.

Violence & Sexual Offences 65
Anti-Social Behaviour 40
Shoplifting 31
Criminal Damage & Arson 17
Other Theft 16
Public Order 16
Vehicle Crime 12
Burglary 9
Drugs 8
Other Crime 5
Weapons 3
Robbery 3
Local Policing
Bedfordshire Leighton Buzzard 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

Leighton Buzzard Train Station 1.8 miles
Bow Brickhill Train Station 4.8 miles
Fenny Stratford Train Station 5 miles
Bletchley Train Station 5.2 miles
Woburn Sands Train Station 5.5 miles
Cheddington Train Station 5.6 miles

Location

Local Government

District Central Bedfordshire
Ward Heath and Reach
Constituency South West Bedfordshire
Parish Heath and Reach
Region East of England

Home Ownership in Heath and Reach

Of the 25,255 households in and around Heath and Reach, 74% are owned, 12% are socially rented and 14% are privately rented. Home ownership here is higher than the England and Wales average of 63%.

Owned 74% Social rented 12% Private rented 14%

Tenure from the 2021 Census (ONS), for the postcode districts covering Heath and Reach.

Frequently Asked Questions about Heath and Reach

What is the population of Heath and Reach?
Heath and Reach has a population of approximately 60,712 residents, based on the latest census figures for the surrounding postcode area.
What is the average house price in Heath and Reach?
The average property in and around Heath and Reach sold for about £386,475, based on HM Land Registry Price Paid records. That is around 11% above the England and Wales average of £349,091.
Is Heath and Reach a deprived area?
Heath and Reach sits among the least deprived areas in England, with an Index of Multiple Deprivation decile of 8 out of 10, where 1 is the most deprived and 10 the least deprived.
What postcodes cover Heath and Reach?
Heath and Reach is covered by the LU7 postcode district.
How many schools are there in Heath and Reach?
There are 12 schools within easy reach of Heath and Reach, spanning primary, secondary and other phases.
Where is the nearest train station to Heath and Reach?
The nearest railway station to Heath and Reach is Leighton Buzzard Train Station, about 1.8 miles away.