Houghton Regis on the map

Houghton Regis built-up area

Built-up area5.9 km² (2.3 sq mi)

Location in BedfordshireHoughton Regis 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 Houghton Regis

Houghton Regis is a town located in Bedfordshire, England, within the LU5 postcode area. It lies approximately 30 miles north of London and is part of the Central Bedfordshire district. The town has a mix of residential areas and local amenities, including shops, schools, and parks. Houghton Regis is well-connected by road, with easy access to the M1 motorway, making it convenient for commuters.

The town features several green spaces, offering opportunities for outdoor activities. Notable sites include the Houghton Hall Park, which provides a pleasant environment for walking and picnicking. Houghton Regis also has a variety of community events throughout the year, fostering a sense of local engagement. The nearby Dunstable Downs offers scenic views and walking trails, adding to the recreational options available in the area.

School Ratings in Houghton Regis

There are 114 schools in and around Houghton Regis. A further 12 schools hold a Good rating.

House Prices in Houghton Regis

The average property price is £410K, with semi-detached homes making up the majority of the housing stock at around £337K.

Crime and Anti-Social Behaviour in Houghton Regis

Recorded crime levels are higher than the national average. Anti-social behaviour is prevalent across Houghton Regis, with 115 recorded incidents in May 2026.

Deprivation and Employment in Houghton Regis

Houghton Regis 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 Houghton Regis

There are 26 GP surgeries within three miles of Houghton Regis, 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 Houghton Regis ONS 2023

The average total household income in Houghton Regis 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.

Houghton Regis £60,321
England & Wales avg. £55,302

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

Businesses in Houghton Regis ONS 2025

There are approximately 1,590 active businesses based in Houghton Regis, 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 Houghton Regis IMD 2025

Houghton Regis 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
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 Houghton Regis 501 crimes · May 2026

High Crime Area

Houghton Regis sees higher than average levels of reported crime relative to its population. Violence & sexual offences represents the most frequently recorded category. This pattern is not uncommon in densely populated urban areas and does not necessarily reflect the experience of most residents.

Violence & Sexual Offences 176
Anti-Social Behaviour 115
Criminal Damage & Arson 40
Public Order 37
Shoplifting 26
Other Theft 22
Vehicle Crime 22
Burglary 19
Drugs 13
Other Crime 13
Robbery 7
Theft from Person 5
Weapons 4
Bicycle Theft 2
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 Houghton Regis

Of the 16,999 households in and around Houghton Regis, 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 Houghton Regis.

Frequently Asked Questions about Houghton Regis

What is the population of Houghton Regis?
Houghton Regis 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 Houghton Regis?
The average property in and around Houghton Regis 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 Houghton Regis a deprived area?
Houghton Regis 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 Houghton Regis?
Houghton Regis is covered by the LU5 postcode district.
How many schools are there in Houghton Regis?
There are 12 schools within easy reach of Houghton Regis, spanning primary, secondary and other phases.
Where is the nearest train station to Houghton Regis?
The nearest railway station to Houghton Regis is Leagrave Train Station, about 2.9 miles away.