Ireland on the map

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

15,208
Population
4,859
Households
7 / 10
Deprivation decile
Around average
12
Schools nearby
£69,722
Avg. household income
630
Businesses
341
People per km²
Create a free area profile for IrelandDownload or embed an infographic of these statistics

About Ireland

Ireland, located in Bedfordshire, England, is a small village that offers a glimpse into rural English life. The area is characterised by its green fields and agricultural landscape, providing a peaceful setting for residents and visitors alike. The village features a few local amenities, including a primary school and a small shop, catering to the everyday needs of the community.

In terms of accessibility, Ireland is well-connected by road, allowing easy travel to nearby towns and cities. The surrounding countryside presents opportunities for walking and enjoying the outdoors. While it may not be a major tourist destination, the village serves as a quiet retreat for those looking to experience the simplicity of village life in Bedfordshire.

School Ratings in Ireland

There are 33 schools in and around Ireland. A further 5 schools hold a Good rating.

House Prices in Ireland

The average property price is £420K, with detached homes making up the majority of the housing stock at around £530K.

Crime and Anti-Social Behaviour in Ireland

Recorded crime levels are higher than the national average. Vehicle crime is prevalent across Ireland, with 33 recorded incidents in April 2026.

Deprivation and Employment in Ireland

Ireland sits around the middle of the national deprivation scale, according to the 2025 Index of Multiple Deprivation. 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 Ireland

There are 3 GP surgeries within three miles of Ireland, the nearest being Chicksands Medical Centre (1.3 miles away).

Property Prices 2,528 sales

Average Price £420K
£500 , £13.2M
Detached £530K 1,092
Semi £361K 596
Terraced £296K 508
Flat £187K 220

Household Income in Ireland ONS 2023

The average total household income in Ireland is approximately £69,722 a year before tax, 26% above the national average of £55,302. After tax and benefits, the average disposable (net) household income is around £48,958. These are modelled estimates from the Office for National Statistics for the financial year ending 2023.

Ireland £69,722
England & Wales avg. £55,302

Net (after tax) household income averages £48,958.

Businesses in Ireland ONS 2025

There are approximately 630 active businesses based in Ireland, around 41 for every 1,000 residents. The local economy is dominated by small firms: about 92% are micro-businesses employing fewer than 10 people, while 10 are larger employers with 50 or more staff. Figures are from the Office for National Statistics UK Business Counts.

630 Total businesses
41 Per 1,000 residents
Micro, 0-9 92%
Small, 10-49 7%
Medium, 50-249 1%
Large, 250+ 0%

Deprivation and Employment in Ireland IMD 2025

Ireland 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
7/10
Income
7/10
Employment
8/10
Education
6/10
Health
8/10
Housing
4/10
Living Environment
7/10
Children 0-15 20%
Working age 62%
Older 65+ 18%
3,058 Children (0-15) 20%
9,469 Working Age 62%
2,674 Older (65+) 18%
Average Child Poverty (IDACI) 23.2% of children in income-deprived families
Average Older Person Poverty (IDAOPI) 10.3% 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 Ireland 123 crimes · April 2026

High Crime Area

Ireland sees higher than average levels of reported crime relative to its population. Vehicle crime 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.

Vehicle Crime 33
Violence & Sexual Offences 30
Anti-Social Behaviour 17
Shoplifting 15
Public Order 9
Criminal Damage & Arson 8
Weapons 3
Other Theft 2
Other Crime 2
Bicycle Theft 1
Burglary 1
Drugs 1
Robbery 1
Local Policing
Bedfordshire Biggleswade, Sandy, Potton and Shefford 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

Biggleswade Train Station 4 miles
Arlesey Train Station 4.2 miles
Sandy Train Station 5.2 miles
Kempston Hardwick Train Station 6.6 miles
Bedford St Johns Train Station 7.1 miles
Letchworth Garden City Train Station 7.4 miles

Location

Local Government

District Central Bedfordshire
Ward Shefford
Constituency Mid Bedfordshire
Parish Shefford
Region East of England

Home Ownership in Ireland

Of the 6,005 households in and around Ireland, 73% are owned, 14% are socially rented and 13% are privately rented. Home ownership here is higher than the England and Wales average of 63%.

Owned 73% Social rented 14% Private rented 13%

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

Frequently Asked Questions about Ireland

What is the population of Ireland?
Ireland has a population of approximately 15,208 residents, based on the latest census figures for the surrounding postcode area.
What is the average house price in Ireland?
The average property in and around Ireland sold for about £419,701, based on HM Land Registry Price Paid records. That is around 20% above the England and Wales average of £349,091.
Is Ireland a deprived area?
Ireland sits around the national average for deprivation, with an Index of Multiple Deprivation decile of 7 out of 10, where 1 is the most deprived and 10 the least deprived.
What postcodes cover Ireland?
Ireland is covered by the SG17 postcode district.
How many schools are there in Ireland?
There are 12 schools within easy reach of Ireland, spanning primary, secondary and other phases.
Where is the nearest train station to Ireland?
The nearest railway station to Ireland is Biggleswade Train Station, about 4 miles away.