Luton on the map

Luton built-up area

Built-up area41.0 km² (15.8 sq mi)

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

236,006
Population
78,384
Households
3 / 10
Deprivation decile
More deprived
12
Schools nearby
£52,588
Avg. household income
8,564
Businesses
2,333
People per km²
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About Luton

Luton is a large town located in Bedfordshire, England, with the postcode area LU1. It is situated approximately 30 miles north of London, making it a convenient location for commuters. The town is known for its diverse population and a variety of shops, restaurants, and services. Luton’s economy has historically been linked to the hat-making industry, which played a significant role in its development.

The town is also home to Luton Airport, one of the key airports serving London, which contributes to its connectivity. In addition to its commercial aspects, Luton features several parks and green spaces, offering residents and visitors a place to relax and enjoy outdoor activities. The cultural scene includes various events and festivals throughout the year, reflecting the community's diverse heritage.

School Ratings in Luton

Luton is served by 144 schools. Hillborough Junior School and Tennyson Road Primary School are each rated Outstanding by Ofsted. A further 14 schools hold a Good rating.

House Prices in Luton

Property prices average £341K across the area, and semi-detached homes are the most common property type, typically selling for £311K.

Crime and Anti-Social Behaviour in Luton

Local crime rates sit broadly in line with national averages. Anti-social behaviour accounts for the highest share in Luton, with 249 incidents logged in May 2026.

Deprivation and Employment in Luton

Based on the 2025 Index of Multiple Deprivation, Luton is among the more deprived areas nationally. Working-age employment is around the national average for the area. Income deprivation is more prevalent, with household earnings falling below the national average.

Healthcare in Luton

There are 43 GP surgeries within three miles of Luton, the nearest being Dr I Saleh's Practice (0.3 miles away).

Property Prices 22,315 sales

Average Price £341K
£100 , £103.32M
Detached £452K 2,933
Semi £311K 8,279
Terraced £254K 5,994
Flat £169K 4,124

Household Income in Luton ONS 2023

The average total household income in Luton is approximately £52,588 a year before tax, 5% below the national average of £55,302. After tax and benefits, the average disposable (net) household income is around £39,925. These are modelled estimates from the Office for National Statistics for the financial year ending 2023.

Luton £52,588
England & Wales avg. £55,302

Net (after tax) household income averages £39,925.

Businesses in Luton ONS 2025

There are approximately 8,564 active businesses based in Luton, around 36 for every 1,000 residents. The local economy is dominated by small firms: about 92% are micro-businesses employing fewer than 10 people, while 120 are larger employers with 50 or more staff. Figures are from the Office for National Statistics UK Business Counts.

8,564 Total businesses
36 Per 1,000 residents
Micro, 0-9 92%
Small, 10-49 7%
Medium, 50-249 1%
Large, 250+ 0%

Deprivation and Employment in Luton IMD 2025

The 2025 Index of Multiple Deprivation identifies Luton as one of the more deprived areas nationally. Residents face greater challenges around employment and income, though ongoing investment in infrastructure and services is helping to address these issues over time.

Overall Deprivation
3/10
Income
3/10
Employment
4/10
Education
3/10
Health
4/10
Housing
2/10
Living Environment
3/10
Children 0-15 23%
Working age 65%
Older 65+ 12%
54,463 Children (0-15) 23%
152,851 Working Age 65%
28,676 Older (65+) 12%
Below Average Child Poverty (IDACI) 59% of children in income-deprived families
Below Average Older Person Poverty (IDAOPI) 41% 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 Luton 1,582 crimes · May 2026

Average Crime Area

Luton 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 city.

Violence & Sexual Offences 588
Anti-Social Behaviour 249
Public Order 114
Shoplifting 111
Vehicle Crime 105
Criminal Damage & Arson 95
Other Theft 92
Drugs 85
Other Crime 40
Burglary 29
Weapons 28
Robbery 19
Theft from Person 19
Bicycle Theft 8
Local Policing
Bedfordshire Luton Town Centre 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

Luton Train Station 0.2 miles
Luton Airport Parkway Train Station 0.9 miles
Leagrave Train Station 2.6 miles
Harpenden Train Station 5.2 miles
Harlington (Bedfordshire) Train Station 6.6 miles
Hitchin Train Station 8 miles

Location

Local Government

District Luton
Ward South
Constituency Luton South
Parish Luton, unparished area
Region East of England

Home Ownership in Luton

Of the 83,467 households in and around Luton, 56% are owned, 16% are socially rented and 28% are privately rented. Home ownership here is lower than the England and Wales average of 63%.

Owned 56% Social rented 16% Private rented 28%

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

Frequently Asked Questions about Luton

What is the population of Luton?
Luton has a population of approximately 236,006 residents, based on the latest census figures for the surrounding postcode area.
What is the average house price in Luton?
The average property in and around Luton sold for about £341,338, based on HM Land Registry Price Paid records. That is close to the England and Wales average of £349,091.
Is Luton a deprived area?
Luton sits among the more deprived areas in England, with an Index of Multiple Deprivation decile of 3 out of 10, where 1 is the most deprived and 10 the least deprived.
What postcodes cover Luton?
Luton is covered by the LU1, LU2, LU3, LU4 postcode districts.
How many schools are there in Luton?
There are 12 schools within easy reach of Luton, spanning primary, secondary and other phases.
Where is the nearest train station to Luton?
The nearest railway station to Luton is Luton Train Station, about 0.2 miles away.