Melchbourne on the map

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

16,275
Population
6,430
Households
6 / 10
Deprivation decile
Around average
29
Schools nearby
£68,342
Avg. household income
1,222
Businesses
76
People per km²
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About Melchbourne

Melchbourne is a small village located in Bedfordshire, England, within the MK44 postcode area. The village is characterised by its rural setting, surrounded by open fields and farmland. The local architecture includes a mix of traditional stone cottages and more modern homes, reflecting the area’s development over the years.

The village is primarily residential, offering a peaceful environment for its inhabitants. Nearby, you can find the parish church, which serves as a focal point for the community. Melchbourne is well-connected to neighbouring towns, making it accessible for those wishing to explore the wider region. The surrounding countryside provides opportunities for walking and enjoying the natural landscape.

School Ratings in Melchbourne

Families in Melchbourne have access to 29 local schools. A further 12 schools hold a Good rating.

House Prices in Melchbourne

Homes sell for an average of £503K locally. Most of the housing is made up of detached homes, averaging £559K.

Crime and Anti-Social Behaviour in Melchbourne

Crime in the area is lower than the national average. Anti-social behaviour is the leading concern across Melchbourne, with 2 incidents recorded in April 2026.

Deprivation and Employment in Melchbourne

The 2025 Index of Multiple Deprivation places Melchbourne around the national average for deprivation. Employment rates locally are in line with what is seen across England. Average incomes in the area are typical for England.

Property Prices 2,317 sales

Average Price £503K
£100 , £30.34M
Detached £559K 1,203
Semi £376K 501
Terraced £271K 372
Flat £216K 37

Household Income in Melchbourne ONS 2023

The average total household income in Melchbourne is approximately £68,342 a year before tax, 24% above the national average of £55,302. After tax and benefits, the average disposable (net) household income is around £47,664. These are modelled estimates from the Office for National Statistics for the financial year ending 2023.

Melchbourne £68,342
England & Wales avg. £55,302

Net (after tax) household income averages £47,664.

Businesses in Melchbourne ONS 2025

There are approximately 1,222 active businesses based in Melchbourne, around 75 for every 1,000 residents. The local economy is dominated by small firms: about 90% are micro-businesses employing fewer than 10 people, while 19 are larger employers with 50 or more staff. Figures are from the Office for National Statistics UK Business Counts.

1,222 Total businesses
75 Per 1,000 residents
Micro, 0-9 90%
Small, 10-49 8%
Medium, 50-249 1%
Large, 250+ 1%

Deprivation and Employment in Melchbourne IMD 2025

Deprivation levels in Melchbourne are around the national average based on the 2025 Index of Multiple Deprivation. Employment is accessible for most residents and household incomes reflect the broader national picture. The area maintains a steady balance between affordability and quality of life.

Overall Deprivation
6/10
Income
7/10
Employment
7/10
Education
6/10
Health
7/10
Housing
2/10
Living Environment
5/10
Children 0-15 17%
Working age 59%
Older 65+ 24%
2,689 Children (0-15) 17%
9,626 Working Age 59%
3,953 Older (65+) 24%
Average Child Poverty (IDACI) 24.8% of children in income-deprived families
Average Older Person Poverty (IDAOPI) 10.4% 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 Melchbourne 11 crimes · April 2026

Low Crime Area

Crime levels in Melchbourne are lower than the England and Wales average. While violence & sexual offences is the most frequently recorded category, the overall picture is one of a settled and secure small town where serious incidents remain uncommon.

Violence & Sexual Offences 6
Anti-Social Behaviour 2
Burglary 2
Other Crime 1
Local Policing
Bedfordshire Riseley, Wyboston 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 2 stations

Wellingborough Train Station 8 miles
Bedford Train Station 9.9 miles

Location

Local Government

District Bedford
County Cambridgeshire
Ward Sharnbrook
Constituency North East Bedfordshire
Parish Knotting and Souldrop
Region East of England

Home Ownership in Melchbourne

Of the 6,741 households in and around Melchbourne, 78% are owned, 10% are socially rented and 12% are privately rented. Home ownership here is higher than the England and Wales average of 63%.

Owned 78% Social rented 10% Private rented 12%

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

Frequently Asked Questions about Melchbourne

What is the population of Melchbourne?
Melchbourne has a population of approximately 16,275 residents, based on the latest census figures for the surrounding postcode area.
What is the average house price in Melchbourne?
The average property in and around Melchbourne sold for about £503,308, based on HM Land Registry Price Paid records. That is around 44% above the England and Wales average of £349,091.
Is Melchbourne a deprived area?
Melchbourne 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 Melchbourne?
Melchbourne is covered by the MK44 postcode district.
How many schools are there in Melchbourne?
There are 29 schools within 5 miles of Melchbourne, spanning primary, secondary and other phases.
Where is the nearest train station to Melchbourne?
The nearest railway station to Melchbourne is Wellingborough Train Station, about 8 miles away.