Swineshead on the map

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

16,275
Population
6,430
Households
6 / 10
Deprivation decile
Around average
7
Schools nearby
£68,342
Avg. household income
1,222
Businesses
76
People per km²
Create a free area profile for SwinesheadDownload or embed an infographic of these statistics

About Swineshead

Swineshead is a village located in Bedfordshire, England, within the MK44 postcode area. It is situated approximately six miles from the larger town of Bedford, making it accessible for those wishing to explore the surrounding region. The village features a mix of residential properties and local amenities, providing a sense of community for its residents.

The area is primarily rural, with agricultural land surrounding the village. Swineshead has a local pub, which serves as a gathering place for villagers. The village is also home to a church that reflects its community spirit. For those interested in walking or cycling, the nearby countryside offers various routes to enjoy the natural landscape of Bedfordshire.

School Ratings in Swineshead

Swineshead is served by 7 schools. A further 12 schools hold a Good rating.

House Prices in Swineshead

Property prices average £503K across the area, and detached homes are the most common property type, typically selling for £559K.

Crime and Anti-Social Behaviour in Swineshead

Local crime rates sit lower than national averages. Other theft accounts for the highest share in Swineshead, with 1 incidents logged in May 2026.

Deprivation and Employment in Swineshead

Based on the 2025 Index of Multiple Deprivation, Swineshead falls within the mid-range nationally for overall deprivation. Working-age employment is around the national average for the area. Income levels locally sit close to the national average.

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 Swineshead ONS 2023

The average total household income in Swineshead 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.

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

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

Businesses in Swineshead ONS 2025

There are approximately 1,222 active businesses based in Swineshead, 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 Swineshead IMD 2025

The 2025 Index of Multiple Deprivation places Swineshead in the mid-range nationally. Employment and income levels are close to the England average, with a mix of opportunities across sectors. Overall living conditions are comparable to similar areas across the country.

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 Swineshead 5 crimes · May 2026

Low Crime Area

Reported crime in Swineshead falls below the national average, suggesting a comparatively safe environment. Violence & sexual offences tops the list of recorded incidents, but figures are low overall. Residents and visitors alike tend to find this a quiet and reassuring small town.

Violence & Sexual Offences 3
Other Theft 1
Vehicle 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 3 stations

St Neots Train Station 9.3 miles
Bedford Train Station 9.8 miles
Wellingborough 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 Swineshead

Of the 6,741 households in and around Swineshead, 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 Swineshead.

Frequently Asked Questions about Swineshead

What is the population of Swineshead?
Swineshead 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 Swineshead?
The average property in and around Swineshead 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 Swineshead a deprived area?
Swineshead 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 Swineshead?
Swineshead is covered by the MK44 postcode district.
How many schools are there in Swineshead?
There are 7 schools within easy reach of Swineshead, spanning primary, secondary and other phases.
Where is the nearest train station to Swineshead?
The nearest railway station to Swineshead is St Neots Train Station, about 9.3 miles away.