Upper Shelton on the map

Location in BedfordshireUpper Shelton sits where the marker shows within the county.

41,483
Population
12,990
Households
7 / 10
Deprivation decile
Around average
53
Schools nearby
£70,967
Avg. household income
1,848
Businesses
194
People per km²
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About Upper Shelton

Upper Shelton is a village located in Bedfordshire, England, within the MK43 postcode area. This small community is situated near the River Great Ouse, offering a pleasant environment for those who appreciate rural life. The village features a mixture of residential properties, including traditional houses and modern developments, reflecting its evolving character over the years.

The surrounding countryside provides opportunities for walking and enjoying the natural landscape. Upper Shelton is conveniently located near larger towns, allowing residents and visitors to access a wider range of amenities and services. The village is also close to local transport links, making it accessible for those wishing to explore the broader Bedfordshire area.

School Ratings in Upper Shelton

Upper Shelton is served by 53 schools. Newton Blossomville Church of England School is rated Outstanding by Ofsted. A further 11 schools hold a Good rating.

House Prices in Upper Shelton

Property prices average £482K across the area, and detached homes are the most common property type, typically selling for £488K.

Crime and Anti-Social Behaviour in Upper Shelton

Local crime rates sit lower than national averages. Anti-social behaviour accounts for the highest share in Upper Shelton, with 5 incidents logged in April 2026.

Deprivation and Employment in Upper Shelton

Based on the 2025 Index of Multiple Deprivation, Upper Shelton falls within the mid-range nationally for overall deprivation. The area benefits from strong employment, with few residents involuntarily out of work. Income levels locally sit close to the national average.

Healthcare in Upper Shelton

There are 8 GP surgeries within three miles of Upper Shelton, the nearest being Marston Forest Healthcare (1.2 miles away).

Property Prices 6,619 sales

Average Price £482K
£2K , £121.48M
Detached £488K 2,884
Semi £318K 2,160
Terraced £278K 1,214
Flat £213K 142

Household Income in Upper Shelton ONS 2023

The average total household income in Upper Shelton is approximately £70,967 a year before tax, 28% above the national average of £55,302. After tax and benefits, the average disposable (net) household income is around £50,096. These are modelled estimates from the Office for National Statistics for the financial year ending 2023.

Upper Shelton £70,967
England & Wales avg. £55,302

Net (after tax) household income averages £50,096.

Businesses in Upper Shelton ONS 2025

There are approximately 1,848 active businesses based in Upper Shelton, around 45 for every 1,000 residents. The local economy is dominated by small firms: about 92% are micro-businesses employing fewer than 10 people, while 22 are larger employers with 50 or more staff. Figures are from the Office for National Statistics UK Business Counts.

1,848 Total businesses
45 Per 1,000 residents
Micro, 0-9 92%
Small, 10-49 6%
Medium, 50-249 1%
Large, 250+ 1%

Deprivation and Employment in Upper Shelton IMD 2025

The 2025 Index of Multiple Deprivation places Upper Shelton 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
7/10
Income
7/10
Employment
8/10
Education
7/10
Health
8/10
Housing
3/10
Living Environment
7/10
Children 0-15 21%
Working age 62%
Older 65+ 17%
8,557 Children (0-15) 21%
25,685 Working Age 62%
7,251 Older (65+) 17%
Average Child Poverty (IDACI) 20.8% of children in income-deprived families
Above 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 Upper Shelton 29 crimes · April 2026

Low Crime Area

Reported crime in Upper Shelton 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 town.

Violence & Sexual Offences 12
Anti-Social Behaviour 5
Shoplifting 3
Criminal Damage & Arson 2
Other Theft 2
Vehicle Crime 2
Burglary 1
Drugs 1
Public Order 1
Local Policing
Bedfordshire Bromham, Oakley, Wootton 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

Stewartby Train Station 1.1 miles
Millbrook (Bedfordshire) Train Station 2 miles
Kempston Hardwick Train Station 2.4 miles
Lidlington Train Station 2.7 miles
Ridgmont Train Station 4.2 miles
Bedford Train Station 4.9 miles

Location

Local Government

District Central Bedfordshire
Ward Cranfield and Marston Moretaine
Constituency Mid Bedfordshire
Parish Cranfield
Region East of England

Home Ownership in Upper Shelton

Of the 16,182 households in and around Upper Shelton, 79% are owned, 11% are socially rented and 10% are privately rented. Home ownership here is higher than the England and Wales average of 63%.

Owned 79% Social rented 11% Private rented 10%

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

Frequently Asked Questions about Upper Shelton

What is the population of Upper Shelton?
Upper Shelton has a population of approximately 41,483 residents, based on the latest census figures for the surrounding postcode area.
What is the average house price in Upper Shelton?
The average property in and around Upper Shelton sold for about £481,662, based on HM Land Registry Price Paid records. That is around 38% above the England and Wales average of £349,091.
Is Upper Shelton a deprived area?
Upper Shelton 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 Upper Shelton?
Upper Shelton is covered by the MK43 postcode district.
How many schools are there in Upper Shelton?
There are 53 schools within 5 miles of Upper Shelton, spanning primary, secondary and other phases.
Where is the nearest train station to Upper Shelton?
The nearest railway station to Upper Shelton is Stewartby Train Station, about 1.1 miles away.