Whipsnade on the map

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

34,742
Population
13,141
Households
6 / 10
Deprivation decile
Around average
12
Schools nearby
£58,376
Avg. household income
1,557
Businesses
551
People per km²
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About Whipsnade

Whipsnade is a village located in Bedfordshire, England, within the LU6 postcode area. It is situated near Dunstable Downs, which offers open spaces and scenic views of the surrounding countryside. The village is primarily residential, featuring a mix of traditional and modern homes.

One of the key attractions in Whipsnade is the Whipsnade Zoo, which is one of the largest wildlife conservation parks in the UK. The zoo is home to a wide variety of animals and focuses on conservation and education. The area also provides opportunities for walking and enjoying the natural landscape, making it a pleasant spot for both residents and visitors.

School Ratings in Whipsnade

There are 78 schools in and around Whipsnade. A further 9 schools hold a Good rating.

House Prices in Whipsnade

The average property price is £382K, with semi-detached homes making up the majority of the housing stock at around £361K.

Crime and Anti-Social Behaviour in Whipsnade

Recorded crime levels are higher than the national average. Anti-social behaviour is prevalent across Whipsnade, with 69 recorded incidents in May 2026.

Deprivation and Employment in Whipsnade

Whipsnade sits around the middle of the national deprivation scale, according to the 2025 Index of Multiple Deprivation. Employment levels are broadly typical for the area, sitting close to the national average. Household incomes are broadly in line with the national average.

Healthcare in Whipsnade

There are 8 GP surgeries within three miles of Whipsnade, the nearest being Kirby Road Surgery (2 miles away).

Property Prices 4,720 sales

Average Price £382K
£999 , £10.1M
Detached £595K 1,126
Semi £361K 1,274
Terraced £293K 1,201
Flat £171K 909

Household Income in Whipsnade ONS 2023

The average total household income in Whipsnade is approximately £58,376 a year before tax, 6% above the national average of £55,302. After tax and benefits, the average disposable (net) household income is around £43,756. These are modelled estimates from the Office for National Statistics for the financial year ending 2023.

Whipsnade £58,376
England & Wales avg. £55,302

Net (after tax) household income averages £43,756.

Businesses in Whipsnade ONS 2025

There are approximately 1,557 active businesses based in Whipsnade, 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 15 are larger employers with 50 or more staff. Figures are from the Office for National Statistics UK Business Counts.

1,557 Total businesses
45 Per 1,000 residents
Micro, 0-9 92%
Small, 10-49 7%
Medium, 50-249 1%
Large, 250+ 0%

Deprivation and Employment in Whipsnade IMD 2025

Whipsnade 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
6/10
Income
6/10
Employment
7/10
Education
5/10
Health
7/10
Housing
5/10
Living Environment
7/10
Children 0-15 18%
Working age 61%
Older 65+ 21%
6,358 Children (0-15) 18%
21,297 Working Age 61%
7,082 Older (65+) 20%
Average Child Poverty (IDACI) 26.6% of children in income-deprived families
Average Older Person Poverty (IDAOPI) 14% 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 Whipsnade 338 crimes · May 2026

High Crime Area

Whipsnade sees higher than average levels of reported crime relative to its population. Violence & sexual offences 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.

Violence & Sexual Offences 111
Anti-Social Behaviour 69
Public Order 29
Other Theft 26
Shoplifting 23
Vehicle Crime 21
Criminal Damage & Arson 17
Drugs 11
Burglary 9
Weapons 8
Other Crime 7
Theft from Person 3
Bicycle Theft 2
Robbery 2
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

Leagrave Train Station 4.9 miles
Cheddington Train Station 5.1 miles
Tring Train Station 5.2 miles
Luton Train Station 5.8 miles
Luton Airport Parkway Train Station 6.3 miles
Leighton Buzzard Train Station 7.1 miles

Location

Local Government

District Central Bedfordshire
County Hertfordshire
Ward Dunstable-Northfields
Constituency South West Bedfordshire
Parish Dunstable
Region East of England

Home Ownership in Whipsnade

Of the 14,526 households in and around Whipsnade, 73% are owned, 12% are socially rented and 15% are privately rented. Home ownership here is higher than the England and Wales average of 63%.

Owned 73% Social rented 12% Private rented 15%

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

Frequently Asked Questions about Whipsnade

What is the population of Whipsnade?
Whipsnade has a population of approximately 34,742 residents, based on the latest census figures for the surrounding postcode area.
What is the average house price in Whipsnade?
The average property in and around Whipsnade sold for about £382,210, based on HM Land Registry Price Paid records. That is around 9% above the England and Wales average of £349,091.
Is Whipsnade a deprived area?
Whipsnade 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 Whipsnade?
Whipsnade is covered by the LU6 postcode district.
How many schools are there in Whipsnade?
There are 12 schools within easy reach of Whipsnade, spanning primary, secondary and other phases.
Where is the nearest train station to Whipsnade?
The nearest railway station to Whipsnade is Leagrave Train Station, about 4.9 miles away.