Handforth on the map

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

39,210
Population
16,516
Households
8 / 10
Deprivation decile
Among least deprived
12
Schools nearby
£60,391
Avg. household income
2,746
Businesses
725
People per km²
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About Handforth

Handforth is a village located in Cheshire, England, within the SK9 postcode area. It is situated to the north of Wilmslow and is part of the civil parish of Handforth. The village features a mix of residential areas and local amenities, including shops, schools, and parks. Handforth is well-connected by public transport, with a railway station providing access to nearby towns and cities.

The village has a variety of architectural styles, with both modern and traditional buildings. The local community is active, with several clubs and organisations available for residents. Handforth also hosts events throughout the year, fostering a sense of community among its inhabitants. The nearby countryside offers opportunities for outdoor activities, making it a pleasant place for those who enjoy nature walks.

School Ratings in Handforth

Families in Handforth have access to 155 local schools. Ashdene Primary School and The David Lewis Centre are each rated Outstanding by Ofsted. A further 7 schools hold a Good rating.

House Prices in Handforth

Homes sell for an average of £525K locally. Most of the housing is made up of detached homes, averaging £805K.

Crime and Anti-Social Behaviour in Handforth

Crime in the area is lower than the national average. Anti-social behaviour is the leading concern across Handforth, with 17 incidents recorded in April 2026.

Deprivation and Employment in Handforth

The 2025 Index of Multiple Deprivation places Handforth among the least deprived neighbourhoods in England. Working-age employment in the area is well above the national average. Residents in the area generally earn above the national average.

Healthcare in Handforth

There are 21 GP surgeries within three miles of Handforth, the nearest being Handforth Health Centre (0.2 miles away).

Property Prices 7,239 sales

Average Price £525K
£150 , £27.84M
Detached £805K 2,379
Semi £448K 1,705
Terraced £322K 1,494
Flat £264K 1,350

Household Income in Handforth ONS 2023

The average total household income in Handforth is approximately £60,391 a year before tax, 9% above the national average of £55,302. After tax and benefits, the average disposable (net) household income is around £44,828. These are modelled estimates from the Office for National Statistics for the financial year ending 2023.

Handforth £60,391
England & Wales avg. £55,302

Net (after tax) household income averages £44,828.

Businesses in Handforth ONS 2025

There are approximately 2,746 active businesses based in Handforth, around 70 for every 1,000 residents. The local economy is dominated by small firms: about 89% are micro-businesses employing fewer than 10 people, while 55 are larger employers with 50 or more staff. Figures are from the Office for National Statistics UK Business Counts.

2,746 Total businesses
70 Per 1,000 residents
Micro, 0-9 89%
Small, 10-49 9%
Medium, 50-249 2%
Large, 250+ 0%

Deprivation and Employment in Handforth IMD 2025

According to the 2025 Index of Multiple Deprivation, Handforth experiences very low levels of deprivation. The local economy supports strong employment and incomes are above the national average. Access to services, education and healthcare in the area is generally good.

Overall Deprivation
8/10
Income
8/10
Employment
8/10
Education
8/10
Health
8/10
Housing
7/10
Living Environment
6/10
Children 0-15 18%
Working age 60%
Older 65+ 22%
7,225 Children (0-15) 18%
23,501 Working Age 60%
8,482 Older (65+) 22%
Above Average Child Poverty (IDACI) 15% of children in income-deprived families
Above Average Older Person Poverty (IDAOPI) 10.2% 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 Handforth 138 crimes · April 2026

Low Crime Area

Crime levels in Handforth 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 town where serious incidents remain uncommon.

Violence & Sexual Offences 61
Anti-Social Behaviour 17
Public Order 16
Other Theft 8
Shoplifting 8
Burglary 7
Criminal Damage & Arson 7
Other Crime 4
Drugs 3
Robbery 3
Vehicle Crime 3
Theft from Person 1
Local Policing
Cheshire Handforth 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

Handforth Train Station 0.3 miles
Styal Train Station 0.9 miles
Heald Green Train Station 1.6 miles
Cheadle Hulme Train Station 2.3 miles
Bramhall Train Station 2.4 miles
Manchester Airport Train Station 2.5 miles

Location

Local Government

District Cheshire East
Ward Wilmslow West and Chorley
Constituency Tatton
Parish Wilmslow
Region North West

Home Ownership in Handforth

Of the 17,009 households in and around Handforth, 72% are owned, 12% are socially rented and 16% are privately rented. Home ownership here is higher than the England and Wales average of 63%.

Owned 72% Social rented 12% Private rented 16%

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

Frequently Asked Questions about Handforth

What is the population of Handforth?
Handforth has a population of approximately 39,210 residents, based on the latest census figures for the surrounding postcode area.
What is the average house price in Handforth?
The average property in and around Handforth sold for about £525,369, based on HM Land Registry Price Paid records. That is around 50% above the England and Wales average of £349,091.
Is Handforth a deprived area?
Handforth sits among the least deprived areas in England, with an Index of Multiple Deprivation decile of 8 out of 10, where 1 is the most deprived and 10 the least deprived.
What postcodes cover Handforth?
Handforth is covered by the SK9 postcode district.
How many schools are there in Handforth?
There are 12 schools within easy reach of Handforth, spanning primary, secondary and other phases.
Where is the nearest train station to Handforth?
The nearest railway station to Handforth is Handforth Train Station, about 0.3 miles away.