Shirley on the map

Location in Greater LondonShirley sits where the marker shows within the county.

168,797
Population
61,886
Households
4 / 10
Deprivation decile
Around average
12
Schools nearby
£72,307
Avg. household income
5,945
Businesses
5,434
People per km²
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About Shirley

Shirley is a suburb located in the London Borough of Croydon, within Greater London, England. It is primarily a residential area, offering a mix of housing options, including detached and semi-detached homes. The suburb is well-connected to central London, with several public transport options available, including bus services and nearby train stations.

The area features a variety of local amenities, including shops, schools, and parks. Shirley Park is a notable green space, providing residents with opportunities for outdoor activities and relaxation. The suburb has a community feel, with local events and gatherings that encourage neighbourly interaction. Overall, Shirley presents a practical choice for those seeking a suburban lifestyle within easy reach of the capital.

School Ratings in Shirley

Shirley is served by 388 schools. Park Hill Infant School, St John's CofE Primary School and Harris Invictus Academy Croydon are each rated Outstanding by Ofsted. A further 32 schools hold a Good rating.

House Prices in Shirley

Property prices average £503K across the area, and flats are the most common property type, typically selling for £277K.

Crime and Anti-Social Behaviour in Shirley

Local crime rates sit higher than national averages. Anti-social behaviour accounts for the highest share in Shirley, with 384 incidents logged in April 2026.

Deprivation and Employment in Shirley

Based on the 2025 Index of Multiple Deprivation, Shirley 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.

Healthcare in Shirley

There are 110 GP surgeries within three miles of Shirley, the nearest being Chg Shirley Oaks Hospital (0.1 miles away).

Property Prices 16,362 sales

Average Price £503K
£100 , £201.15M
Detached £734K 800
Semi £477K 2,819
Terraced £397K 5,306
Flat £277K 6,443

Household Income in Shirley ONS 2023

The average total household income in Shirley is approximately £72,307 a year before tax, 31% above the national average of £55,302. After tax and benefits, the average disposable (net) household income is around £49,031. These are modelled estimates from the Office for National Statistics for the financial year ending 2023.

Shirley £72,307
England & Wales avg. £55,302

Net (after tax) household income averages £49,031.

Businesses in Shirley ONS 2025

There are approximately 5,945 active businesses based in Shirley, around 35 for every 1,000 residents. The local economy is dominated by small firms: about 91% are micro-businesses employing fewer than 10 people, while 94 are larger employers with 50 or more staff. Figures are from the Office for National Statistics UK Business Counts.

5,945 Total businesses
35 Per 1,000 residents
Micro, 0-9 91%
Small, 10-49 8%
Medium, 50-249 1%
Large, 250+ 0%

Deprivation and Employment in Shirley IMD 2025

The 2025 Index of Multiple Deprivation places Shirley 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
4/10
Income
4/10
Employment
4/10
Education
5/10
Health
5/10
Housing
4/10
Living Environment
4/10
Children 0-15 21%
Working age 67%
Older 65+ 12%
36,082 Children (0-15) 21%
112,513 Working Age 67%
20,185 Older (65+) 12%
Average Child Poverty (IDACI) 45.2% of children in income-deprived families
Average Older Person Poverty (IDAOPI) 30.7% 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 Shirley 1,795 crimes · April 2026

High Crime Area

Reported crime in Shirley is above the national average when measured per capita. Violence & sexual offences dominates the figures, a trend mirrored in many urban centres. Local policing teams work actively in the area, and community initiatives continue to address key concerns.

Violence & Sexual Offences 490
Anti-Social Behaviour 384
Shoplifting 225
Vehicle Crime 150
Other Theft 100
Drugs 95
Public Order 94
Criminal Damage & Arson 77
Burglary 70
Theft from Person 30
Robbery 26
Weapons 24
Other Crime 19
Bicycle Theft 11
Local Policing
Metropolitan Shirley North 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

Elmers End Train Station 1.3 miles
Eden Park Train Station 1.3 miles
Norwood Junction Train Station 1.4 miles
Birkbeck Train Station 1.6 miles
Selhurst Train Station 1.7 miles
Clock House Train Station 1.7 miles

Location

Local Government

District Croydon
Ward New Addington South
Constituency Croydon Central
Parish Croydon, unparished area
Region London

Home Ownership in Shirley

Of the 65,798 households in and around Shirley, 49% are owned, 23% are socially rented and 29% are privately rented. Home ownership here is lower than the England and Wales average of 63%.

Owned 49% Social rented 23% Private rented 29%

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

Frequently Asked Questions about Shirley

What is the population of Shirley?
Shirley has a population of approximately 168,797 residents, based on the latest census figures for the surrounding postcode area.
What is the average house price in Shirley?
The average property in and around Shirley sold for about £502,564, based on HM Land Registry Price Paid records. That is around 44% above the England and Wales average of £349,091.
Is Shirley a deprived area?
Shirley sits around the national average for deprivation, with an Index of Multiple Deprivation decile of 4 out of 10, where 1 is the most deprived and 10 the least deprived.
What postcodes cover Shirley?
Shirley is covered by the CR0 postcode district.
How many schools are there in Shirley?
There are 12 schools within easy reach of Shirley, spanning primary, secondary and other phases.
Where is the nearest train station to Shirley?
The nearest railway station to Shirley is Elmers End Train Station, about 1.3 miles away.