Upper Shirley on the map

Location in Greater LondonUpper Shirley 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 Upper Shirley

Upper Shirley is a residential area located in the London Borough of Croydon, within Greater London, England. The postcode area CR0 identifies this part of the city. The neighbourhood features a mix of housing, including Victorian and Edwardian properties, alongside more modern developments. It is primarily a suburban area, providing a quiet environment for families and professionals alike.

The locality is well-served by public transport, with nearby tram and bus services connecting residents to Croydon and surrounding areas. Upper Shirley is also close to several parks, offering green spaces for outdoor activities. The area benefits from local amenities, including shops, schools, and community facilities, making it a practical choice for those looking to live in Greater London while enjoying a more residential atmosphere.

School Ratings in Upper Shirley

There are 331 schools in and around Upper Shirley. 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 Upper Shirley

The average property price is £503K, with flats making up the majority of the housing stock at around £277K.

Crime and Anti-Social Behaviour in Upper Shirley

Recorded crime levels are higher than the national average. Anti-social behaviour is prevalent across Upper Shirley, with 364 recorded incidents in May 2026.

Deprivation and Employment in Upper Shirley

Upper Shirley 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 Upper Shirley

There are 65 GP surgeries within three miles of Upper Shirley, the nearest being Hartland Way Surgery (0.9 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 Upper Shirley ONS 2023

The average total household income in Upper 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.

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

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

Businesses in Upper Shirley ONS 2025

There are approximately 5,945 active businesses based in Upper 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 Upper Shirley IMD 2025

Upper Shirley 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
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 Upper Shirley 1,840 crimes · May 2026

High Crime Area

Upper Shirley 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 569
Anti-Social Behaviour 364
Shoplifting 231
Vehicle Crime 201
Public Order 106
Drugs 101
Other Theft 89
Burglary 70
Robbery 40
Theft from Person 28
Weapons 14
Other Crime 13
Bicycle Theft 8
Criminal Damage & Arson 6
Local Policing
Metropolitan Shirley South 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

South Croydon Train Station 1.7 miles
East Croydon Train Station 1.8 miles
West Wickham Train Station 2.1 miles
Purley Oaks Train Station 2.2 miles
Eden Park Train Station 2.2 miles
West Croydon Train Station 2.3 miles

Location

Local Government

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

Home Ownership in Upper Shirley

Of the 65,798 households in and around Upper 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 Upper Shirley.

Frequently Asked Questions about Upper Shirley

What is the population of Upper Shirley?
Upper 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 Upper Shirley?
The average property in and around Upper 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 Upper Shirley a deprived area?
Upper 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 Upper Shirley?
Upper Shirley is covered by the CR0 postcode district.
How many schools are there in Upper Shirley?
There are 12 schools within easy reach of Upper Shirley, spanning primary, secondary and other phases.
Where is the nearest train station to Upper Shirley?
The nearest railway station to Upper Shirley is South Croydon Train Station, about 1.7 miles away.