Bitterne on the map
Location in HampshireBitterne sits where the marker shows within the county.
About Bitterne
Bitterne is a residential area located in the city of Southampton, within the county of Hampshire, England. It lies to the north of the city centre and is part of the SO18 postcode area. The area is primarily made up of housing, with a mix of terraced and semi-detached homes, many of which date from the late 19th and early 20th centuries. Bitterne is well connected by road and rail, with Bitterne railway station providing regular services to Southampton and beyond. The area has a range of local shops, schools, and community facilities, including Bitterne Park, which offers green space for recreation. It is a convenient location for those working in the city centre or commuting to nearby towns.
School Ratings in Bitterne
There are 172 schools in and around Bitterne. Yarrow Heights School is rated Outstanding by Ofsted. A further 6 schools hold a Good rating.
House Prices in Bitterne
The average property price is £291K, with flats making up the majority of the housing stock at around £166K.
Crime and Anti-Social Behaviour in Bitterne
Recorded crime levels are higher than the national average. Anti-social behaviour is prevalent across Bitterne, with 153 recorded incidents in May 2026.
Deprivation and Employment in Bitterne
Bitterne 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 Bitterne
There are 36 GP surgeries within three miles of Bitterne, the nearest being West End Road Surgery (0.3 miles away).
Local Data for Bitterne
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Property Prices 4,795 sales
Schools & Education 12 nearby View all schools
Ofsted ratings for schools in the SO18 postcode area.
Household Income in Bitterne ONS 2023
The average total household income in Bitterne is approximately £53,803 a year before tax, 3% below the national average of £55,302. After tax and benefits, the average disposable (net) household income is around £40,482. These are modelled estimates from the Office for National Statistics for the financial year ending 2023.
Net (after tax) household income averages £40,482.
Businesses in Bitterne ONS 2025
There are approximately 929 active businesses based in Bitterne, around 25 for every 1,000 residents. The local economy is dominated by small firms: about 93% are micro-businesses employing fewer than 10 people, while 12 are larger employers with 50 or more staff. Figures are from the Office for National Statistics UK Business Counts.
Deprivation and Employment in Bitterne IMD 2025
Bitterne 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.
Crime in Bitterne 1,079 crimes · May 2026
Bitterne 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.
Crime figures depend on reporting by individual police forces and may not reflect the full picture in all areas.
Nearest Train Stations 6 stations
Location
Nearby Towns & Villages 12 found
Local Government
Home Ownership in Bitterne
Of the 15,411 households in and around Bitterne, 62% are owned, 18% are socially rented and 20% are privately rented. Home ownership here is in line with the England and Wales average of 63%.
Tenure from the 2021 Census (ONS), for the postcode districts covering Bitterne.