Old Shirley on the map

Location in HampshireOld Shirley sits where the marker shows within the county.

67,843
Population
26,827
Households
5 / 10
Deprivation decile
Around average
12
Schools nearby
£56,340
Avg. household income
1,656
Businesses
1,893
People per km²
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About Old Shirley

Old Shirley is a suburb located in the county of Hampshire, England, within the SO16 postcode area. It is primarily a residential area, offering a mix of housing options from traditional homes to more modern developments. The suburb is well-connected to the nearby city of Southampton, making it convenient for those who work or study there.

Local amenities include schools, parks, and shops, providing residents with essential services and recreational spaces. The area is served by public transport, with bus routes facilitating easy access to surrounding areas. Old Shirley is characterised by its community spirit, with various local events and activities that encourage neighbourly interaction and involvement.

School Ratings in Old Shirley

There are 159 schools in and around Old Shirley. Millbrook, Redbridge and Maybush Sure Start Cchildren's centre., Holy Family Catholic Primary School - Part of the Learning Federation Partnership of Schools and Cantell School are each rated Outstanding by Ofsted. A further 14 schools hold a Good rating.

House Prices in Old Shirley

The average property price is £318K, with terraced houses making up the majority of the housing stock at around £241K.

Crime and Anti-Social Behaviour in Old Shirley

Recorded crime levels are higher than the national average. Anti-social behaviour is prevalent across Old Shirley, with 138 recorded incidents in May 2026.

Deprivation and Employment in Old Shirley

Old 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 Old Shirley

There are 37 GP surgeries within three miles of Old Shirley, the nearest being Hampshire Bowel Cancer Screening Centre (0.4 miles away).

Property Prices 7,020 sales

Average Price £318K
£200 , £17.72M
Detached £510K 1,525
Semi £280K 1,655
Terraced £241K 2,155
Flat £175K 1,491

Household Income in Old Shirley ONS 2023

The average total household income in Old Shirley is approximately £56,340 a year before tax, in line with the national average of £55,302. After tax and benefits, the average disposable (net) household income is around £41,636. These are modelled estimates from the Office for National Statistics for the financial year ending 2023.

Old Shirley £56,340
England & Wales avg. £55,302

Net (after tax) household income averages £41,636.

Businesses in Old Shirley ONS 2025

There are approximately 1,656 active businesses based in Old Shirley, around 24 for every 1,000 residents. The local economy is dominated by small firms: about 90% are micro-businesses employing fewer than 10 people, while 35 are larger employers with 50 or more staff. Figures are from the Office for National Statistics UK Business Counts.

1,656 Total businesses
24 Per 1,000 residents
Micro, 0-9 90%
Small, 10-49 9%
Medium, 50-249 2%
Large, 250+ 0%

Deprivation and Employment in Old Shirley IMD 2025

Old 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
5/10
Income
5/10
Employment
5/10
Education
5/10
Health
4/10
Housing
8/10
Living Environment
6/10
Children 0-15 19%
Working age 64%
Older 65+ 17%
13,128 Children (0-15) 19%
43,591 Working Age 64%
11,120 Older (65+) 16%
Average Child Poverty (IDACI) 40.4% of children in income-deprived families
Average Older Person Poverty (IDAOPI) 25% 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 Old Shirley 1,042 crimes · May 2026

High Crime Area

Old 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 329
Anti-Social Behaviour 138
Shoplifting 106
Vehicle Crime 98
Criminal Damage & Arson 89
Other Theft 75
Public Order 71
Burglary 45
Drugs 29
Robbery 17
Other Crime 17
Bicycle Theft 12
Weapons 11
Theft from Person 5
Local Policing
Hampshire Shirley and Freemantle 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

Millbrook (Hants) Train Station 1.1 miles
Redbridge Train Station 1.4 miles
Totton Train Station 2 miles
St Denys Train Station 2.3 miles
Bitterne Train Station 2.8 miles
Swaythling Train Station 2.9 miles

Location

Local Government

District Test Valley
County Hampshire
Ward Chilworth, Nursling & Rownhams
Constituency Romsey and Southampton North
Parish Nursling and Rownhams
Region South East

Home Ownership in Old Shirley

Of the 27,044 households in and around Old Shirley, 54% are owned, 26% are socially rented and 19% are privately rented. Home ownership here is lower than the England and Wales average of 63%.

Owned 54% Social rented 26% Private rented 19%

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

Frequently Asked Questions about Old Shirley

What is the population of Old Shirley?
Old Shirley has a population of approximately 67,843 residents, based on the latest census figures for the surrounding postcode area.
What is the average house price in Old Shirley?
The average property in and around Old Shirley sold for about £317,767, based on HM Land Registry Price Paid records. That is around 9% below the England and Wales average of £349,091.
Is Old Shirley a deprived area?
Old Shirley sits around the national average for deprivation, with an Index of Multiple Deprivation decile of 5 out of 10, where 1 is the most deprived and 10 the least deprived.
What postcodes cover Old Shirley?
Old Shirley is covered by the SO16 postcode district.
How many schools are there in Old Shirley?
There are 12 schools within easy reach of Old Shirley, spanning primary, secondary and other phases.
Where is the nearest train station to Old Shirley?
The nearest railway station to Old Shirley is Millbrook (Hants) Train Station, about 1.1 miles away.