Sway on the map

Sway built-up area

Built-up area1.2 km² (0.5 sq mi)

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

31,773
Population
14,503
Households
8 / 10
Deprivation decile
Among least deprived
12
Schools nearby
£56,878
Avg. household income
1,659
Businesses
171
People per km²
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About Sway

Sway is a village located in Hampshire, England, within the postcode area SO41. It is surrounded by the natural beauty of the New Forest National Park, making it a popular spot for outdoor activities such as walking and cycling. The village itself has a variety of local amenities, including shops, cafes, and a primary school, catering to both residents and visitors.

The local church, St. Luke's, adds to the community's character and is a focal point for many local events. Sway also has a railway station, providing convenient access to nearby towns and cities. The village's location allows for easy exploration of the surrounding areas, including the scenic coastline and other attractions in the New Forest.

School Ratings in Sway

Families in Sway have access to 29 local schools. St Luke's Church of England Primary School and Lymington Church of England Infant School are each rated Outstanding by Ofsted. A further 6 schools hold a Good rating.

House Prices in Sway

Homes sell for an average of £599K locally. Most of the housing is made up of detached homes, averaging £783K.

Crime and Anti-Social Behaviour in Sway

Crime in the area is lower than the national average. Public order is the leading concern across Sway, with 9 incidents recorded in April 2026.

Deprivation and Employment in Sway

The 2025 Index of Multiple Deprivation places Sway 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 Sway

There are 4 GP surgeries within three miles of Sway, the nearest being Ashley Pharmacy (2.3 miles away).

Property Prices 5,315 sales

Average Price £599K
£250 , £22.38M
Detached £783K 2,228
Semi £460K 966
Terraced £432K 801
Flat £293K 998

Household Income in Sway ONS 2023

The average total household income in Sway is approximately £56,878 a year before tax, 3% above the national average of £55,302. After tax and benefits, the average disposable (net) household income is around £44,113. These are modelled estimates from the Office for National Statistics for the financial year ending 2023.

Sway £56,878
England & Wales avg. £55,302

Net (after tax) household income averages £44,113.

Businesses in Sway ONS 2025

There are approximately 1,659 active businesses based in Sway, around 52 for every 1,000 residents. The local economy is dominated by small firms: about 89% are micro-businesses employing fewer than 10 people, while 23 are larger employers with 50 or more staff. Figures are from the Office for National Statistics UK Business Counts.

1,659 Total businesses
52 Per 1,000 residents
Micro, 0-9 89%
Small, 10-49 9%
Medium, 50-249 1%
Large, 250+ 1%

Deprivation and Employment in Sway IMD 2025

According to the 2025 Index of Multiple Deprivation, Sway 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
7/10
Health
9/10
Housing
5/10
Living Environment
8/10
Children 0-15 14%
Working age 51%
Older 65+ 35%
4,349 Children (0-15) 14%
16,196 Working Age 51%
11,232 Older (65+) 35%
Above Average Child Poverty (IDACI) 19.1% of children in income-deprived families
Above Average Older Person Poverty (IDAOPI) 8.9% 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 Sway 73 crimes · April 2026

Low Crime Area

Crime levels in Sway 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 31
Public Order 9
Criminal Damage & Arson 8
Anti-Social Behaviour 6
Bicycle Theft 4
Other Theft 3
Shoplifting 3
Other Crime 3
Drugs 2
Burglary 1
Weapons 1
Theft from Person 1
Vehicle Crime 1
Local Policing
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

Sway Train Station 0.2 miles
New Milton Train Station 2.9 miles
Lymington Town Train Station 3.7 miles
Hinton Admiral Train Station 5 miles
Beaulieu Road Train Station 6.7 miles
Ashurst New Forest Train Station 7.5 miles

Location

Local Government

District New Forest
County Hampshire
Ward Hordle
Constituency New Forest West
Parish Hordle
Region South East

Home Ownership in Sway

Of the 14,713 households in and around Sway, 76% are owned, 10% are socially rented and 15% are privately rented. Home ownership here is higher than the England and Wales average of 63%.

Owned 76% Social rented 10% Private rented 15%

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

Frequently Asked Questions about Sway

What is the population of Sway?
Sway has a population of approximately 31,773 residents, based on the latest census figures for the surrounding postcode area.
What is the average house price in Sway?
The average property in and around Sway sold for about £598,818, based on HM Land Registry Price Paid records. That is around 72% above the England and Wales average of £349,091.
Is Sway a deprived area?
Sway 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 Sway?
Sway is covered by the SO41 postcode district.
How many schools are there in Sway?
There are 12 schools within easy reach of Sway, spanning primary, secondary and other phases.
Where is the nearest train station to Sway?
The nearest railway station to Sway is Sway Train Station, about 0.2 miles away.