Old Forge on the map

Location in HerefordshireOld Forge sits where the marker shows within the county.

22,752
Population
9,104
Households
6 / 10
Deprivation decile
Around average
12
Schools nearby
£50,657
Avg. household income
1,231
Businesses
122
People per km²
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About Old Forge

Old Forge is a small settlement located in Herefordshire, England, within the HR9 postcode area. This area is known for its rural landscape, offering a peaceful environment for residents and visitors alike. The village features traditional architecture, with several historic buildings that reflect the local heritage.

Surrounding Old Forge are scenic countryside views, making it a suitable spot for outdoor activities such as walking and cycling. The nearby towns provide additional amenities, including shops and dining options. Old Forge serves as a quiet retreat for those looking to experience the English countryside while remaining accessible to larger towns in the region.

School Ratings in Old Forge

There are 24 schools in and around Old Forge. Walford Nursery & Primary School is rated Outstanding by Ofsted. A further 8 schools hold a Good rating.

House Prices in Old Forge

The average property price is £379K, with detached homes making up the majority of the housing stock at around £455K.

Crime and Anti-Social Behaviour in Old Forge

Recorded crime levels are broadly in line with the national average. Shoplifting is prevalent across Old Forge, with 16 recorded incidents in May 2026.

Deprivation and Employment in Old Forge

Old Forge 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.

Property Prices 3,509 sales

Average Price £379K
£1K , £20.25M
Detached £455K 1,642
Semi £280K 666
Terraced £219K 482
Flat £131K 356

Household Income in Old Forge ONS 2023

The average total household income in Old Forge is approximately £50,657 a year before tax, 8% below the national average of £55,302. After tax and benefits, the average disposable (net) household income is around £38,084. These are modelled estimates from the Office for National Statistics for the financial year ending 2023.

Old Forge £50,657
England & Wales avg. £55,302

Net (after tax) household income averages £38,084.

Businesses in Old Forge ONS 2025

There are approximately 1,231 active businesses based in Old Forge, around 54 for every 1,000 residents. The local economy is dominated by small firms: about 88% are micro-businesses employing fewer than 10 people, while 18 are larger employers with 50 or more staff. Figures are from the Office for National Statistics UK Business Counts.

1,231 Total businesses
54 Per 1,000 residents
Micro, 0-9 88%
Small, 10-49 10%
Medium, 50-249 1%
Large, 250+ 1%

Deprivation and Employment in Old Forge IMD 2025

Old Forge 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
6/10
Income
7/10
Employment
7/10
Education
6/10
Health
8/10
Housing
4/10
Living Environment
3/10
Children 0-15 14%
Working age 56%
Older 65+ 30%
3,277 Children (0-15) 14%
12,691 Working Age 56%
6,784 Older (65+) 30%
Average Child Poverty (IDACI) 24.7% of children in income-deprived families
Above Average Older Person Poverty (IDAOPI) 9.2% 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 Forge 96 crimes · May 2026

Average Crime Area

Reported crime levels in Old Forge sit broadly in line with national averages for a town of this size. Violence & sexual offences accounts for the largest share of recorded offences. The profile is typical of a well-populated area with a mix of residential and commercial activity.

Violence & Sexual Offences 35
Shoplifting 16
Other Theft 14
Criminal Damage & Arson 12
Public Order 5
Vehicle Crime 5
Burglary 2
Drugs 2
Weapons 2
Bicycle Theft 1
Robbery 1
Other 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.

Location

Local Government

District Herefordshire, County of
County Gloucestershire
Ward Ross East
Constituency Hereford and South Herefordshire
Parish Ross-on-Wye
Region West Midlands

Home Ownership in Old Forge

Of the 10,301 households in and around Old Forge, 71% are owned, 11% are socially rented and 18% are privately rented. Home ownership here is higher than the England and Wales average of 63%.

Owned 71% Social rented 11% Private rented 18%

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

Frequently Asked Questions about Old Forge

What is the population of Old Forge?
Old Forge has a population of approximately 22,752 residents, based on the latest census figures for the surrounding postcode area.
What is the average house price in Old Forge?
The average property in and around Old Forge sold for about £379,225, based on HM Land Registry Price Paid records. That is around 9% above the England and Wales average of £349,091.
Is Old Forge a deprived area?
Old Forge sits around the national average for deprivation, with an Index of Multiple Deprivation decile of 6 out of 10, where 1 is the most deprived and 10 the least deprived.
What postcodes cover Old Forge?
Old Forge is covered by the HR9 postcode district.
How many schools are there in Old Forge?
There are 12 schools within easy reach of Old Forge, spanning primary, secondary and other phases.