Ross-on-Wye on the map

Ross-on-Wye built-up area

Built-up area3.8 km² (1.5 sq mi)

Location in HerefordshireRoss-on-Wye 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 Ross-on-Wye

Ross-on-Wye is a market town located in Herefordshire, England, within the postcode area HR9. It sits on the banks of the River Wye, which has long been a focal point for both locals and visitors. The town features a range of shops, cafes, and restaurants, providing a variety of options for dining and shopping. The market square often hosts local events and gatherings, contributing to the community spirit.

The surrounding countryside offers opportunities for outdoor activities, including walking and cycling along the river and in nearby woodlands. Ross-on-Wye is also known for its historic buildings, such as the 17th-century Market Hall and the parish church of St. Mary. The town serves as a convenient base for exploring the scenic Wye Valley and the Forest of Dean, making it an appealing destination for those interested in nature and history.

School Ratings in Ross-on-Wye

Ross-on-Wye is served by 13 schools. Walford Nursery & Primary School is rated Outstanding by Ofsted. A further 8 schools hold a Good rating.

House Prices in Ross-on-Wye

Property prices average £379K across the area, and detached homes are the most common property type, typically selling for £455K.

Crime and Anti-Social Behaviour in Ross-on-Wye

Local crime rates sit broadly in line with national averages. Shoplifting accounts for the highest share in Ross-on-Wye, with 16 incidents logged in May 2026.

Deprivation and Employment in Ross-on-Wye

Based on the 2025 Index of Multiple Deprivation, Ross-on-Wye falls within the mid-range nationally for overall deprivation. Working-age employment is around the national average for the area. Income levels locally sit close to the national average.

Healthcare in Ross-on-Wye

There are 3 GP surgeries within three miles of Ross-on-Wye, the nearest being Herefordshire Mh South And West (0.3 miles away).

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 Ross-on-Wye ONS 2023

The average total household income in Ross-on-Wye 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.

Ross-on-Wye £50,657
England & Wales avg. £55,302

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

Businesses in Ross-on-Wye ONS 2025

There are approximately 1,231 active businesses based in Ross-on-Wye, 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 Ross-on-Wye IMD 2025

The 2025 Index of Multiple Deprivation places Ross-on-Wye in the mid-range nationally. Employment and income levels are close to the England average, with a mix of opportunities across sectors. Overall living conditions are comparable to similar areas across the country.

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 Ross-on-Wye 96 crimes · May 2026

Average Crime Area

Ross-on-Wye experiences crime rates that are roughly comparable to the national picture. Violence & sexual offences is the most reported category, consistent with broader patterns across similar communities. Day-to-day life here reflects the usual mix of challenges found in any established town.

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 Ross-on-Wye

Of the 10,301 households in and around Ross-on-Wye, 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 Ross-on-Wye.

Frequently Asked Questions about Ross-on-Wye

What is the population of Ross-on-Wye?
Ross-on-Wye 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 Ross-on-Wye?
The average property in and around Ross-on-Wye 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 Ross-on-Wye a deprived area?
Ross-on-Wye 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 Ross-on-Wye?
Ross-on-Wye is covered by the HR9 postcode district.
How many schools are there in Ross-on-Wye?
There are 12 schools within easy reach of Ross-on-Wye, spanning primary, secondary and other phases.