Birchwood on the map

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

38,151
Population
12,424
Households
6 / 10
Deprivation decile
Around average
12
Schools nearby
£57,871
Avg. household income
1,266
Businesses
1,765
People per km²
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About Birchwood

Birchwood is a residential area located in Hertfordshire, within the AL10 postcode district of England. It lies to the west of the town of Watford and is part of the larger urban area surrounding the M25 motorway. The locality is primarily made up of suburban housing, with a mix of detached and semi-detached homes, many of which were developed in the mid to late 20th century. There are several local amenities, including a primary school, a community centre, and a few small shops serving the immediate neighbourhood. The area is well connected by road and has regular bus services to nearby towns and the London Underground at Watford Junction. Birchwood is also close to open spaces such as the Colney Heath and the River Colne, offering opportunities for walking and recreation.

School Ratings in Birchwood

Families in Birchwood have access to 109 local schools. Birchwood Nursery School, Countess Anne Church of England School and Bishop's Hatfield Girls' School are each rated Outstanding by Ofsted. A further 10 schools hold a Good rating.

House Prices in Birchwood

Homes sell for an average of £431K locally. Most of the housing is made up of terraced houses, averaging £352K.

Crime and Anti-Social Behaviour in Birchwood

Crime in the area is higher than the national average. Anti-social behaviour is the leading concern across Birchwood, with 94 incidents recorded in April 2026.

Deprivation and Employment in Birchwood

The 2025 Index of Multiple Deprivation places Birchwood around the national average for deprivation. Employment rates locally are in line with what is seen across England. Average incomes in the area are typical for England.

Healthcare in Birchwood

There are 18 GP surgeries within three miles of Birchwood, the nearest being Wrafton House Surgery (0.3 miles away).

Property Prices 2,856 sales

Average Price £431K
£243 , £49M
Detached £585K 199
Semi £453K 544
Terraced £352K 1,266
Flat £225K 762

Household Income in Birchwood ONS 2023

The average total household income in Birchwood is approximately £57,871 a year before tax, 5% above the national average of £55,302. After tax and benefits, the average disposable (net) household income is around £42,561. These are modelled estimates from the Office for National Statistics for the financial year ending 2023.

Birchwood £57,871
England & Wales avg. £55,302

Net (after tax) household income averages £42,561.

Businesses in Birchwood ONS 2025

There are approximately 1,266 active businesses based in Birchwood, around 33 for every 1,000 residents. The local economy is dominated by small firms: about 90% 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.

1,266 Total businesses
33 Per 1,000 residents
Micro, 0-9 90%
Small, 10-49 7%
Medium, 50-249 1%
Large, 250+ 2%

Deprivation and Employment in Birchwood IMD 2025

Deprivation levels in Birchwood are around the national average based on the 2025 Index of Multiple Deprivation. Employment is accessible for most residents and household incomes reflect the broader national picture. The area maintains a steady balance between affordability and quality of life.

Overall Deprivation
6/10
Income
5/10
Employment
6/10
Education
5/10
Health
6/10
Housing
6/10
Living Environment
7/10
Children 0-15 17%
Working age 74%
Older 65+ 9%
6,439 Children (0-15) 17%
28,142 Working Age 74%
3,572 Older (65+) 9%
Average Child Poverty (IDACI) 36.3% of children in income-deprived families
Average Older Person Poverty (IDAOPI) 23% 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 Birchwood 461 crimes · April 2026

High Crime Area

Crime figures for Birchwood are higher than the England and Wales average, with violence & sexual offences the most prevalent offence recorded. Urban density and footfall contribute to elevated reporting in areas like this. Ongoing investment in policing and community safety programmes aims to improve the picture.

Violence & Sexual Offences 148
Anti-Social Behaviour 94
Drugs 41
Vehicle Crime 33
Criminal Damage & Arson 28
Public Order 26
Other Theft 25
Shoplifting 21
Burglary 14
Weapons 10
Other Crime 8
Bicycle Theft 6
Robbery 4
Theft from Person 3
Local Policing
Hertfordshire Welwyn Hatfield West 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

Hatfield (Herts) Train Station 0.7 miles
Welwyn Garden City Train Station 2.3 miles
Welham Green Train Station 2.4 miles
Brookmans Park Train Station 3.5 miles
Welwyn North Train Station 4.1 miles
St Albans City Train Station 4.5 miles

Location

Local Government

District Welwyn Hatfield
County Hertfordshire
Ward Hatfield Central
Constituency Welwyn Hatfield
Parish Hatfield
Region East of England

Home Ownership in Birchwood

Of the 12,606 households in and around Birchwood, 41% are owned, 31% are socially rented and 27% are privately rented. Home ownership here is lower than the England and Wales average of 63%.

Owned 41% Social rented 31% Private rented 27%

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

Frequently Asked Questions about Birchwood

What is the population of Birchwood?
Birchwood has a population of approximately 38,151 residents, based on the latest census figures for the surrounding postcode area.
What is the average house price in Birchwood?
The average property in and around Birchwood sold for about £431,177, based on HM Land Registry Price Paid records. That is around 24% above the England and Wales average of £349,091.
Is Birchwood a deprived area?
Birchwood 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 Birchwood?
Birchwood is covered by the AL10 postcode district.
How many schools are there in Birchwood?
There are 12 schools within easy reach of Birchwood, spanning primary, secondary and other phases.
Where is the nearest train station to Birchwood?
The nearest railway station to Birchwood is Hatfield (Herts) Train Station, about 0.7 miles away.