About Harpenden

Harpenden is a town located in Hertfordshire, England, with the postcode area AL5. It lies approximately five miles south of Luton and around 30 miles north of London. The town is well-connected, with a railway station providing regular services to London St Pancras, making it a convenient location for commuters. Harpenden features a mix of residential areas, shops, and local amenities, catering to the needs of its residents and visitors. The town is surrounded by green spaces, including parks and recreational areas, which offer opportunities for outdoor activities. Harpenden also hosts a variety of events throughout the year, fostering a sense of community among its inhabitants. The local high street features an array of shops, cafes, and restaurants, providing options for dining and leisure. Overall, Harpenden presents a balanced lifestyle with access to both urban and rural experiences.

School Ratings in Harpenden

Families in Harpenden have access to 91 local schools. Batford Nursery School, The Grove Infant and Nursery School, Roundwood Park School and Sir John Lawes School are each rated Outstanding by Ofsted. A further 7 schools hold a Good rating.

House Prices in Harpenden

Homes sell for an average of £873K locally. Most of the housing is made up of detached homes, averaging £1.3M.

Crime and Anti-Social Behaviour in Harpenden

Crime in the area is lower than the national average. Anti-social behaviour is the leading concern across Harpenden, with 19 incidents recorded in January 2026.

Deprivation and Employment in Harpenden

The 2025 Index of Multiple Deprivation places Harpenden 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.

Broadband and Mobile Internet in Harpenden

Harpenden benefits from solid broadband infrastructure, including superfast and ultrafast services. Mobile reception across 4G and 5G is dependable in most locations. For the latest speed predictions, visit Ofcom's broadband checker.

Property Prices 4,357 sales

Average Price £873K
£1K £13.5M
Detached £1.32M 1,427
Semi £820K 1,152
Terraced £615K 711
Flat £426K 924

Deprivation and Employment in Harpenden IMD 2025

According to the 2025 Index of Multiple Deprivation, Harpenden 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
9/10
Income
9/10
Employment
9/10
Education
10/10
Health
9/10
Housing
8/10
Living Environment
7/10
9,182 Children (0-15) 23%
22,826 Working Age 57%
9,916 Older (60+) 25%
Above Average Child Poverty (IDACI) 9.6% of children in income-deprived families
Above Average Older Person Poverty (IDAOPI) 6.7% 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 Harpenden 108 crimes · January 2026

Low Crime Area

Crime levels in Harpenden 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.

22 Violence & Sexual Offences
19 Anti-Social Behaviour
16 Vehicle Crime
14 Other Theft
11 Shoplifting
10 Criminal Damage & Arson
6 Burglary
5 Public Order
3 Drugs
2 Other Crime
Local Policing
Hertfordshire Harpenden and Rural 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

Harpenden Train Station 0.2 miles
Luton Airport Parkway Train Station 4.2 miles
St Albans City Train Station 4.7 miles
St Albans Abbey Train Station 5 miles
Luton Train Station 5.2 miles
Welwyn Garden City Train Station 6.5 miles

Location

Local Government

District St Albans
County Hertfordshire
Ward Sandridge & Wheathampstead
Constituency Hitchin and Harpenden
Parish Wheathampstead
Region East of England

Notable & Famous People from Harpenden 3 people

Alan Scarfe
Actor
British-Canadian actor (1946–2024)
Frank O. Salisbury
Painter
British painter (1874–1962)
Steve Sparks
Scientist
British volcanologist (born 1949)