How Wood on the map

Location in HertfordshireHow Wood sits where the marker shows within the county.

24,457
Population
9,380
Households
7 / 10
Deprivation decile
Around average
12
Schools nearby
£67,894
Avg. household income
1,356
Businesses
823
People per km²
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About How Wood

How Wood is a residential area located in Hertfordshire, England, within the postcode area AL2. It is situated to the north of St Albans and is primarily known for its suburban character. The area features a mix of housing, including family homes and flats, making it suitable for various residents.

The local amenities include several shops, schools, and parks, providing essential services and recreational opportunities for families and individuals alike. How Wood is well-connected to nearby towns and cities, with public transport options available, making it convenient for commuters. The surrounding countryside offers opportunities for outdoor activities, contributing to the area's appeal for those who enjoy a balance of urban and rural living.

School Ratings in How Wood

Families in How Wood have access to 154 local schools. A further 5 schools hold a Good rating.

House Prices in How Wood

Homes sell for an average of £584K locally. Most of the housing is made up of semi-detached homes, averaging £573K.

Crime and Anti-Social Behaviour in How Wood

Crime in the area is higher than the national average. Anti-social behaviour is the leading concern across How Wood, with 84 incidents recorded in May 2026.

Deprivation and Employment in How Wood

The 2025 Index of Multiple Deprivation places How Wood 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 How Wood

There are 22 GP surgeries within three miles of How Wood, the nearest being Midway Surgery (1.1 miles away).

Property Prices 2,984 sales

Average Price £584K
£1K , £32.39M
Detached £758K 784
Semi £573K 800
Terraced £466K 692
Flat £302K 594

Household Income in How Wood ONS 2023

The average total household income in How Wood is approximately £67,894 a year before tax, 23% above the national average of £55,302. After tax and benefits, the average disposable (net) household income is around £48,581. These are modelled estimates from the Office for National Statistics for the financial year ending 2023.

How Wood £67,894
England & Wales avg. £55,302

Net (after tax) household income averages £48,581.

Businesses in How Wood ONS 2025

There are approximately 1,356 active businesses based in How Wood, around 55 for every 1,000 residents. The local economy is dominated by small firms: about 92% are micro-businesses employing fewer than 10 people, while 15 are larger employers with 50 or more staff. Figures are from the Office for National Statistics UK Business Counts.

1,356 Total businesses
55 Per 1,000 residents
Micro, 0-9 92%
Small, 10-49 6%
Medium, 50-249 1%
Large, 250+ 1%

Deprivation and Employment in How Wood IMD 2025

Deprivation levels in How Wood 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
7/10
Income
7/10
Employment
7/10
Education
7/10
Health
8/10
Housing
6/10
Living Environment
6/10
Children 0-15 19%
Working age 61%
Older 65+ 20%
4,654 Children (0-15) 19%
14,861 Working Age 61%
4,944 Older (65+) 20%
Average Child Poverty (IDACI) 22.9% of children in income-deprived families
Average Older Person Poverty (IDAOPI) 11% 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 How Wood 280 crimes · May 2026

High Crime Area

Crime figures for How Wood are higher than the England and Wales average, with anti-social behaviour 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.

Anti-Social Behaviour 84
Violence & Sexual Offences 71
Other Theft 29
Shoplifting 22
Vehicle Crime 18
Criminal Damage & Arson 14
Drugs 12
Public Order 12
Burglary 5
Weapons 5
Other Crime 4
Robbery 2
Bicycle Theft 1
Theft from Person 1
Local Policing
Hertfordshire London Colney, St Stephens and St Albans East 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

Bricket Wood Train Station 0.9 miles
Park Street Train Station 1.1 miles
How Wood (Hertfordshire) Train Station 1.1 miles
St Albans Abbey Train Station 2 miles
Garston (Hertfordshire) Train Station 2.4 miles
St Albans City Train Station 2.7 miles

Location

Local Government

District St Albans
County Hertfordshire
Ward London Colney
Constituency St Albans
Parish London Colney
Region East of England

Home Ownership in How Wood

Of the 9,815 households in and around How Wood, 75% are owned, 11% are socially rented and 14% are privately rented. Home ownership here is higher than the England and Wales average of 63%.

Owned 75% Social rented 11% Private rented 14%

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

Frequently Asked Questions about How Wood

What is the population of How Wood?
How Wood has a population of approximately 24,457 residents, based on the latest census figures for the surrounding postcode area.
What is the average house price in How Wood?
The average property in and around How Wood sold for about £583,864, based on HM Land Registry Price Paid records. That is around 67% above the England and Wales average of £349,091.
Is How Wood a deprived area?
How Wood sits around the national average for deprivation, with an Index of Multiple Deprivation decile of 7 out of 10, where 1 is the most deprived and 10 the least deprived.
What postcodes cover How Wood?
How Wood is covered by the AL2 postcode district.
How many schools are there in How Wood?
There are 12 schools within easy reach of How Wood, spanning primary, secondary and other phases.
Where is the nearest train station to How Wood?
The nearest railway station to How Wood is Bricket Wood Train Station, about 0.9 miles away.