Sopwell on the map

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

40,774
Population
15,082
Households
8 / 10
Deprivation decile
Among least deprived
12
Schools nearby
£79,686
Avg. household income
2,116
Businesses
3,645
People per km²
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About Sopwell

Sopwell is a suburb located in Hertfordshire, England, just to the north of St Albans. It is primarily a residential area, offering a mix of housing options, from traditional homes to modern developments. The postcode area is AL1, making it easily accessible for those commuting to London or nearby towns.

The area features several local amenities, including shops, schools, and parks. Sopwell is also known for its proximity to St Albans, where visitors can explore a variety of restaurants, cafes, and cultural attractions. The nearby Verulamium Park provides opportunities for outdoor activities and relaxation. Overall, Sopwell is a convenient location for families and individuals seeking a suburban lifestyle with easy access to urban facilities.

School Ratings in Sopwell

Families in Sopwell have access to 122 local schools. Cunningham Hill Junior School and Cunningham Hill Infant School are each rated Outstanding by Ofsted. A further 16 schools hold a Good rating.

House Prices in Sopwell

Homes sell for an average of £653K locally. Most of the housing is made up of flats, averaging £357K.

Crime and Anti-Social Behaviour in Sopwell

Crime in the area is higher than the national average. Anti-social behaviour is the leading concern across Sopwell, with 126 incidents recorded in April 2026.

Deprivation and Employment in Sopwell

The 2025 Index of Multiple Deprivation places Sopwell among the least deprived neighbourhoods in England. Working-age employment in the area is well above the national average. Average incomes in the area are typical for England.

Healthcare in Sopwell

There are 17 GP surgeries within three miles of Sopwell, the nearest being Hatfield Road Surgery (0.8 miles away).

Property Prices 5,802 sales

Average Price £653K
£100 , £25.62M
Detached £1.26M 612
Semi £776K 971
Terraced £606K 1,717
Flat £357K 2,249

Household Income in Sopwell ONS 2023

The average total household income in Sopwell is approximately £79,686 a year before tax, 44% above the national average of £55,302. After tax and benefits, the average disposable (net) household income is around £56,594. These are modelled estimates from the Office for National Statistics for the financial year ending 2023.

Sopwell £79,686
England & Wales avg. £55,302

Net (after tax) household income averages £56,594.

Businesses in Sopwell ONS 2025

There are approximately 2,116 active businesses based in Sopwell, around 52 for every 1,000 residents. The local economy is dominated by small firms: about 89% are micro-businesses employing fewer than 10 people, while 40 are larger employers with 50 or more staff. Figures are from the Office for National Statistics UK Business Counts.

2,116 Total businesses
52 Per 1,000 residents
Micro, 0-9 89%
Small, 10-49 8%
Medium, 50-249 1%
Large, 250+ 2%

Deprivation and Employment in Sopwell IMD 2025

According to the 2025 Index of Multiple Deprivation, Sopwell 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
8/10
Income
7/10
Employment
8/10
Education
9/10
Health
8/10
Housing
10/10
Living Environment
5/10
Children 0-15 21%
Working age 65%
Older 65+ 14%
8,382 Children (0-15) 21%
25,637 Working Age 65%
5,200 Older (65+) 13%
Above Average Child Poverty (IDACI) 19.1% of children in income-deprived families
Average Older Person Poverty (IDAOPI) 13.1% 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 Sopwell 521 crimes · April 2026

High Crime Area

Crime figures for Sopwell 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 146
Anti-Social Behaviour 126
Other Theft 57
Shoplifting 49
Criminal Damage & Arson 32
Vehicle Crime 30
Public Order 21
Burglary 16
Drugs 13
Bicycle Theft 11
Other Crime 11
Theft from Person 6
Weapons 2
Robbery 1
Local Policing
Hertfordshire St Albans Central, North and 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

St Albans Abbey Train Station 0.9 miles
St Albans City Train Station 1.1 miles
Park Street Train Station 1.2 miles
How Wood (Hertfordshire) Train Station 1.2 miles
Bricket Wood Train Station 2.5 miles
Garston (Hertfordshire) Train Station 4 miles

Location

Local Government

District St Albans
County Hertfordshire
Ward Sopwell
Constituency St Albans
Parish St Albans, unparished area
Region East of England

Home Ownership in Sopwell

Of the 16,175 households in and around Sopwell, 62% are owned, 14% are socially rented and 24% are privately rented. Home ownership here is in line with the England and Wales average of 63%.

Owned 62% Social rented 14% Private rented 24%

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

Frequently Asked Questions about Sopwell

What is the population of Sopwell?
Sopwell has a population of approximately 40,774 residents, based on the latest census figures for the surrounding postcode area.
What is the average house price in Sopwell?
The average property in and around Sopwell sold for about £652,995, based on HM Land Registry Price Paid records. That is around 87% above the England and Wales average of £349,091.
Is Sopwell a deprived area?
Sopwell sits among the least deprived areas in England, with an Index of Multiple Deprivation decile of 8 out of 10, where 1 is the most deprived and 10 the least deprived.
What postcodes cover Sopwell?
Sopwell is covered by the AL1 postcode district.
How many schools are there in Sopwell?
There are 12 schools within easy reach of Sopwell, spanning primary, secondary and other phases.
Where is the nearest train station to Sopwell?
The nearest railway station to Sopwell is St Albans Abbey Train Station, about 0.9 miles away.