The Folly on the map

Location in HertfordshireThe Folly sits where the marker shows within the county.

28,218
Population
10,792
Households
8 / 10
Deprivation decile
Among least deprived
92
Schools nearby
£78,434
Avg. household income
1,292
Businesses
600
People per km²

About The Folly

The Folly is a notable structure located in Hertfordshire, England, within the AL4 postcode area. This building is recognised for its unique architectural style and historical significance. Originally constructed in the 18th century, it serves as an example of the period's design aesthetics. The Folly is situated in a landscape that features a mix of natural greenery and open space, making it an interesting spot for visitors interested in architecture and local history.

Surrounding The Folly, you will find various walking paths and areas for outdoor activities. The nearby town offers amenities such as shops and cafés, providing a convenient stop for refreshments. Whether you are exploring the local area or simply appreciating the architecture, The Folly presents an opportunity to engage with Hertfordshire's cultural landscape.

School Ratings in The Folly

The Folly is served by 92 schools. Nicholas Breakspear Catholic School is rated Outstanding by Ofsted. A further 8 schools hold a Good rating.

House Prices in The Folly

Property prices average £667K across the area, and semi-detached homes are the most common property type, typically selling for £695K.

Crime and Anti-Social Behaviour in The Folly

Local crime rates sit broadly in line with national averages. Other theft accounts for the highest share in The Folly, with 34 incidents logged in July 2026.

Deprivation and Employment in The Folly

The Folly falls within the least deprived areas nationally, based on the 2025 Index of Multiple Deprivation. The area benefits from strong employment, with few residents involuntarily out of work. Income levels locally sit close to the national average.

Healthcare in The Folly

There are 5 GP surgeries within three miles of The Folly, the nearest being Elms Medical Practice (1.7 miles away).

Property Prices 3,399 sales

Average Price £667K
£1K , £50.57M
Detached £908K 825
Semi £695K 1,155
Terraced £474K 739
Flat £292K 558

Household Income in The Folly ONS 2023

The average total household income in The Folly is approximately £78,434 a year before tax, 42% above the national average of £55,302. After tax and benefits, the average disposable (net) household income is around £53,159. These are modelled estimates from the Office for National Statistics for the financial year ending 2023.

The Folly £78,434
England & Wales avg. £55,302

Net (after tax) household income averages £53,159.

Businesses in The Folly ONS 2025

There are approximately 1,292 active businesses based in The Folly, around 46 for every 1,000 residents. The local economy is dominated by small firms: about 90% are micro-businesses employing fewer than 10 people, while 24 are larger employers with 50 or more staff. Figures are from the Office for National Statistics UK Business Counts.

1,292 Total businesses
46 Per 1,000 residents
Micro, 0-9 90%
Small, 10-49 9%
Medium, 50-249 2%
Large, 250+ 0%

Deprivation and Employment in The Folly IMD 2025

The 2025 Index of Multiple Deprivation ranks The Folly among the least deprived parts of England. Residents generally enjoy good access to employment and higher than average household incomes. Education and health outcomes in the area also compare favourably with the rest of the country.

Overall Deprivation
8/10
Income
7/10
Employment
8/10
Education
8/10
Health
8/10
Housing
7/10
Living Environment
7/10
Children 0-15 22%
Working age 60%
Older 65+ 18%
6,247 Children (0-15) 22%
16,914 Working Age 60%
5,052 Older (65+) 18%
Above Average Child Poverty (IDACI) 20.4% of children in income-deprived families
Average Older Person Poverty (IDAOPI) 11.7% 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 The Folly 173 crimes · July 2026

Average Crime Area

The Folly 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 41
Other Theft 34
Anti-Social Behaviour 33
Shoplifting 21
Criminal Damage & Arson 15
Vehicle Crime 10
Public Order 8
Burglary 3
Weapons 2
Robbery 2
Theft from Person 2
Bicycle Theft 1
Other Crime 1
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 1.7 miles
St Albans City Train Station 4.5 miles
Welwyn Garden City Train Station 4.7 miles
St Albans Abbey Train Station 5.1 miles
Welwyn North Train Station 5.2 miles
Luton Airport Parkway Train Station 5.3 miles

Location

Local Government

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

Home Ownership in The Folly

Of the 11,011 households in and around The Folly, 75% are owned, 13% are socially rented and 12% are privately rented. Home ownership here is higher than the England and Wales average of 63%.

Owned 75% Social rented 13% Private rented 12%

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

Frequently Asked Questions about The Folly

What is the population of The Folly?
The Folly has a population of approximately 28,218 residents, based on the latest census figures for the surrounding postcode area.
What is the average house price in The Folly?
The average property in and around The Folly sold for about £666,689, based on HM Land Registry Price Paid records. That is around 91% above the England and Wales average of £349,091.
Is The Folly a deprived area?
The Folly 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 The Folly?
The Folly is covered by the AL4 postcode district.
How many schools are there in The Folly?
There are 92 schools within 5 miles of The Folly, spanning primary, secondary and other phases.
Where is the nearest train station to The Folly?
The nearest railway station to The Folly is Harpenden Train Station, about 1.7 miles away.