Higherford on the map

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

48,843
Population
17,604
Households
3 / 10
Deprivation decile
More deprived
12
Schools nearby
£40,562
Avg. household income
1,536
Businesses
998
People per km²
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About Higherford

Higherford is a small village located in Lancashire, England, within the postcode area BB9. It lies near the larger town of Nelson and is surrounded by the scenic landscapes typical of this region. The village features a mix of residential properties and local amenities, catering to the needs of its residents.

The area is well-connected by road and public transport, making it accessible for those wishing to explore nearby towns and attractions. Higherford is also close to the Leeds and Liverpool Canal, providing opportunities for leisurely walks along the waterway. The village's community spirit is evident through local events and gatherings, which foster a sense of belonging among its inhabitants.

School Ratings in Higherford

Higherford is served by 91 schools. Walton Lane Nursery School & Children's Centre, Walton Lane Nursery School and East Lancashire Learning Group are each rated Outstanding by Ofsted. A further 19 schools hold a Good rating.

House Prices in Higherford

Property prices average £133K across the area, and terraced houses are the most common property type, typically selling for £84K.

Crime and Anti-Social Behaviour in Higherford

Local crime rates sit higher than national averages. Anti-social behaviour accounts for the highest share in Higherford, with 79 incidents logged in April 2026.

Deprivation and Employment in Higherford

Based on the 2025 Index of Multiple Deprivation, Higherford is among the more deprived areas nationally. Working-age employment is around the national average for the area. Income levels locally sit close to the national average.

Healthcare in Higherford

There are 12 GP surgeries within three miles of Higherford, the nearest being Barrowford Surgery (1.1 miles away).

Property Prices 6,156 sales

Average Price £133K
£220 , £5.6M
Detached £293K 599
Semi £155K 1,220
Terraced £84K 3,833
Flat £116K 132

Household Income in Higherford ONS 2023

The average total household income in Higherford is approximately £40,562 a year before tax, 27% below the national average of £55,302. After tax and benefits, the average disposable (net) household income is around £31,871. These are modelled estimates from the Office for National Statistics for the financial year ending 2023.

Higherford £40,562
England & Wales avg. £55,302

Net (after tax) household income averages £31,871.

Businesses in Higherford ONS 2025

There are approximately 1,536 active businesses based in Higherford, around 31 for every 1,000 residents. The local economy is dominated by small firms: about 87% are micro-businesses employing fewer than 10 people, while 26 are larger employers with 50 or more staff. Figures are from the Office for National Statistics UK Business Counts.

1,536 Total businesses
31 Per 1,000 residents
Micro, 0-9 87%
Small, 10-49 10%
Medium, 50-249 2%
Large, 250+ 1%

Deprivation and Employment in Higherford IMD 2025

The 2025 Index of Multiple Deprivation identifies Higherford as one of the more deprived areas nationally. Residents face greater challenges around employment and income, though ongoing investment in infrastructure and services is helping to address these issues over time.

Overall Deprivation
3/10
Income
4/10
Employment
4/10
Education
3/10
Health
4/10
Housing
3/10
Living Environment
2/10
Children 0-15 24%
Working age 61%
Older 65+ 15%
11,906 Children (0-15) 24%
29,696 Working Age 61%
7,231 Older (65+) 15%
Average Child Poverty (IDACI) 48.8% of children in income-deprived families
Average Older Person Poverty (IDAOPI) 28.2% 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 Higherford 488 crimes · April 2026

High Crime Area

Reported crime in Higherford is above the national average when measured per capita. Violence & sexual offences dominates the figures, a trend mirrored in many urban centres. Local policing teams work actively in the area, and community initiatives continue to address key concerns.

Violence & Sexual Offences 189
Anti-Social Behaviour 79
Shoplifting 37
Other Theft 32
Criminal Damage & Arson 29
Public Order 27
Burglary 22
Vehicle Crime 21
Drugs 17
Other Crime 15
Weapons 13
Robbery 6
Theft from Person 1
Local Policing
Lancashire Barrowford & Pendleside 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

Colne Train Station 1 miles
Brierfield Train Station 2.9 miles
Burnley Central Train Station 4.9 miles
Burnley Barracks Train Station 5.3 miles
Burnley Manchester Road Train Station 5.4 miles
Rose Grove Train Station 5.9 miles

Location

Local Government

District Pendle
County Lancashire
Ward Whitefield & Walverden
Constituency Pendle
Parish Nelson
Region North West

Home Ownership in Higherford

Of the 17,530 households in and around Higherford, 60% are owned, 13% are socially rented and 27% are privately rented. Home ownership here is lower than the England and Wales average of 63%.

Owned 60% Social rented 13% Private rented 27%

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

Frequently Asked Questions about Higherford

What is the population of Higherford?
Higherford has a population of approximately 48,843 residents, based on the latest census figures for the surrounding postcode area.
What is the average house price in Higherford?
The average property in and around Higherford sold for about £132,993, based on HM Land Registry Price Paid records. That is around 62% below the England and Wales average of £349,091.
Is Higherford a deprived area?
Higherford sits among the more deprived areas in England, with an Index of Multiple Deprivation decile of 3 out of 10, where 1 is the most deprived and 10 the least deprived.
What postcodes cover Higherford?
Higherford is covered by the BB9 postcode district.
How many schools are there in Higherford?
There are 12 schools within easy reach of Higherford, spanning primary, secondary and other phases.
Where is the nearest train station to Higherford?
The nearest railway station to Higherford is Colne Train Station, about 1 miles away.