About Birkenhead

Birkenhead is a town located in the Metropolitan Borough of Wirral, within the county of Merseyside in England. It lies on the eastern side of the River Mersey, directly opposite the city of Liverpool. The town is known for its historical significance in the development of the railway and shipbuilding industries during the 19th century. Birkenhead is served by a network of roads and rail links, including the Merseyrail system, which connects it to Liverpool and surrounding areas. The town centre features a mix of commercial and residential buildings, with notable landmarks such as Birkenhead Park, one of the earliest public parks in the UK, designed by Joseph Paxton. The postcode area CH43 covers the town and its immediate surroundings.

School Ratings in Birkenhead

Birkenhead is served by 223 schools. A further 7 schools hold a Good rating.

House Prices in Birkenhead

Property prices average £142K across the area, and terraced houses are the most common property type, typically selling for £98K.

Crime and Anti-Social Behaviour in Birkenhead

Local crime rates sit higher than national averages. Drugs accounts for the highest share in Birkenhead, with 127 incidents logged in January 2026.

Deprivation and Employment in Birkenhead

Based on the 2025 Index of Multiple Deprivation, Birkenhead falls within the mid-range nationally for overall deprivation. Working-age employment is around the national average for the area. Income levels locally sit close to the national average.

Broadband and Mobile Internet in Birkenhead

Most properties in Birkenhead can access superfast or ultrafast broadband. 4G coverage is extensive and 5G is increasingly available across the area. For the latest speed predictions, visit Ofcom's broadband checker.

Property Prices 7,749 sales

Average Price £142K
£1K £8.52M
Detached £317K 299
Semi £162K 1,811
Terraced £98K 3,866
Flat £83K 1,220

Deprivation and Employment in Birkenhead IMD 2025

The 2025 Index of Multiple Deprivation places Birkenhead in the mid-range nationally. Employment and income levels are close to the England average, with a mix of opportunities across sectors. Overall living conditions are comparable to similar areas across the country.

Overall Deprivation
4/10
Income
4/10
Employment
4/10
Education
5/10
Health
2/10
Housing
10/10
Living Environment
5/10
9,585 Children (0-15) 18%
31,678 Working Age 61%
14,056 Older (60+) 27%
Average Child Poverty (IDACI) 41.6% of children in income-deprived families
Average Older Person Poverty (IDAOPI) 27.5% 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 Birkenhead 1,057 crimes · January 2026

High Crime Area

Reported crime in Birkenhead 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.

374 Violence & Sexual Offences
127 Drugs
105 Shoplifting
100 Public Order
87 Anti-Social Behaviour
76 Criminal Damage & Arson
76 Other Theft
28 Burglary
25 Other Crime
22 Vehicle Crime
13 Robbery
10 Weapons
8 Theft from Person
6 Bicycle Theft
Local Policing
Merseyside Claughton 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

Birkenhead Park Train Station 0.6 miles
Conway Park Train Station 1 miles
Birkenhead Central Train Station 1.1 miles
Birkenhead North Train Station 1.2 miles
Green Lane Train Station 1.3 miles
Birkenhead Hamilton Square Train Station 1.4 miles

Location

Local Government

District Wirral
Ward Prenton
Constituency Birkenhead
Parish Wirral, unparished area
Region North West

Notable & Famous People from Birkenhead 45 people

Adrian Henri
Writer
British poet (1932-2000)
Alex Sanders
Wicca
British Wiccan priest (1926–1988)
Amelia Warner
Actor
British composer and former actress
Andrew Comyn Irvine
Mountaineer
English mountaineer (1902–1924)
Andrew Duff
Politician
British politician (born 1950)
Arnold Hugh Martin Jones
Historian
British historian of classical antiquity (1904–1970)
Barbara Steele
Actor
British actress
Bertram Keightley
Writer
Prominent British Theosophist (1860-1944)
Cecil Arthur Lewis
Screenwriter
British fighter pilot (1898–1997)
Charles Joughin
Baker
British Cook, Titanic survivor (1878–1956)
Danny Holmes
Association football player
English association football player (born 1989)
Daphne Arden
Sprinter
British athlete and sprinter
David Thompson
Association football player
English professional footballer (born 1977)
Dixie Dean
Association football player
English footballer (1907–1980)
Emma Dunn
Stage actor
actress (1875-1966)
Eric Sweeney
Association football player
English footballer (1905-1968)
F. E. Smith, 1st Earl of Birkenhead
Judge
British politician (1872–1930)
Glenda Jackson
Actor
British actress and politician (1936–2023)