Formby on the map

Formby built-up area

Built-up area7.6 km² (2.9 sq mi)

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

23,629
Population
9,837
Households
8 / 10
Deprivation decile
Among least deprived
12
Schools nearby
£56,642
Avg. household income
797
Businesses
621
People per km²
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About Formby

Formby is a coastal town located in Merseyside, England, within the L37 postcode area. It is known for its extensive sandy beaches and natural dunes, which provide a habitat for various wildlife, including the rare red squirrel. The area is also home to Formby Point, a popular spot for walking and enjoying the seaside.

The town features a range of amenities, including shops, cafes, and restaurants, catering to both locals and visitors. Formby has good transport links, making it accessible for day trips. The nearby Formby Golf Club offers recreational opportunities for golf enthusiasts. Overall, Formby presents a mix of outdoor activities and community life, appealing to those who appreciate nature and coastal scenery.

School Ratings in Formby

There are 31 schools in and around Formby. Freshfield Primary School is rated Outstanding by Ofsted. A further 7 schools hold a Good rating.

House Prices in Formby

The average property price is £369K, with semi-detached homes making up the majority of the housing stock at around £280K.

Crime and Anti-Social Behaviour in Formby

Recorded crime levels are broadly in line with the national average. Anti-social behaviour is prevalent across Formby, with 29 recorded incidents in May 2026.

Deprivation and Employment in Formby

According to the 2025 Index of Multiple Deprivation, Formby ranks among the least deprived areas in England. Employment levels are broadly typical for the area, sitting close to the national average. Household incomes are generally above the national average.

Healthcare in Formby

There are 4 GP surgeries within three miles of Formby, the nearest being Chapel Lane Surgery (0.2 miles away).

Property Prices 3,644 sales

Average Price £369K
£250 , £6.5M
Detached £496K 1,404
Semi £280K 1,522
Terraced £226K 197
Flat £169K 358

Household Income in Formby ONS 2023

The average total household income in Formby is approximately £56,642 a year before tax, in line with the national average of £55,302. After tax and benefits, the average disposable (net) household income is around £41,004. These are modelled estimates from the Office for National Statistics for the financial year ending 2023.

Formby £56,642
England & Wales avg. £55,302

Net (after tax) household income averages £41,004.

Businesses in Formby ONS 2025

There are approximately 797 active businesses based in Formby, around 34 for every 1,000 residents. The local economy is dominated by small firms: about 93% are micro-businesses employing fewer than 10 people, while 9 are larger employers with 50 or more staff. Figures are from the Office for National Statistics UK Business Counts.

797 Total businesses
34 Per 1,000 residents
Micro, 0-9 93%
Small, 10-49 6%
Medium, 50-249 1%
Large, 250+ 0%

Deprivation and Employment in Formby IMD 2025

Formby is one of the least deprived areas in England according to the 2025 Index of Multiple Deprivation. Employment opportunities are widely accessible and household incomes tend to sit comfortably above the national average. The area benefits from strong local services and a settled, established community.

Overall Deprivation
8/10
Income
8/10
Employment
7/10
Education
8/10
Health
6/10
Housing
8/10
Living Environment
8/10
Children 0-15 15%
Working age 53%
Older 65+ 32%
3,635 Children (0-15) 15%
12,545 Working Age 53%
7,435 Older (65+) 31%
Above Average Child Poverty (IDACI) 18% of children in income-deprived families
Above Average Older Person Poverty (IDAOPI) 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 Formby 127 crimes · May 2026

Average Crime Area

Reported crime levels in Formby sit broadly in line with national averages for a town of this size. Violence & sexual offences accounts for the largest share of recorded offences. The profile is typical of a well-populated area with a mix of residential and commercial activity.

Violence & Sexual Offences 45
Anti-Social Behaviour 29
Shoplifting 17
Other Theft 10
Public Order 8
Criminal Damage & Arson 4
Other Crime 4
Theft from Person 3
Burglary 2
Drugs 2
Weapons 2
Vehicle Crime 1
Local Policing
Merseyside Harington 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

Formby Train Station 0.5 miles
Freshfield Train Station 0.5 miles
Hightown Train Station 2.4 miles
Ainsdale Train Station 3.1 miles
Hall Road Train Station 4.2 miles
Blundellsands And Crosby Train Station 5.1 miles

Location

Local Government

District Sefton
County Lancashire
Ward Ravenmeols
Constituency Sefton Central
Parish Formby
Region North West

Home Ownership in Formby

Of the 10,108 households in and around Formby, 87% are owned, 4% are socially rented and 10% are privately rented. Home ownership here is higher than the England and Wales average of 63%.

Owned 87% Social rented 4% Private rented 10%

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

Frequently Asked Questions about Formby

What is the population of Formby?
Formby has a population of approximately 23,629 residents, based on the latest census figures for the surrounding postcode area.
What is the average house price in Formby?
The average property in and around Formby sold for about £369,356, based on HM Land Registry Price Paid records. That is around 6% above the England and Wales average of £349,091.
Is Formby a deprived area?
Formby 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 Formby?
Formby is covered by the L37 postcode district.
How many schools are there in Formby?
There are 12 schools within easy reach of Formby, spanning primary, secondary and other phases.
Where is the nearest train station to Formby?
The nearest railway station to Formby is Formby Train Station, about 0.5 miles away.