Watford on the map

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

106,363
Population
37,980
Households
7 / 10
Deprivation decile
Around average
12
Schools nearby
£64,970
Avg. household income
5,113
Businesses
3,275
People per km²
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About Watford

Watford is a village located in Northamptonshire, England, within the NN6 postcode area. It is situated approximately five miles south of the town of Northampton and offers a mix of residential and rural environments. The village features a range of local amenities, including shops, pubs, and community facilities that cater to residents and visitors alike.

The surrounding countryside provides opportunities for outdoor activities, with several walking paths and green spaces nearby. Watford is also well-connected by road, making it accessible for those wishing to explore the wider Northamptonshire area. The village has a small but active community, with events and gatherings that foster a sense of belonging among its residents.

School Ratings in Watford

Watford is served by 27 schools. A further 14 schools hold a Good rating.

House Prices in Watford

Property prices average £500K across the area, and flats are the most common property type, typically selling for £288K.

Crime and Anti-Social Behaviour in Watford

Local crime rates sit higher than national averages. Anti-social behaviour accounts for the highest share in Watford, with 223 incidents logged in May 2026.

Deprivation and Employment in Watford

Based on the 2025 Index of Multiple Deprivation, Watford falls within the mid-range nationally for overall deprivation. The area benefits from strong employment, with few residents involuntarily out of work. Income levels across the area tend to be higher than the national average.

Healthcare in Watford

There are 2 GP surgeries within three miles of Watford, the nearest being The Long Buckby Practice (1.5 miles away).

Property Prices 11,458 sales

Average Price £500K
£1K , £42.49M
Detached £823K 1,262
Semi £521K 2,968
Terraced £419K 3,164
Flat £288K 3,621

Household Income in Watford ONS 2023

The average total household income in Watford is approximately £64,970 a year before tax, 17% above the national average of £55,302. After tax and benefits, the average disposable (net) household income is around £46,684. These are modelled estimates from the Office for National Statistics for the financial year ending 2023.

Watford £64,970
England & Wales avg. £55,302

Net (after tax) household income averages £46,684.

Businesses in Watford ONS 2025

There are approximately 5,113 active businesses based in Watford, around 48 for every 1,000 residents. The local economy is dominated by small firms: about 90% are micro-businesses employing fewer than 10 people, while 89 are larger employers with 50 or more staff. Figures are from the Office for National Statistics UK Business Counts.

5,113 Total businesses
48 Per 1,000 residents
Micro, 0-9 90%
Small, 10-49 8%
Medium, 50-249 1%
Large, 250+ 1%

Deprivation and Employment in Watford IMD 2025

The 2025 Index of Multiple Deprivation places Watford 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
7/10
Income
8/10
Employment
8/10
Education
7/10
Health
8/10
Housing
3/10
Living Environment
6/10
Children 0-15 21%
Working age 65%
Older 65+ 14%
22,229 Children (0-15) 21%
69,025 Working Age 65%
15,101 Older (65+) 14%
Above Average Child Poverty (IDACI) 20.9% of children in income-deprived families
Above Average Older Person Poverty (IDAOPI) 11.1% 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 Watford 1,178 crimes · May 2026

High Crime Area

Reported crime in Watford 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 363
Anti-Social Behaviour 223
Shoplifting 157
Other Theft 102
Vehicle Crime 81
Public Order 70
Criminal Damage & Arson 50
Drugs 41
Burglary 24
Robbery 21
Other Crime 15
Weapons 12
Theft from Person 10
Bicycle Theft 9
Local Policing
Northamptonshire Crick and Long Buckby 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 2 stations

Long Buckby Train Station 1.5 miles
Rugby Train Station 7.4 miles

Location

Local Government

District Watford
County Hertfordshire
Ward Central
Constituency Watford
Parish Watford, unparished area
Region East of England

Home Ownership in Watford

Of the 41,582 households in and around Watford, 61% are owned, 18% are socially rented and 21% are privately rented. Home ownership here is in line with the England and Wales average of 63%.

Owned 61% Social rented 18% Private rented 21%

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

Frequently Asked Questions about Watford

What is the population of Watford?
Watford has a population of approximately 106,363 residents, based on the latest census figures for the surrounding postcode area.
What is the average house price in Watford?
The average property in and around Watford sold for about £499,980, based on HM Land Registry Price Paid records. That is around 43% above the England and Wales average of £349,091.
Is Watford a deprived area?
Watford sits around the national average for deprivation, with an Index of Multiple Deprivation decile of 7 out of 10, where 1 is the most deprived and 10 the least deprived.
What postcodes cover Watford?
Watford is covered by the WD17, WD19, WD24, WD25, WD99 postcode districts.
How many schools are there in Watford?
There are 12 schools within easy reach of Watford, spanning primary, secondary and other phases.
Where is the nearest train station to Watford?
The nearest railway station to Watford is Long Buckby Train Station, about 1.5 miles away.