Bessels Leigh on the map
Location in OxfordshireBessels Leigh sits where the marker shows within the county.
About Bessels Leigh
Bessels Leigh is a small village located in Oxfordshire, within the OX13 postcode area of England. It lies in the Vale of White Horse, a rural region known for its rolling countryside and agricultural landscapes. The village is situated near the border with Wiltshire, close to the town of Wantage. Bessels Leigh is primarily residential, with a mix of traditional and modern homes, and is surrounded by farmland and open fields. The local community is active, with a church and a village hall serving as focal points for social gatherings. The area is peaceful and quiet, offering a rural lifestyle with easy access to nearby towns and villages. The village is well-connected by road, with the A420 providing a route to Oxford and other parts of the region.
School Ratings in Bessels Leigh
Bessels Leigh is served by 55 schools. A further 5 schools hold a Good rating.
House Prices in Bessels Leigh
Property prices average £579K across the area, and detached homes are the most common property type, typically selling for £659K.
Crime and Anti-Social Behaviour in Bessels Leigh
Local crime rates sit lower than national averages. Anti-social behaviour accounts for the highest share in Bessels Leigh, with 2 incidents logged in April 2026.
Deprivation and Employment in Bessels Leigh
Bessels Leigh 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 Bessels Leigh
There is 1 GP surgery within three miles of Bessels Leigh, the nearest being Abingdon Medical Centre (2.5 miles away).
Local Data for Bessels Leigh
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Property Prices 2,336 sales
Schools & Education 12 nearby View all schools
Ofsted ratings for schools in the OX13 postcode area.
Household Income in Bessels Leigh ONS 2023
The average total household income in Bessels Leigh is approximately £73,303 a year before tax, 33% above the national average of £55,302. After tax and benefits, the average disposable (net) household income is around £52,795. These are modelled estimates from the Office for National Statistics for the financial year ending 2023.
Net (after tax) household income averages £52,795.
Businesses in Bessels Leigh ONS 2025
There are approximately 715 active businesses based in Bessels Leigh, around 43 for every 1,000 residents. The local economy is dominated by small firms: about 90% are micro-businesses employing fewer than 10 people, while 13 are larger employers with 50 or more staff. Figures are from the Office for National Statistics UK Business Counts.
Deprivation and Employment in Bessels Leigh IMD 2025
The 2025 Index of Multiple Deprivation ranks Bessels Leigh 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.
Crime in Bessels Leigh 12 crimes · April 2026
Reported crime in Bessels Leigh falls below the national average, suggesting a comparatively safe environment. Violence & sexual offences tops the list of recorded incidents, but figures are low overall. Residents and visitors alike tend to find this a quiet and reassuring small town.
Crime figures depend on reporting by individual police forces and may not reflect the full picture in all areas.
Nearest Train Stations 6 stations
Location
Nearby Towns & Villages 12 found
Local Government
Home Ownership in Bessels Leigh
Of the 6,421 households in and around Bessels Leigh, 69% are owned, 17% are socially rented and 15% are privately rented. Home ownership here is higher than the England and Wales average of 63%.
Tenure from the 2021 Census (ONS), for the postcode districts covering Bessels Leigh.