Sonning Common on the map

Sonning Common built-up area

Built-up area2.3 km² (0.9 sq mi)

Location in OxfordshireSonning Common sits where the marker shows within the county.

40,810
Population
15,838
Households
9 / 10
Deprivation decile
Among least deprived
12
Schools nearby
£74,708
Avg. household income
1,610
Businesses
924
People per km²
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About Sonning Common

Sonning Common is a village located in Oxfordshire, England, within the RG4 postcode area. It lies approximately three miles from the town of Reading and is surrounded by scenic countryside. The village is primarily residential, with a range of local amenities including shops, schools, and recreational facilities. The community is served by several bus routes, providing easy access to nearby towns and cities.

The area offers various outdoor activities, with parks and walking paths for those who enjoy nature. Sonning Common is also close to the River Thames, making it a convenient base for exploring the surrounding region. The village hosts events throughout the year, fostering a sense of community among residents. Overall, Sonning Common provides a pleasant environment for both families and individuals looking for a peaceful place to live.

School Ratings in Sonning Common

There are 81 schools in and around Sonning Common. Caversham Nursery School and Caversham Preparatory School are each rated Outstanding by Ofsted. A further 9 schools hold a Good rating.

House Prices in Sonning Common

The average property price is £549K, with detached homes making up the majority of the housing stock at around £769K.

Crime and Anti-Social Behaviour in Sonning Common

Recorded crime levels are higher than the national average. Shoplifting is prevalent across Sonning Common, with 108 recorded incidents in May 2026.

Deprivation and Employment in Sonning Common

According to the 2025 Index of Multiple Deprivation, Sonning Common ranks among the least deprived areas in England. Employment levels are strong, with low rates of working-age exclusion from the labour market. Household incomes are generally above the national average.

Healthcare in Sonning Common

There are 4 GP surgeries within three miles of Sonning Common, the nearest being Sonning Common Health Ctr (0.3 miles away).

Property Prices 5,156 sales

Average Price £549K
£2K , £39M
Detached £769K 1,631
Semi £522K 1,416
Terraced £391K 1,167
Flat £271K 775

Household Income in Sonning Common ONS 2023

The average total household income in Sonning Common is approximately £74,708 a year before tax, 35% above the national average of £55,302. After tax and benefits, the average disposable (net) household income is around £52,825. These are modelled estimates from the Office for National Statistics for the financial year ending 2023.

Sonning Common £74,708
England & Wales avg. £55,302

Net (after tax) household income averages £52,825.

Businesses in Sonning Common ONS 2025

There are approximately 1,610 active businesses based in Sonning Common, around 39 for every 1,000 residents. The local economy is dominated by small firms: about 94% 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.

1,610 Total businesses
39 Per 1,000 residents
Micro, 0-9 94%
Small, 10-49 6%
Medium, 50-249 1%
Large, 250+ 0%

Deprivation and Employment in Sonning Common IMD 2025

Sonning Common 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
9/10
Income
8/10
Employment
9/10
Education
8/10
Health
9/10
Housing
5/10
Living Environment
7/10
Children 0-15 20%
Working age 61%
Older 65+ 19%
8,111 Children (0-15) 20%
24,739 Working Age 61%
7,968 Older (65+) 20%
Above Average Child Poverty (IDACI) 15.3% of children in income-deprived families
Average Older Person Poverty (IDAOPI) 12.7% 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 Sonning Common 474 crimes · May 2026

High Crime Area

Sonning Common sees higher than average levels of reported crime relative to its population. Violence & sexual offences represents the most frequently recorded category. This pattern is not uncommon in densely populated urban areas and does not necessarily reflect the experience of most residents.

Violence & Sexual Offences 126
Shoplifting 108
Other Theft 43
Anti-Social Behaviour 42
Public Order 39
Criminal Damage & Arson 26
Burglary 24
Bicycle Theft 18
Vehicle Crime 16
Robbery 13
Drugs 10
Theft from Person 4
Other Crime 3
Weapons 2
Local Policing
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

Henley-On-Thames Train Station 3.7 miles
Tilehurst Train Station 3.8 miles
Reading West Train Station 4.4 miles
Shiplake Train Station 4.4 miles
Wargrave Train Station 5 miles
Pangbourne Train Station 5.1 miles

Location

Local Government

District Reading
County Oxfordshire
Ward Caversham
Constituency Reading East
Parish Reading, unparished area
Region South East

Home Ownership in Sonning Common

Of the 16,386 households in and around Sonning Common, 76% are owned, 9% are socially rented and 16% are privately rented. Home ownership here is higher than the England and Wales average of 63%.

Owned 76% Social rented 9% Private rented 16%

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

Frequently Asked Questions about Sonning Common

What is the population of Sonning Common?
Sonning Common has a population of approximately 40,810 residents, based on the latest census figures for the surrounding postcode area.
What is the average house price in Sonning Common?
The average property in and around Sonning Common sold for about £549,118, based on HM Land Registry Price Paid records. That is around 57% above the England and Wales average of £349,091.
Is Sonning Common a deprived area?
Sonning Common sits among the least deprived areas in England, with an Index of Multiple Deprivation decile of 9 out of 10, where 1 is the most deprived and 10 the least deprived.
What postcodes cover Sonning Common?
Sonning Common is covered by the RG4 postcode district.
How many schools are there in Sonning Common?
There are 12 schools within easy reach of Sonning Common, spanning primary, secondary and other phases.
Where is the nearest train station to Sonning Common?
The nearest railway station to Sonning Common is Henley-On-Thames Train Station, about 3.7 miles away.