Wantage on the map

Wantage built-up area

Built-up area3.6 km² (1.4 sq mi)

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

28,520
Population
10,421
Households
8 / 10
Deprivation decile
Among least deprived
16
Schools nearby
£70,030
Avg. household income
1,234
Businesses
208
People per km²

About Wantage

Wantage is a market town located in Oxfordshire, England, with the postcode area OX12. It is known for its historical significance, as it is the birthplace of King Alfred the Great. The town features a variety of local shops, cafes, and pubs, providing a selection of amenities for residents and visitors alike. Wantage also hosts a weekly market, which is a popular event for those seeking fresh produce and local goods.

The town is surrounded by the scenic countryside, making it an ideal spot for those who enjoy outdoor activities. There are several parks and green spaces within the area, offering opportunities for walking and relaxation. Additionally, Wantage has a number of historical buildings, including the 18th-century Wantage Town Hall, which adds to its character. Overall, Wantage provides a blend of community spirit and access to nature, making it a pleasant place to visit or reside.

School Ratings in Wantage

There are 16 schools in and around Wantage. Stockham Primary School and Fitzwaryn School are each rated Outstanding by Ofsted. A further 10 schools hold a Good rating.

House Prices in Wantage

The average property price is £404K, with detached homes making up the majority of the housing stock at around £523K.

Crime and Anti-Social Behaviour in Wantage

Recorded crime levels are broadly in line with the national average. Anti-social behaviour is prevalent across Wantage, with 27 recorded incidents in July 2026.

Deprivation and Employment in Wantage

According to the 2025 Index of Multiple Deprivation, Wantage 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 broadly in line with the national average.

Healthcare in Wantage

There are 4 GP surgeries within three miles of Wantage, the nearest being Newbury Street Practice (1 miles away).

Property Prices 5,245 sales

Average Price £404K
£100 , £11.62M
Detached £523K 1,869
Semi £347K 1,487
Terraced £298K 973
Flat £228K 693

Schools & Education 16 within 5 miles View all schools

12 Primary
1 Secondary
3 Other
Outstanding 3
Good 10

Ofsted ratings for schools in the OX12 postcode area.

Wantage Church of England Primary School Primary Good 0.4 miles King Alfred's Secondary Good 0.6 miles Charlton Primary School Primary Good 0.6 miles Huckleberry Therapeutic School Not applicable Good 0.8 miles Wantage Primary Academy Primary Outstanding 0.9 miles Stockham Primary School Primary Outstanding 1 miles Fitzwaryn School Not applicable Outstanding 1.1 miles St Nicholas CofE Primary School Primary Good 1.6 miles Millbrook Primary School Primary Good 1.8 miles St Johns CofE Academy All-through 1.8 miles Grove Church of England School Primary 1.9 miles The Ridgeway Church of England (C) Primary School Primary Good 2.9 miles

Household Income in Wantage ONS 2023

The average total household income in Wantage is approximately £70,030 a year before tax, 27% above the national average of £55,302. After tax and benefits, the average disposable (net) household income is around £48,804. These are modelled estimates from the Office for National Statistics for the financial year ending 2023.

Wantage £70,030
England & Wales avg. £55,302

Net (after tax) household income averages £48,804.

Businesses in Wantage ONS 2025

There are approximately 1,234 active businesses based in Wantage, around 43 for every 1,000 residents. The local economy is dominated by small firms: about 88% are micro-businesses employing fewer than 10 people, while 22 are larger employers with 50 or more staff. Figures are from the Office for National Statistics UK Business Counts.

1,234 Total businesses
43 Per 1,000 residents
Micro, 0-9 88%
Small, 10-49 10%
Medium, 50-249 1%
Large, 250+ 1%

Deprivation and Employment in Wantage IMD 2025

Wantage 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
7/10
Employment
8/10
Education
6/10
Health
9/10
Housing
5/10
Living Environment
7/10
Children 0-15 19%
Working age 60%
Older 65+ 21%
5,300 Children (0-15) 19%
17,247 Working Age 60%
5,984 Older (65+) 21%
Average Child Poverty (IDACI) 22% of children in income-deprived families
Above Average Older Person Poverty (IDAOPI) 9% 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 Wantage 170 crimes · July 2026

Average Crime Area

Reported crime levels in Wantage 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 74
Anti-Social Behaviour 27
Criminal Damage & Arson 14
Drugs 14
Public Order 14
Other Theft 7
Shoplifting 6
Other Crime 6
Burglary 4
Vehicle Crime 2
Weapons 1
Robbery 1
Local Policing
Thames Valley Wantage and Grove 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 3 stations

Didcot Parkway Train Station 7.7 miles
Appleford Train Station 7.8 miles
Culham Train Station 9.1 miles

Location

Nearby Towns & Villages 12 found

Charlton 0.6 miles Belmont 0.9 miles Townsend 1.2 miles East Lockinge 1.2 miles West Lockinge 1.2 miles Letcombe Regis 1.4 miles Grove 1.9 miles Ardington 2 miles East Challow 2 miles Letcombe Bassett 2.2 miles Ardington Wick 2.2 miles Childrey 2.5 miles

Local Government

District Vale of White Horse
County Oxfordshire
Ward Wantage & Grove Brook
Constituency Wantage
Parish Grove
Region South East

Home Ownership in Wantage

Of the 12,174 households in and around Wantage, 72% are owned, 15% are socially rented and 13% are privately rented. Home ownership here is higher than the England and Wales average of 63%.

Owned 72% Social rented 15% Private rented 13%

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

Frequently Asked Questions about Wantage

What is the population of Wantage?
Wantage has a population of approximately 28,520 residents, based on the latest census figures for the surrounding postcode area.
What is the average house price in Wantage?
The average property in and around Wantage sold for about £403,746, based on HM Land Registry Price Paid records. That is around 16% above the England and Wales average of £349,091.
Is Wantage a deprived area?
Wantage 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 Wantage?
Wantage is covered by the OX12 postcode district.
How many schools are there in Wantage?
There are 16 schools within 5 miles of Wantage, spanning primary, secondary and other phases.
Where is the nearest train station to Wantage?
The nearest railway station to Wantage is Didcot Parkway Train Station, about 7.7 miles away.

Streets in OX12 30 shown View all streets

A338 1 A417 1 Adkin Way 4 Albermarle Drive 1 Albert Beckhelling Drive 1 Aldworth Avenue 2 Aldworth Close 2 Alfred Street 1 Alfreds Place 1 Alfredston Place 2 Allen Close 2 Anderson Place 2 Angel Walk 1 Anvil Paddock 1 Appletons 2 Arbery Arcade 1 Ardington Lane 2 Armitage Drive 1 Arnold Way 1 Ashdown Way 1 Ashfields Close 1 Ashfields Lane 1 B4001 2 B4494 2 B4507 1 Badgers Drive 1 Badgers Gardens 1 Bailey Close 1 Bakery Lane 2 Bankside 1

Postcodes in OX12 50 shown View all postcodes

OX12 0AA OX12 0AB OX12 0AD OX12 0AE OX12 0AF OX12 0AG OX12 0AH OX12 0AJ OX12 0AL OX12 0AN OX12 0AP OX12 0AQ OX12 0AR OX12 0AS OX12 0AT OX12 0AU OX12 0AW OX12 0AX OX12 0AY OX12 0AZ OX12 0BA OX12 0BD OX12 0BG OX12 0BH OX12 0BJ OX12 0BL OX12 0BN OX12 0BP OX12 0BQ OX12 0BS OX12 0BT OX12 0BU OX12 0BW OX12 0BX OX12 0BY OX12 0BZ OX12 0DA OX12 0DB OX12 0DD OX12 0DE OX12 0DF OX12 0DG OX12 0DH OX12 0DJ OX12 0DL OX12 0DN OX12 0DP OX12 0DQ OX12 0DR OX12 0DS