Besford on the map

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

26,313
Population
9,970
Households
6 / 10
Deprivation decile
Around average
11
Schools nearby
£53,495
Avg. household income
1,413
Businesses
76
People per km²
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About Besford

Besford is a small village located in Shropshire, England, within the SY4 postcode area. It lies close to the River Severn and is known for its rural setting and proximity to the town of Bridgnorth. The village has a mix of traditional and modern housing, with a quiet, community-focused atmosphere. Besford is situated near the A449 road, making it accessible for those travelling between Shropshire and the wider West Midlands region. The surrounding countryside offers walking and cycling opportunities, with views of the Severn Valley and nearby hills. The village has a local pub and a small shop, providing basic amenities for residents. It is a peaceful place with a strong sense of local identity and a long history within the Shropshire landscape.

School Ratings in Besford

Families in Besford have access to 11 local schools. Condover College Limited and Smallbrook School are each rated Outstanding by Ofsted. A further 9 schools hold a Good rating.

House Prices in Besford

Homes sell for an average of £338K locally. Most of the housing is made up of detached homes, averaging £385K.

Crime and Anti-Social Behaviour in Besford

Crime in the area is lower than the national average. Burglary is the leading concern across Besford, with 6 incidents recorded in May 2026.

Deprivation and Employment in Besford

The 2025 Index of Multiple Deprivation places Besford around the national average for deprivation. Employment rates locally are in line with what is seen across England. Average incomes in the area are typical for England.

Healthcare in Besford

There are 3 GP surgeries within three miles of Besford, the nearest being Shawbury Medical Centre (1.6 miles away).

Property Prices 3,728 sales

Average Price £338K
£3K , £16.13M
Detached £385K 2,027
Semi £227K 881
Terraced £203K 423
Flat £125K 85

Household Income in Besford ONS 2023

The average total household income in Besford is approximately £53,495 a year before tax, 3% below the national average of £55,302. After tax and benefits, the average disposable (net) household income is around £38,958. These are modelled estimates from the Office for National Statistics for the financial year ending 2023.

Besford £53,495
England & Wales avg. £55,302

Net (after tax) household income averages £38,958.

Businesses in Besford ONS 2025

There are approximately 1,413 active businesses based in Besford, around 54 for every 1,000 residents. The local economy is dominated by small firms: about 91% are micro-businesses employing fewer than 10 people, while 19 are larger employers with 50 or more staff. Figures are from the Office for National Statistics UK Business Counts.

1,413 Total businesses
54 Per 1,000 residents
Micro, 0-9 91%
Small, 10-49 8%
Medium, 50-249 1%
Large, 250+ 0%

Deprivation and Employment in Besford IMD 2025

Deprivation levels in Besford are around the national average based on the 2025 Index of Multiple Deprivation. Employment is accessible for most residents and household incomes reflect the broader national picture. The area maintains a steady balance between affordability and quality of life.

Overall Deprivation
6/10
Income
7/10
Employment
7/10
Education
6/10
Health
7/10
Housing
2/10
Living Environment
4/10
Children 0-15 16%
Working age 59%
Older 65+ 25%
4,303 Children (0-15) 16%
15,597 Working Age 59%
6,417 Older (65+) 24%
Average Child Poverty (IDACI) 25% of children in income-deprived families
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 Besford 8 crimes · May 2026

Low Crime Area

Crime levels in Besford are lower than the England and Wales average. While burglary is the most frequently recorded category, the overall picture is one of a settled and secure town where serious incidents remain uncommon.

Burglary 6
Other Theft 2
Local Policing
West Mercia Wem Town and Rural 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 5 stations

Yorton Train Station 3.1 miles
Wem Train Station 3.6 miles
Prees Train Station 5.8 miles
Shrewsbury Train Station 8.1 miles
Wellington (Shropshire) Train Station 10 miles

Location

Local Government

District Shropshire
Ward Loton
Constituency Shrewsbury and Atcham
Parish Montford
Region West Midlands

Home Ownership in Besford

Of the 11,011 households in and around Besford, 73% are owned, 11% are socially rented and 16% are privately rented. Home ownership here is higher than the England and Wales average of 63%.

Owned 73% Social rented 11% Private rented 16%

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

Frequently Asked Questions about Besford

What is the population of Besford?
Besford has a population of approximately 26,313 residents, based on the latest census figures for the surrounding postcode area.
What is the average house price in Besford?
The average property in and around Besford sold for about £338,476, based on HM Land Registry Price Paid records. That is around 3% below the England and Wales average of £349,091.
Is Besford a deprived area?
Besford sits around the national average for deprivation, with an Index of Multiple Deprivation decile of 6 out of 10, where 1 is the most deprived and 10 the least deprived.
What postcodes cover Besford?
Besford is covered by the SY4 postcode district.
How many schools are there in Besford?
There are 11 schools within easy reach of Besford, spanning primary, secondary and other phases.
Where is the nearest train station to Besford?
The nearest railway station to Besford is Yorton Train Station, about 3.1 miles away.