Bishop's Castle on the map

Bishop's Castle built-up area

Built-up area0.9 km² (0.3 sq mi)

Location in ShropshireBishop's Castle sits where the marker shows within the county.

1,501
Population
1,233
Households
4 / 10
Deprivation decile
Around average
6
Schools nearby
£49,546
Avg. household income
214
Businesses
14
People per km²
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About Bishop's Castle

Bishop's Castle is a market town in Shropshire, England, located in the SY9 postcode area. It lies near the border with Wales, set within a rural landscape of rolling hills and farmland. The town has a long history, with its origins dating back to the medieval period, and it was once a significant centre for local trade and administration. The remains of a 13th-century castle stand as a reminder of its past, though little of the original structure remains today. The town centre features a mix of traditional buildings, including a historic market hall and several shops and pubs that contribute to its community feel. It is a quiet place with a strong sense of local identity, offering a peaceful environment for residents and visitors alike.

School Ratings in Bishop's Castle

Bishop's Castle is served by 6 schools. A further 3 schools hold a Good rating.

House Prices in Bishop's Castle

Property prices average £329K across the area, and detached homes are the most common property type, typically selling for £402K.

Crime and Anti-Social Behaviour in Bishop's Castle

Local crime rates sit higher than national averages. Criminal damage & arson accounts for the highest share in Bishop's Castle, with 3 incidents logged in May 2026.

Deprivation and Employment in Bishop's Castle

Based on the 2025 Index of Multiple Deprivation, Bishop's Castle falls within the mid-range nationally for overall deprivation. Working-age employment is around the national average for the area. Income levels locally sit close to the national average.

Healthcare in Bishop's Castle

There is 1 GP surgery within three miles of Bishop's Castle, the nearest being Bishops Castle Medical Practice (0.3 miles away).

Property Prices 323 sales

Average Price £329K
£2K , £3.85M
Detached £402K 130
Semi £249K 58
Terraced £198K 69
Flat £159K 9

Household Income in Bishop's Castle ONS 2023

The average total household income in Bishop's Castle is approximately £49,546 a year before tax, 10% below the national average of £55,302. After tax and benefits, the average disposable (net) household income is around £36,203. These are modelled estimates from the Office for National Statistics for the financial year ending 2023.

Bishop's Castle £49,546
England & Wales avg. £55,302

Net (after tax) household income averages £36,203.

Businesses in Bishop's Castle ONS 2025

There are approximately 214 active businesses based in Bishop's Castle, around 143 for every 1,000 residents. The local economy is dominated by small firms: about 95% are micro-businesses employing fewer than 10 people, while 2 are larger employers with 50 or more staff. Figures are from the Office for National Statistics UK Business Counts.

214 Total businesses
143 Per 1,000 residents
Micro, 0-9 95%
Small, 10-49 5%
Medium, 50-249 1%
Large, 250+ 0%

Deprivation and Employment in Bishop's Castle IMD 2025

The 2025 Index of Multiple Deprivation places Bishop's Castle 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
4/10
Income
5/10
Employment
6/10
Education
5/10
Health
7/10
Housing
2/10
Living Environment
2/10
Children 0-15 15%
Working age 53%
Older 65+ 32%
219 Children (0-15) 15%
800 Working Age 53%
479 Older (65+) 32%
Average Child Poverty (IDACI) 40.3% of children in income-deprived families
Average Older Person Poverty (IDAOPI) 13.1% 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 Bishop's Castle 15 crimes · May 2026

High Crime Area

Reported crime in Bishop's Castle 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 10
Criminal Damage & Arson 3
Other Theft 1
Theft from Person 1
Local Policing
West Mercia Bishops Castle and Craven Arms 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 6 stations

Broome Train Station 6.5 miles
Craven Arms Train Station 7.4 miles
Hopton Heath Train Station 7.7 miles
Church Stretton Train Station 8.7 miles
Bucknell Train Station 9.4 miles
Knucklas Train Station 9.9 miles

Location

Local Government

District Shropshire
Ward Bishop's Castle
Constituency South Shropshire
Parish Churchstoke
Region West Midlands

Home Ownership in Bishop's Castle

Of the 723 households in and around Bishop's Castle, 60% are owned, 21% are socially rented and 19% are privately rented. Home ownership here is lower than the England and Wales average of 63%.

Owned 60% Social rented 21% Private rented 19%

Tenure from the 2021 Census (ONS), for the postcode districts covering Bishop's Castle.

Frequently Asked Questions about Bishop's Castle

What is the population of Bishop's Castle?
Bishop's Castle has a population of approximately 1,501 residents, based on the latest census figures for the surrounding postcode area.
What is the average house price in Bishop's Castle?
The average property in and around Bishop's Castle sold for about £329,202, based on HM Land Registry Price Paid records. That is around 6% below the England and Wales average of £349,091.
Is Bishop's Castle a deprived area?
Bishop's Castle sits around the national average for deprivation, with an Index of Multiple Deprivation decile of 4 out of 10, where 1 is the most deprived and 10 the least deprived.
What postcodes cover Bishop's Castle?
Bishop's Castle is covered by the SY9 postcode district.
How many schools are there in Bishop's Castle?
There are 6 schools within easy reach of Bishop's Castle, spanning primary, secondary and other phases.
Where is the nearest train station to Bishop's Castle?
The nearest railway station to Bishop's Castle is Broome Train Station, about 6.5 miles away.