Bitterley on the map

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

17,963
Population
8,560
Households
5 / 10
Deprivation decile
Around average
9
Schools nearby
£44,149
Avg. household income
1,065
Businesses
74
People per km²
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About Bitterley

Bitterley is a village located in Shropshire, England, within the SY8 postcode area. It lies in the rural landscape of the West Midlands, known for its rolling countryside and agricultural heritage. The village is situated near the border with Worcestershire, offering a peaceful setting with traditional stone and timber buildings. Bitterley has a long history, with records dating back to the Domesday Book, and retains a sense of community through its local events and church. The surrounding area is ideal for walking and cycling, with footpaths leading through woodlands and across fields. The village is served by a small shop and pub, providing essential services to residents. Its position makes it accessible to nearby towns such as Bridgnorth and Ludlow, while maintaining a quiet, countryside atmosphere.

School Ratings in Bitterley

Families in Bitterley have access to 9 local schools. Overton School is rated Outstanding by Ofsted. A further 5 schools hold a Good rating.

House Prices in Bitterley

Homes sell for an average of £318K locally. Most of the housing is made up of detached homes, averaging £399K.

Crime and Anti-Social Behaviour in Bitterley

Crime in the area is lower than the national average. Shoplifting is the leading concern across Bitterley, with 11 incidents recorded in May 2026.

Deprivation and Employment in Bitterley

The 2025 Index of Multiple Deprivation places Bitterley 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.

Property Prices 2,867 sales

Average Price £318K
£2K , £5.58M
Detached £399K 1,115
Semi £244K 575
Terraced £246K 664
Flat £154K 287

Household Income in Bitterley ONS 2023

The average total household income in Bitterley is approximately £44,149 a year before tax, 20% below the national average of £55,302. After tax and benefits, the average disposable (net) household income is around £33,314. These are modelled estimates from the Office for National Statistics for the financial year ending 2023.

Bitterley £44,149
England & Wales avg. £55,302

Net (after tax) household income averages £33,314.

Businesses in Bitterley ONS 2025

There are approximately 1,065 active businesses based in Bitterley, around 59 for every 1,000 residents. The local economy is dominated by small firms: about 89% are micro-businesses employing fewer than 10 people, while 10 are larger employers with 50 or more staff. Figures are from the Office for National Statistics UK Business Counts.

1,065 Total businesses
59 Per 1,000 residents
Micro, 0-9 89%
Small, 10-49 9%
Medium, 50-249 1%
Large, 250+ 1%

Deprivation and Employment in Bitterley IMD 2025

Deprivation levels in Bitterley 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
5/10
Income
6/10
Employment
6/10
Education
6/10
Health
7/10
Housing
3/10
Living Environment
3/10
Children 0-15 14%
Working age 54%
Older 65+ 32%
2,465 Children (0-15) 14%
9,652 Working Age 54%
5,844 Older (65+) 33%
Average Child Poverty (IDACI) 31% of children in income-deprived families
Average Older Person Poverty (IDAOPI) 12.1% 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 Bitterley 69 crimes · May 2026

Low Crime Area

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

Violence & Sexual Offences 34
Shoplifting 11
Criminal Damage & Arson 9
Burglary 4
Other Theft 4
Public Order 3
Drugs 1
Robbery 1
Vehicle Crime 1
Other Crime 1
Local Policing
West Mercia Ludlow 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 2 stations

Ludlow Train Station 3.6 miles
Craven Arms Train Station 9 miles

Location

Local Government

District Shropshire
County Worcestershire
Ward Ludlow North
Constituency Ludlow
Parish Ludlow
Region West Midlands

Home Ownership in Bitterley

Of the 8,273 households in and around Bitterley, 70% are owned, 13% are socially rented and 17% are privately rented. Home ownership here is higher than the England and Wales average of 63%.

Owned 70% Social rented 13% Private rented 17%

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

Frequently Asked Questions about Bitterley

What is the population of Bitterley?
Bitterley has a population of approximately 17,963 residents, based on the latest census figures for the surrounding postcode area.
What is the average house price in Bitterley?
The average property in and around Bitterley sold for about £318,236, based on HM Land Registry Price Paid records. That is around 9% below the England and Wales average of £349,091.
Is Bitterley a deprived area?
Bitterley sits around the national average for deprivation, with an Index of Multiple Deprivation decile of 5 out of 10, where 1 is the most deprived and 10 the least deprived.
What postcodes cover Bitterley?
Bitterley is covered by the SY8 postcode district.
How many schools are there in Bitterley?
There are 9 schools within easy reach of Bitterley, spanning primary, secondary and other phases.
Where is the nearest train station to Bitterley?
The nearest railway station to Bitterley is Ludlow Train Station, about 3.6 miles away.