Birchwood on the map

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

21,762
Population
8,877
Households
5 / 10
Deprivation decile
Around average
6
Schools nearby
£46,822
Avg. household income
901
Businesses
160
People per km²
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About Birchwood

Birchwood is a small settlement located in Somerset, within the TA20 postcode area of England. It lies in a rural part of the county, surrounded by open countryside and agricultural land. The area is characterised by its quiet, peaceful environment and is situated near the border with Devon. While not a large community, Birchwood has a small number of residential properties and is close to the village of Shepton Mallet. The landscape features rolling hills and farmland, typical of the Somerset countryside. There are no major commercial centres or tourist attractions in the immediate vicinity, making it a quiet place for those seeking a rural lifestyle. The nearest amenities can be found in nearby towns, including Shepton Mallet and Frome.

School Ratings in Birchwood

Birchwood is served by 6 schools. A further 8 schools hold a Good rating.

House Prices in Birchwood

Property prices average £301K across the area, and detached homes are the most common property type, typically selling for £398K.

Crime and Anti-Social Behaviour in Birchwood

Local crime rates sit broadly in line with national averages. Shoplifting accounts for the highest share in Birchwood, with 25 incidents logged in May 2026.

Deprivation and Employment in Birchwood

Based on the 2025 Index of Multiple Deprivation, Birchwood 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.

Property Prices 3,142 sales

Average Price £301K
£5K , £9.22M
Detached £398K 1,117
Semi £237K 784
Terraced £189K 839
Flat £115K 186

Household Income in Birchwood ONS 2023

The average total household income in Birchwood is approximately £46,822 a year before tax, 15% below the national average of £55,302. After tax and benefits, the average disposable (net) household income is around £35,943. These are modelled estimates from the Office for National Statistics for the financial year ending 2023.

Birchwood £46,822
England & Wales avg. £55,302

Net (after tax) household income averages £35,943.

Businesses in Birchwood ONS 2025

There are approximately 901 active businesses based in Birchwood, around 41 for every 1,000 residents. The local economy is dominated by small firms: about 90% are micro-businesses employing fewer than 10 people, while 14 are larger employers with 50 or more staff. Figures are from the Office for National Statistics UK Business Counts.

901 Total businesses
41 Per 1,000 residents
Micro, 0-9 90%
Small, 10-49 8%
Medium, 50-249 2%
Large, 250+ 0%

Deprivation and Employment in Birchwood IMD 2025

The 2025 Index of Multiple Deprivation places Birchwood 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
5/10
Income
6/10
Employment
6/10
Education
5/10
Health
7/10
Housing
2/10
Living Environment
5/10
Children 0-15 16%
Working age 57%
Older 65+ 27%
3,572 Children (0-15) 16%
12,303 Working Age 57%
5,892 Older (65+) 27%
Average Child Poverty (IDACI) 28.5% of children in income-deprived families
Average Older Person Poverty (IDAOPI) 11.7% 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 Birchwood 169 crimes · May 2026

Average Crime Area

Birchwood experiences crime rates that are roughly comparable to the national picture. Violence & sexual offences is the most reported category, consistent with broader patterns across similar communities. Day-to-day life here reflects the usual mix of challenges found in any established town.

Violence & Sexual Offences 72
Shoplifting 25
Anti-Social Behaviour 23
Criminal Damage & Arson 10
Other Theft 10
Public Order 9
Burglary 8
Vehicle Crime 4
Other Crime 3
Robbery 2
Bicycle Theft 1
Drugs 1
Weapons 1
Local Policing
Avon And Somerset Chard Rural West
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.

Location

Local Government

District South Somerset
County Somerset
Ward Chard Crimchard
Constituency Yeovil
Parish Chard Town
Region South West

Home Ownership in Birchwood

Of the 9,626 households in and around Birchwood, 68% are owned, 16% are socially rented and 16% are privately rented. Home ownership here is higher than the England and Wales average of 63%.

Owned 68% Social rented 16% Private rented 16%

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

Frequently Asked Questions about Birchwood

What is the population of Birchwood?
Birchwood has a population of approximately 21,762 residents, based on the latest census figures for the surrounding postcode area.
What is the average house price in Birchwood?
The average property in and around Birchwood sold for about £301,070, based on HM Land Registry Price Paid records. That is around 14% below the England and Wales average of £349,091.
Is Birchwood a deprived area?
Birchwood 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 Birchwood?
Birchwood is covered by the TA20 postcode district.
How many schools are there in Birchwood?
There are 6 schools within easy reach of Birchwood, spanning primary, secondary and other phases.