Handy Cross on the map

Location in SomersetHandy Cross sits where the marker shows within the county.

19,979
Population
8,117
Households
6 / 10
Deprivation decile
Around average
11
Schools nearby
£52,435
Avg. household income
1,167
Businesses
64
People per km²
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About Handy Cross

Handy Cross is a small settlement located in Somerset, England, within the TA4 postcode area. It is situated near the larger village of Bishops Lydeard, providing easy access to local amenities and services. The area is primarily residential, with a mix of housing styles that reflect its rural character. Surrounding Handy Cross are fields and farmland, typical of the Somerset landscape.

The settlement is well-connected by road, making it convenient for those travelling to nearby towns such as Taunton. Local attractions include the scenic countryside and walking routes that appeal to nature enthusiasts. Handy Cross offers a peaceful environment, ideal for those seeking a quieter lifestyle while still being close to the conveniences of larger communities.

School Ratings in Handy Cross

Handy Cross is served by 11 schools. A further 7 schools hold a Good rating.

House Prices in Handy Cross

Property prices average £382K across the area, and detached homes are the most common property type, typically selling for £457K.

Crime and Anti-Social Behaviour in Handy Cross

Local crime rates sit lower than national averages. Burglary accounts for the highest share in Handy Cross, with 1 incidents logged in April 2026.

Deprivation and Employment in Handy Cross

Based on the 2025 Index of Multiple Deprivation, Handy Cross 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 3,096 sales

Average Price £382K
£2K , £6.32M
Detached £457K 1,260
Semi £285K 750
Terraced £238K 622
Flat £152K 136

Household Income in Handy Cross ONS 2023

The average total household income in Handy Cross is approximately £52,435 a year before tax, 5% below the national average of £55,302. After tax and benefits, the average disposable (net) household income is around £39,841. These are modelled estimates from the Office for National Statistics for the financial year ending 2023.

Handy Cross £52,435
England & Wales avg. £55,302

Net (after tax) household income averages £39,841.

Businesses in Handy Cross ONS 2025

There are approximately 1,167 active businesses based in Handy Cross, around 58 for every 1,000 residents. The local economy is dominated by small firms: about 94% are micro-businesses employing fewer than 10 people, while 11 are larger employers with 50 or more staff. Figures are from the Office for National Statistics UK Business Counts.

1,167 Total businesses
58 Per 1,000 residents
Micro, 0-9 94%
Small, 10-49 5%
Medium, 50-249 1%
Large, 250+ 0%

Deprivation and Employment in Handy Cross IMD 2025

The 2025 Index of Multiple Deprivation places Handy Cross 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
6/10
Income
7/10
Employment
7/10
Education
6/10
Health
7/10
Housing
2/10
Living Environment
4/10
Children 0-15 15%
Working age 55%
Older 65+ 30%
3,035 Children (0-15) 15%
11,060 Working Age 55%
5,883 Older (65+) 29%
Average Child Poverty (IDACI) 24.3% of children in income-deprived families
Above Average Older Person Poverty (IDAOPI) 9.2% 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 Handy Cross 2 crimes · April 2026

Low Crime Area

Reported crime in Handy Cross falls below the national average, suggesting a comparatively safe environment. Burglary tops the list of recorded incidents, but figures are low overall. Residents and visitors alike tend to find this a quiet and reassuring small town.

Burglary 1
Public Order 1
Local Policing
Avon And Somerset Wellington North
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 Somerset West and Taunton
County Somerset
Ward Norton Fitzwarren & Staplegrove
Constituency Taunton Deane
Parish Norton Fitzwarren
Region South West

Home Ownership in Handy Cross

Of the 8,664 households in and around Handy Cross, 74% are owned, 9% are socially rented and 17% are privately rented. Home ownership here is higher than the England and Wales average of 63%.

Owned 74% Social rented 9% Private rented 17%

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

Frequently Asked Questions about Handy Cross

What is the population of Handy Cross?
Handy Cross has a population of approximately 19,979 residents, based on the latest census figures for the surrounding postcode area.
What is the average house price in Handy Cross?
The average property in and around Handy Cross sold for about £381,729, based on HM Land Registry Price Paid records. That is around 9% above the England and Wales average of £349,091.
Is Handy Cross a deprived area?
Handy Cross 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 Handy Cross?
Handy Cross is covered by the TA4 postcode district.
How many schools are there in Handy Cross?
There are 11 schools within 5 miles of Handy Cross, spanning primary, secondary and other phases.