Stafford on the map

Stafford built-up area

Built-up area22.1 km² (8.5 sq mi)

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

119,101
Population
48,408
Households
6 / 10
Deprivation decile
Around average
47
Schools nearby
£54,849
Avg. household income
4,611
Businesses
218
People per km²

About Stafford

Stafford is a market town located in Staffordshire, England, with the postcode area ST16. It serves as the county town and has a population of around 70,000 residents. The town features a mix of historical architecture and modern amenities, making it a practical place for both residents and visitors. The River Sow flows through the town, providing a pleasant backdrop for walks along its banks.

The town centre offers a variety of shops, cafes, and services, catering to everyday needs. Stafford is also home to several parks and recreational areas, providing spaces for outdoor activities. Notable attractions include the ancient Stafford Castle, which offers insights into the town's past, and the Stafford Gatehouse Theatre, which hosts a range of performances. With its combination of facilities and historical sites, Stafford is a convenient base for exploring the surrounding areas of Staffordshire.

School Ratings in Stafford

Stafford is served by 47 schools. A further 5 schools hold a Good rating.

House Prices in Stafford

Property prices average £297K across the area, and detached homes are the most common property type, typically selling for £360K.

Crime and Anti-Social Behaviour in Stafford

Local crime rates sit higher than national averages. Anti-social behaviour accounts for the highest share in Stafford, with 181 incidents logged in July 2026.

Deprivation and Employment in Stafford

Based on the 2025 Index of Multiple Deprivation, Stafford 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 Stafford

There are 33 GP surgeries within three miles of Stafford, the nearest being Partnership Stoke (0.2 miles away).

Property Prices 17,688 sales

Average Price £297K
£700 , £62.73M
Detached £360K 6,558
Semi £217K 5,544
Terraced £182K 3,503
Flat £138K 1,251

Household Income in Stafford ONS 2023

The average total household income in Stafford is approximately £54,849 a year before tax, in line with the national average of £55,302. After tax and benefits, the average disposable (net) household income is around £39,393. These are modelled estimates from the Office for National Statistics for the financial year ending 2023.

Stafford £54,849
England & Wales avg. £55,302

Net (after tax) household income averages £39,393.

Businesses in Stafford ONS 2025

There are approximately 4,611 active businesses based in Stafford, around 39 for every 1,000 residents. The local economy is dominated by small firms: about 89% are micro-businesses employing fewer than 10 people, while 95 are larger employers with 50 or more staff. Figures are from the Office for National Statistics UK Business Counts.

4,611 Total businesses
39 Per 1,000 residents
Micro, 0-9 89%
Small, 10-49 9%
Medium, 50-249 2%
Large, 250+ 0%

Deprivation and Employment in Stafford IMD 2025

The 2025 Index of Multiple Deprivation places Stafford 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
6/10
Employment
6/10
Education
6/10
Health
5/10
Housing
8/10
Living Environment
7/10
Children 0-15 17%
Working age 60%
Older 65+ 23%
20,469 Children (0-15) 17%
72,789 Working Age 60%
27,788 Older (65+) 23%
Average Child Poverty (IDACI) 30% of children in income-deprived families
Average Older Person Poverty (IDAOPI) 15.4% 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 Stafford 968 crimes · July 2026

High Crime Area

Reported crime in Stafford 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 408
Anti-Social Behaviour 181
Public Order 96
Other Theft 56
Shoplifting 48
Criminal Damage & Arson 45
Burglary 32
Bicycle Theft 28
Other Crime 20
Drugs 17
Vehicle Crime 15
Robbery 11
Weapons 10
Theft from Person 1
Local Policing
Staffordshire Stafford Town 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

Norton Bridge Train Station 5.1 miles
Penkridge Train Station 5.9 miles
Stone (Staffs) Train Station 6.9 miles
Rugeley Trent Valley Train Station 8.2 miles
Rugeley Town Train Station 8.3 miles
Hednesford Train Station 8.4 miles

Location

Local Government

District Stafford
County Staffordshire
Ward Milwich
Constituency Stone
Parish Milwich
Region West Midlands

Home Ownership in Stafford

Of the 52,201 households in and around Stafford, 70% are owned, 14% are socially rented and 16% are privately rented. Home ownership here is higher than the England and Wales average of 63%.

Owned 70% Social rented 14% Private rented 16%

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

Frequently Asked Questions about Stafford

What is the population of Stafford?
Stafford has a population of approximately 119,101 residents, based on the latest census figures for the surrounding postcode area.
What is the average house price in Stafford?
The average property in and around Stafford sold for about £297,383, based on HM Land Registry Price Paid records. That is around 15% below the England and Wales average of £349,091.
Is Stafford a deprived area?
Stafford 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 Stafford?
Stafford is covered by the ST16, ST17, ST18, ST19, ST20, ST21 postcode districts.
How many schools are there in Stafford?
There are 47 schools within 5 miles of Stafford, spanning primary, secondary and other phases.
Where is the nearest train station to Stafford?
The nearest railway station to Stafford is Norton Bridge Train Station, about 5.1 miles away.