Western Downs on the map

Location in StaffordshireWestern Downs sits where the marker shows within the county.

38,361
Population
16,891
Households
7 / 10
Deprivation decile
Around average
12
Schools nearby
£54,171
Avg. household income
1,000
Businesses
682
People per km²
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About Western Downs

Western Downs is located in Staffordshire, England, within the ST17 postcode area. This area is primarily residential, featuring a mix of housing styles that reflect the evolution of the neighbourhood over the years. The local amenities cater to the needs of residents, including shops, schools, and parks, making it a practical choice for families and individuals alike.

The surrounding landscape offers opportunities for outdoor activities, with nearby parks and green spaces available for walking and recreation. The community is well-connected by road, providing easy access to larger towns and cities in the region. Overall, Western Downs presents a straightforward living environment with essential services and a sense of community.

School Ratings in Western Downs

Western Downs is served by 48 schools. Berkswich CofE (VC) Primary School and Silkmore Primary Academy are each rated Outstanding by Ofsted. A further 7 schools hold a Good rating.

House Prices in Western Downs

Property prices average £254K across the area, and semi-detached homes are the most common property type, typically selling for £214K.

Crime and Anti-Social Behaviour in Western Downs

Local crime rates sit higher than national averages. Anti-social behaviour accounts for the highest share in Western Downs, with 88 incidents logged in April 2026.

Deprivation and Employment in Western Downs

Based on the 2025 Index of Multiple Deprivation, Western Downs 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 Western Downs

There are 32 GP surgeries within three miles of Western Downs, the nearest being Rowley Hall Hospital (0.7 miles away).

Property Prices 5,176 sales

Average Price £254K
£5K , £4.55M
Detached £358K 1,681
Semi £214K 2,058
Terraced £175K 1,054
Flat £131K 299

Household Income in Western Downs ONS 2023

The average total household income in Western Downs is approximately £54,171 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 £39,154. These are modelled estimates from the Office for National Statistics for the financial year ending 2023.

Western Downs £54,171
England & Wales avg. £55,302

Net (after tax) household income averages £39,154.

Businesses in Western Downs ONS 2025

There are approximately 1,000 active businesses based in Western Downs, around 26 for every 1,000 residents. The local economy is dominated by small firms: about 90% are micro-businesses employing fewer than 10 people, while 18 are larger employers with 50 or more staff. Figures are from the Office for National Statistics UK Business Counts.

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

Deprivation and Employment in Western Downs IMD 2025

The 2025 Index of Multiple Deprivation places Western Downs 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
7/10
Income
7/10
Employment
6/10
Education
7/10
Health
6/10
Housing
7/10
Living Environment
7/10
Children 0-15 18%
Working age 59%
Older 65+ 23%
6,925 Children (0-15) 18%
22,723 Working Age 59%
8,717 Older (65+) 23%
Average Child Poverty (IDACI) 28.2% of children in income-deprived families
Average Older Person Poverty (IDAOPI) 12.7% 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 Western Downs 488 crimes · April 2026

High Crime Area

Reported crime in Western Downs 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 186
Anti-Social Behaviour 88
Criminal Damage & Arson 46
Public Order 44
Shoplifting 36
Other Theft 28
Other Crime 16
Drugs 12
Burglary 8
Vehicle Crime 8
Robbery 7
Bicycle Theft 4
Weapons 3
Theft from Person 2
Local Policing
Staffordshire Stafford South 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

Penkridge Train Station 4.7 miles
Norton Bridge Train Station 5.6 miles
Stone (Staffs) Train Station 8 miles
Hednesford Train Station 8.3 miles
Rugeley Town Train Station 9 miles
Rugeley Trent Valley Train Station 9.1 miles

Location

Local Government

District Stafford
County Staffordshire
Ward Baswich
Constituency Stafford
Parish Stafford, unparished area
Region West Midlands

Home Ownership in Western Downs

Of the 16,813 households in and around Western Downs, 71% are owned, 17% are socially rented and 13% are privately rented. Home ownership here is higher than the England and Wales average of 63%.

Owned 71% Social rented 17% Private rented 13%

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

Frequently Asked Questions about Western Downs

What is the population of Western Downs?
Western Downs has a population of approximately 38,361 residents, based on the latest census figures for the surrounding postcode area.
What is the average house price in Western Downs?
The average property in and around Western Downs sold for about £253,770, based on HM Land Registry Price Paid records. That is around 27% below the England and Wales average of £349,091.
Is Western Downs a deprived area?
Western Downs sits around the national average for deprivation, with an Index of Multiple Deprivation decile of 7 out of 10, where 1 is the most deprived and 10 the least deprived.
What postcodes cover Western Downs?
Western Downs is covered by the ST17 postcode district.
How many schools are there in Western Downs?
There are 12 schools within easy reach of Western Downs, spanning primary, secondary and other phases.
Where is the nearest train station to Western Downs?
The nearest railway station to Western Downs is Penkridge Train Station, about 4.7 miles away.