Balsall Heath on the map

Location in West MidlandsBalsall Heath sits where the marker shows within the county.

20,900
Population
6,649
Households
1 / 10
Deprivation decile
More deprived
12
Schools nearby
£41,121
Avg. household income
1,136
Businesses
5,648
People per km²
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About Balsall Heath

Balsall Heath is a residential area located in the West Midlands, within the city of Birmingham. It lies to the south of the city centre and is part of the B12 postcode area. The area is known for its mix of housing types, including Victorian terraces and more modern developments, and is served by several local shops, schools, and community facilities. Public transport links are available via bus routes and nearby railway stations, providing access to central Birmingham and surrounding towns. The area has a diverse population and a range of local amenities, including parks and recreational spaces. Balsall Heath is a practical and accessible part of the city, with a strong sense of local community.

School Ratings in Balsall Heath

There are 493 schools in and around Balsall Heath. Jakeman Nursery School, Lift Percy Shurmer and Joseph Chamberlain Sixth Form College are each rated Outstanding by Ofsted. A further 10 schools hold a Good rating.

House Prices in Balsall Heath

The average property price is £274K, with flats making up the majority of the housing stock at around £203K.

Crime and Anti-Social Behaviour in Balsall Heath

Recorded crime levels are higher than the national average. Shoplifting is prevalent across Balsall Heath, with 230 recorded incidents in May 2026.

Deprivation and Employment in Balsall Heath

Balsall Heath falls within the more deprived areas of England, according to the 2025 Index of Multiple Deprivation. Employment deprivation is higher than average, with a larger share of working-age residents out of work. Household incomes are below the national average, with a higher proportion of residents on low earnings.

Healthcare in Balsall Heath

There are 147 GP surgeries within three miles of Balsall Heath, the nearest being Firstcare Practice (0.1 miles away).

Property Prices 2,048 sales

Average Price £274K
£1K , £23.81M
Detached £339K 7
Semi £224K 44
Terraced £196K 485
Flat £203K 1,360

Household Income in Balsall Heath ONS 2023

The average total household income in Balsall Heath is approximately £41,121 a year before tax, 26% below the national average of £55,302. After tax and benefits, the average disposable (net) household income is around £29,224. These are modelled estimates from the Office for National Statistics for the financial year ending 2023.

Balsall Heath £41,121
England & Wales avg. £55,302

Net (after tax) household income averages £29,224.

Businesses in Balsall Heath ONS 2025

There are approximately 1,136 active businesses based in Balsall Heath, around 54 for every 1,000 residents. The local economy is dominated by small firms: about 87% are micro-businesses employing fewer than 10 people, while 23 are larger employers with 50 or more staff. Figures are from the Office for National Statistics UK Business Counts.

1,136 Total businesses
54 Per 1,000 residents
Micro, 0-9 87%
Small, 10-49 11%
Medium, 50-249 2%
Large, 250+ 0%

Deprivation and Employment in Balsall Heath IMD 2025

Balsall Heath falls within the more deprived areas of England according to the 2025 Index of Multiple Deprivation. Employment opportunities can be more limited and household incomes tend to sit below the national average. Investment in local services and regeneration continues to support the community.

Overall Deprivation
1/10
Income
1/10
Employment
2/10
Education
2/10
Health
2/10
Housing
3/10
Living Environment
2/10
Children 0-15 26%
Working age 66%
Older 65+ 8%
5,457 Children (0-15) 26%
13,721 Working Age 66%
1,720 Older (65+) 8%
Below Average Child Poverty (IDACI) 78% of children in income-deprived families
Below Average Older Person Poverty (IDAOPI) 59.7% 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 Balsall Heath 2,671 crimes · May 2026

High Crime Area

Balsall Heath sees higher than average levels of reported crime relative to its population. Violence & sexual offences represents the most frequently recorded category. This pattern is not uncommon in densely populated urban areas and does not necessarily reflect the experience of most residents.

Violence & Sexual Offences 1,157
Shoplifting 230
Other Theft 201
Criminal Damage & Arson 179
Public Order 177
Vehicle Crime 176
Drugs 121
Burglary 84
Anti-Social Behaviour 81
Robbery 72
Theft from Person 72
Weapons 67
Other Crime 40
Bicycle Theft 14
Local Policing
West Midlands Sparkbrook 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

Five Ways Train Station 1.4 miles
Small Heath Train Station 1.5 miles
Birmingham Snow Hill Train Station 1.7 miles
Adderley Park Train Station 2 miles
Duddeston Train Station 2.3 miles
Jewellery Quarter Train Station 2.3 miles

Location

Local Government

District Birmingham
Ward Bordesley & Highgate
Constituency Birmingham, Ladywood
Parish Birmingham, unparished area
Region West Midlands

Home Ownership in Balsall Heath

Of the 6,528 households in and around Balsall Heath, 36% are owned, 39% are socially rented and 26% are privately rented. Home ownership here is lower than the England and Wales average of 63%.

Owned 36% Social rented 39% Private rented 26%

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

Frequently Asked Questions about Balsall Heath

What is the population of Balsall Heath?
Balsall Heath has a population of approximately 20,900 residents, based on the latest census figures for the surrounding postcode area.
What is the average house price in Balsall Heath?
The average property in and around Balsall Heath sold for about £274,372, based on HM Land Registry Price Paid records. That is around 21% below the England and Wales average of £349,091.
Is Balsall Heath a deprived area?
Balsall Heath sits among the more deprived areas in England, with an Index of Multiple Deprivation decile of 1 out of 10, where 1 is the most deprived and 10 the least deprived.
What postcodes cover Balsall Heath?
Balsall Heath is covered by the B12 postcode district.
How many schools are there in Balsall Heath?
There are 12 schools within easy reach of Balsall Heath, spanning primary, secondary and other phases.
Where is the nearest train station to Balsall Heath?
The nearest railway station to Balsall Heath is Five Ways Train Station, about 1.4 miles away.