Handsworth on the map

Location in West MidlandsHandsworth sits where the marker shows within the county.

30,382
Population
9,638
Households
1 / 10
Deprivation decile
More deprived
12
Schools nearby
£38,495
Avg. household income
996
Businesses
6,792
People per km²
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About Handsworth

Handsworth is a suburb located in the West Midlands, England, within the B21 postcode area. It is situated approximately three miles north of Birmingham city centre, making it easily accessible for those wishing to explore the larger urban area. The suburb features a mix of residential housing, local shops, and community facilities, catering to the needs of its residents.

The area is home to several parks, providing green spaces for leisure and recreation. Handsworth Park, in particular, offers a lake, playgrounds, and walking paths, making it a popular spot for families and individuals alike. Additionally, the suburb has a diverse community, reflected in its variety of cultural events and local eateries, which showcase different cuisines and traditions.

School Ratings in Handsworth

There are 447 schools in and around Handsworth. St Michael's CofE Primary Academy, Handsworth and Myles Academy are each rated Outstanding by Ofsted. A further 10 schools hold a Good rating.

House Prices in Handsworth

The average property price is £176K, with terraced houses making up the majority of the housing stock at around £149K.

Crime and Anti-Social Behaviour in Handsworth

Recorded crime levels are higher than the national average. Criminal damage & arson is prevalent across Handsworth, with 164 recorded incidents in May 2026.

Deprivation and Employment in Handsworth

Handsworth 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 Handsworth

There are 105 GP surgeries within three miles of Handsworth, the nearest being Holyhead Primary Health Care Centre (0.5 miles away).

Property Prices 1,727 sales

Average Price £176K
£10K , £5.4M
Detached £263K 34
Semi £190K 349
Terraced £149K 1,224
Flat £199K 12

Household Income in Handsworth ONS 2023

The average total household income in Handsworth is approximately £38,495 a year before tax, 30% below the national average of £55,302. After tax and benefits, the average disposable (net) household income is around £28,149. These are modelled estimates from the Office for National Statistics for the financial year ending 2023.

Handsworth £38,495
England & Wales avg. £55,302

Net (after tax) household income averages £28,149.

Businesses in Handsworth ONS 2025

There are approximately 996 active businesses based in Handsworth, around 33 for every 1,000 residents. The local economy is dominated by small firms: about 90% are micro-businesses employing fewer than 10 people, while 6 are larger employers with 50 or more staff. Figures are from the Office for National Statistics UK Business Counts.

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

Deprivation and Employment in Handsworth IMD 2025

Handsworth 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
2/10
Living Environment
2/10
Children 0-15 25%
Working age 65%
Older 65+ 10%
7,550 Children (0-15) 25%
19,849 Working Age 65%
2,977 Older (65+) 10%
Below Average Child Poverty (IDACI) 73.4% of children in income-deprived families
Below Average Older Person Poverty (IDAOPI) 46.4% 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 Handsworth 1,817 crimes · May 2026

High Crime Area

Handsworth 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 777
Criminal Damage & Arson 164
Vehicle Crime 148
Other Theft 115
Public Order 112
Drugs 103
Weapons 79
Burglary 77
Shoplifting 74
Anti-Social Behaviour 64
Robbery 44
Other Crime 28
Theft from Person 25
Bicycle Theft 7
Local Policing
West Midlands Handsworth Wood 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

The Hawthorns Train Station 0.8 miles
Smethwick Rolfe Street Train Station 1.4 miles
Smethwick Galton Bridge Train Station 1.5 miles
Hamstead (Birmingham) Train Station 1.6 miles
Perry Barr Train Station 2 miles
Jewellery Quarter Train Station 2.2 miles

Location

Local Government

District Birmingham
Ward Handsworth Wood
Constituency Birmingham, Perry Barr
Parish Birmingham, unparished area
Region West Midlands

Home Ownership in Handsworth

Of the 9,556 households in and around Handsworth, 44% are owned, 27% are socially rented and 29% are privately rented. Home ownership here is lower than the England and Wales average of 63%.

Owned 44% Social rented 27% Private rented 29%

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

Frequently Asked Questions about Handsworth

What is the population of Handsworth?
Handsworth has a population of approximately 30,382 residents, based on the latest census figures for the surrounding postcode area.
What is the average house price in Handsworth?
The average property in and around Handsworth sold for about £176,429, based on HM Land Registry Price Paid records. That is around 49% below the England and Wales average of £349,091.
Is Handsworth a deprived area?
Handsworth 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 Handsworth?
Handsworth is covered by the B21 postcode district.
How many schools are there in Handsworth?
There are 12 schools within easy reach of Handsworth, spanning primary, secondary and other phases.
Where is the nearest train station to Handsworth?
The nearest railway station to Handsworth is The Hawthorns Train Station, about 0.8 miles away.