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 446 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 £170K, with terraced houses making up the majority of the housing stock at around £143K.

Crime and Anti-Social Behaviour in Handsworth

Recorded crime levels are higher than the national average. Vehicle crime is prevalent across Handsworth, with 155 recorded incidents in January 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.

Broadband and Mobile Internet in Handsworth

Broadband speeds in Handsworth are generally strong, with superfast and ultrafast options widely available. Mobile coverage across 4G and 5G networks is reliable throughout most of the area. For the latest speed predictions, visit Ofcom's broadband checker.

Property Prices 1,808 sales

Average Price £170K
£10K £5.4M
Detached £224K 32
Semi £179K 361
Terraced £143K 1,274
Flat £190K 12

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
10,378 Children (0-15) 23%
28,638 Working Age 65%
6,366 Older (60+) 14%
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 1,483 crimes · January 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.

661 Violence & Sexual Offences
155 Vehicle Crime
111 Other Theft
98 Criminal Damage & Arson
91 Public Order
73 Shoplifting
54 Burglary
49 Drugs
45 Weapons
41 Robbery
40 Anti-Social Behaviour
35 Other Crime
21 Theft from Person
9 Bicycle Theft
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

Notable & Famous People from Handsworth 6 people

Anne Heywood
Actor
British film actress (1932–2023)
Apache Indian
Singer
UK vocalist and reggae DJ
Benjamin Zephaniah
Actor
British poet (1958–2023)
Dave Ball
Musician
English guitar player (1950-2015)
Jamelia
Singer
British singer and songwriter
Sean Bean
Actor
English actor