About Bowling

Bowling is a district within the town of Bradford in West Yorkshire, England, located in the BD4 postcode area. It lies to the north of the city centre, situated along the River Aire, and has a long history tied to the textile industry during the Industrial Revolution. The area features a mix of residential properties and local amenities, including shops, pubs, and community facilities. Bowling is well connected by road and rail, with Bowling railway station providing regular services to nearby towns and cities. The area has undergone regeneration in recent years, with improvements to public spaces and housing. It remains a residential community with a strong sense of local identity.

School Ratings in Bowling

Bowling is served by 271 schools. St John's CofE Primary School is rated Outstanding by Ofsted. A further 8 schools hold a Good rating.

House Prices in Bowling

Property prices average £167K across the area, and terraced houses are the most common property type, typically selling for £94K.

Crime and Anti-Social Behaviour in Bowling

Local crime rates sit higher than national averages. Public order accounts for the highest share in Bowling, with 109 incidents logged in January 2026.

Deprivation and Employment in Bowling

Based on the 2025 Index of Multiple Deprivation, Bowling is among the more deprived areas nationally. The area sees higher levels of employment deprivation, with more residents excluded from the labour market. Income deprivation is more prevalent, with household earnings falling below the national average.

Broadband and Mobile Internet in Bowling

Most properties in Bowling can access superfast or ultrafast broadband. 4G coverage is extensive and 5G is increasingly available across the area. For the latest speed predictions, visit Ofcom's broadband checker.

Property Prices 3,495 sales

Average Price £167K
£1K £14.83M
Detached £216K 388
Semi £124K 1,366
Terraced £94K 1,407
Flat £71K 117

Deprivation and Employment in Bowling IMD 2025

The 2025 Index of Multiple Deprivation identifies Bowling as one of the more deprived areas nationally. Residents face greater challenges around employment and income, though ongoing investment in infrastructure and services is helping to address these issues over time.

Overall Deprivation
3/10
Income
3/10
Employment
3/10
Education
2/10
Health
3/10
Housing
6/10
Living Environment
4/10
13,335 Children (0-15) 25%
33,267 Working Age 61%
9,678 Older (60+) 18%
Below Average Child Poverty (IDACI) 58.3% of children in income-deprived families
Below Average Older Person Poverty (IDAOPI) 39.5% 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 Bowling 1,270 crimes · January 2026

High Crime Area

Reported crime in Bowling 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.

532 Violence & Sexual Offences
109 Public Order
102 Criminal Damage & Arson
86 Drugs
79 Vehicle Crime
72 Anti-Social Behaviour
67 Other Theft
61 Burglary
55 Shoplifting
49 Other Crime
18 Weapons
15 Robbery
14 Bicycle Theft
11 Theft from Person
Local Policing
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

Bradford Interchange Train Station 1 miles
Low Moor Train Station 2.1 miles
New Pudsey Train Station 2.8 miles
Frizinghall Train Station 2.9 miles
Shipley (Yorks) Train Station 4 miles
Apperley Bridge Train Station 4.1 miles

Location

Local Government

District Bradford
Ward Tong
Constituency Bradford South
Parish Bradford, unparished area
Region Yorkshire and The Humber