Brighouse on the map

Brighouse built-up area

Built-up area9.8 km² (3.8 sq mi)

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

26,694
Population
12,292
Households
6 / 10
Deprivation decile
Around average
12
Schools nearby
£47,925
Avg. household income
994
Businesses
1,288
People per km²
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About Brighouse

Brighouse is a town in West Yorkshire, England, located within the HD6 postcode area. It lies in the Calder Valley, situated between the towns of Halifax and Elland. The town has a long history as a centre for textile manufacturing, particularly wool and cotton, which shaped its development during the Industrial Revolution. Today, Brighouse retains a strong sense of community and offers a range of local shops, cafes, and public spaces. The town is well connected by road and rail, with Brighouse railway station providing regular services to nearby cities and towns. The surrounding area includes rolling hills and green spaces, offering opportunities for walking and outdoor recreation. Brighouse is known for its civic pride and active local events, reflecting its enduring character as a traditional English town.

School Ratings in Brighouse

There are 210 schools in and around Brighouse. St Andrew's CofE (VA) Junior School and The William Henry Smith School and Sixth Form are each rated Outstanding by Ofsted. A further 8 schools hold a Good rating.

House Prices in Brighouse

The average property price is £202K, with terraced houses making up the majority of the housing stock at around £139K.

Crime and Anti-Social Behaviour in Brighouse

Recorded crime levels are higher than the national average. Shoplifting is prevalent across Brighouse, with 33 recorded incidents in April 2026.

Deprivation and Employment in Brighouse

Brighouse sits around the middle of the national deprivation scale, according to the 2025 Index of Multiple Deprivation. Employment levels are broadly typical for the area, sitting close to the national average. Household incomes are broadly in line with the national average.

Healthcare in Brighouse

There are 22 GP surgeries within three miles of Brighouse, the nearest being Rydings Hall Surgery (0.3 miles away).

Property Prices 4,190 sales

Average Price £202K
£245 , £6.02M
Detached £335K 632
Semi £208K 1,305
Terraced £139K 1,706
Flat £125K 366

Household Income in Brighouse ONS 2023

The average total household income in Brighouse is approximately £47,925 a year before tax, 13% below the national average of £55,302. After tax and benefits, the average disposable (net) household income is around £36,351. These are modelled estimates from the Office for National Statistics for the financial year ending 2023.

Brighouse £47,925
England & Wales avg. £55,302

Net (after tax) household income averages £36,351.

Businesses in Brighouse ONS 2025

There are approximately 994 active businesses based in Brighouse, around 37 for every 1,000 residents. The local economy is dominated by small firms: about 83% are micro-businesses employing fewer than 10 people, while 26 are larger employers with 50 or more staff. Figures are from the Office for National Statistics UK Business Counts.

994 Total businesses
37 Per 1,000 residents
Micro, 0-9 83%
Small, 10-49 14%
Medium, 50-249 3%
Large, 250+ 0%

Deprivation and Employment in Brighouse IMD 2025

Brighouse sits around the national average for deprivation according to the 2025 Index of Multiple Deprivation. Employment and income levels are broadly typical, reflecting a mixed local economy. The area offers a balance of residential and commercial activity common to most parts of England.

Overall Deprivation
6/10
Income
6/10
Employment
6/10
Education
6/10
Health
5/10
Housing
8/10
Living Environment
5/10
Children 0-15 17%
Working age 60%
Older 65+ 23%
4,477 Children (0-15) 17%
16,125 Working Age 60%
6,097 Older (65+) 23%
Average Child Poverty (IDACI) 25.8% of children in income-deprived families
Average Older Person Poverty (IDAOPI) 13.6% 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 Brighouse 272 crimes · April 2026

High Crime Area

Brighouse 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 101
Shoplifting 33
Anti-Social Behaviour 31
Vehicle Crime 24
Other Theft 23
Public Order 21
Criminal Damage & Arson 15
Burglary 10
Drugs 7
Other Crime 5
Robbery 1
Theft from Person 1
Local Policing
West Yorkshire Calderdale Valleys 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

Brighouse Train Station 0.6 miles
Deighton Train Station 2.9 miles
Low Moor Train Station 3.2 miles
Halifax Train Station 3.2 miles
Huddersfield Train Station 4.1 miles
Mirfield Train Station 4.4 miles

Location

Local Government

District Calderdale
Ward Rastrick
Constituency Calder Valley
Parish Calderdale, unparished area
Region Yorkshire and The Humber

Home Ownership in Brighouse

Of the 12,413 households in and around Brighouse, 68% are owned, 13% are socially rented and 18% are privately rented. Home ownership here is higher than the England and Wales average of 63%.

Owned 68% Social rented 13% Private rented 18%

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

Frequently Asked Questions about Brighouse

What is the population of Brighouse?
Brighouse has a population of approximately 26,694 residents, based on the latest census figures for the surrounding postcode area.
What is the average house price in Brighouse?
The average property in and around Brighouse sold for about £202,388, based on HM Land Registry Price Paid records. That is around 42% below the England and Wales average of £349,091.
Is Brighouse a deprived area?
Brighouse sits around the national average for deprivation, with an Index of Multiple Deprivation decile of 6 out of 10, where 1 is the most deprived and 10 the least deprived.
What postcodes cover Brighouse?
Brighouse is covered by the HD6 postcode district.
How many schools are there in Brighouse?
There are 12 schools within easy reach of Brighouse, spanning primary, secondary and other phases.
Where is the nearest train station to Brighouse?
The nearest railway station to Brighouse is Brighouse Train Station, about 0.6 miles away.