Idle on the map

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

26,835
Population
10,790
Households
4 / 10
Deprivation decile
Around average
12
Schools nearby
£50,083
Avg. household income
668
Businesses
2,134
People per km²
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About Idle

Idle is a suburb located in West Yorkshire, England, within the Bradford metropolitan area. It lies approximately four miles from the city centre of Bradford and is easily accessible via the A658 road. The area features a mix of residential housing and local amenities, including shops, schools, and parks, catering to the needs of its residents.

The suburb is served by public transport, with bus services connecting it to nearby towns and cities. Idle also has a railway station, providing further travel options for commuters. The local community is active, with various clubs and organisations available for residents to join. Overall, Idle offers a practical living environment with essential services and good transport links.

School Ratings in Idle

Families in Idle have access to 255 local schools. Holybrook Primary School is rated Outstanding by Ofsted. A further 4 schools hold a Good rating.

House Prices in Idle

Homes sell for an average of £210K locally. Most of the housing is made up of semi-detached homes, averaging £179K.

Crime and Anti-Social Behaviour in Idle

Crime in the area is higher than the national average. Anti-social behaviour is the leading concern across Idle, with 117 incidents recorded in April 2026.

Deprivation and Employment in Idle

The 2025 Index of Multiple Deprivation places Idle around the national average for deprivation. Employment rates locally are in line with what is seen across England. Average incomes in the area are typical for England.

Healthcare in Idle

There are 57 GP surgeries within three miles of Idle, the nearest being Idle Medical Centre (0.2 miles away).

Property Prices 4,389 sales

Average Price £210K
£2K , £9.14M
Detached £335K 982
Semi £179K 1,637
Terraced £160K 1,246
Flat £119K 420

Household Income in Idle ONS 2023

The average total household income in Idle is approximately £50,083 a year before tax, 9% below the national average of £55,302. After tax and benefits, the average disposable (net) household income is around £37,183. These are modelled estimates from the Office for National Statistics for the financial year ending 2023.

Idle £50,083
England & Wales avg. £55,302

Net (after tax) household income averages £37,183.

Businesses in Idle ONS 2025

There are approximately 668 active businesses based in Idle, around 25 for every 1,000 residents. The local economy is dominated by small firms: about 89% are micro-businesses employing fewer than 10 people, while 8 are larger employers with 50 or more staff. Figures are from the Office for National Statistics UK Business Counts.

668 Total businesses
25 Per 1,000 residents
Micro, 0-9 89%
Small, 10-49 10%
Medium, 50-249 1%
Large, 250+ 0%

Deprivation and Employment in Idle IMD 2025

Deprivation levels in Idle are around the national average based on the 2025 Index of Multiple Deprivation. Employment is accessible for most residents and household incomes reflect the broader national picture. The area maintains a steady balance between affordability and quality of life.

Overall Deprivation
4/10
Income
5/10
Employment
5/10
Education
4/10
Health
4/10
Housing
8/10
Living Environment
5/10
Children 0-15 21%
Working age 63%
Older 65+ 16%
5,677 Children (0-15) 21%
16,956 Working Age 63%
4,196 Older (65+) 16%
Average Child Poverty (IDACI) 37.5% of children in income-deprived families
Average Older Person Poverty (IDAOPI) 25.5% 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 Idle 609 crimes · April 2026

High Crime Area

Crime figures for Idle are higher than the England and Wales average, with violence & sexual offences the most prevalent offence recorded. Urban density and footfall contribute to elevated reporting in areas like this. Ongoing investment in policing and community safety programmes aims to improve the picture.

Violence & Sexual Offences 246
Anti-Social Behaviour 117
Criminal Damage & Arson 64
Public Order 41
Drugs 29
Shoplifting 28
Burglary 22
Other Theft 19
Vehicle Crime 19
Other Crime 16
Robbery 4
Weapons 2
Bicycle Theft 1
Theft from Person 1
Local Policing
West Yorkshire Bradford East 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

Apperley Bridge Train Station 1.1 miles
Baildon Train Station 1.4 miles
Shipley (Yorks) Train Station 1.6 miles
Frizinghall Train Station 1.8 miles
Saltaire Train Station 2.2 miles
Bradford Interchange Train Station 3 miles

Location

Local Government

District Bradford
Ward Idle and Thackley
Constituency Bradford East
Parish Bradford, unparished area
Region Yorkshire and The Humber

Home Ownership in Idle

Of the 11,523 households in and around Idle, 64% are owned, 20% are socially rented and 17% are privately rented. Home ownership here is in line with the England and Wales average of 63%.

Owned 64% Social rented 20% Private rented 17%

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

Frequently Asked Questions about Idle

What is the population of Idle?
Idle has a population of approximately 26,835 residents, based on the latest census figures for the surrounding postcode area.
What is the average house price in Idle?
The average property in and around Idle sold for about £209,903, based on HM Land Registry Price Paid records. That is around 40% below the England and Wales average of £349,091.
Is Idle a deprived area?
Idle sits around the national average for deprivation, with an Index of Multiple Deprivation decile of 4 out of 10, where 1 is the most deprived and 10 the least deprived.
What postcodes cover Idle?
Idle is covered by the BD10 postcode district.
How many schools are there in Idle?
There are 12 schools within easy reach of Idle, spanning primary, secondary and other phases.
Where is the nearest train station to Idle?
The nearest railway station to Idle is Apperley Bridge Train Station, about 1.1 miles away.