South Elmsall on the map

South Elmsall built-up area

Built-up area3.8 km² (1.5 sq mi)

Location in West YorkshireSouth Elmsall sits where the marker shows within the county.

42,824
Population
16,765
Households
3 / 10
Deprivation decile
More deprived
12
Schools nearby
£38,935
Avg. household income
814
Businesses
861
People per km²
Create a free area profile for South ElmsallDownload or embed an infographic of these statistics

About South Elmsall

South Elmsall is a town located in West Yorkshire, England, within the postcode area WF9. It is situated approximately 10 miles south of Leeds and 5 miles west of Doncaster. The town has a mix of residential areas and local amenities, including shops, schools, and parks, catering to the needs of its residents.

Historically, South Elmsall was known for its coal mining industry, which played a significant role in the local economy. Today, the town has transitioned to a more diverse economy, with various businesses contributing to its growth. The surrounding countryside offers opportunities for outdoor activities, making it a practical location for those who appreciate both urban and rural settings.

School Ratings in South Elmsall

There are 53 schools in and around South Elmsall. A further 13 schools hold a Good rating.

House Prices in South Elmsall

The average property price is £186K, with semi-detached homes making up the majority of the housing stock at around £144K.

Crime and Anti-Social Behaviour in South Elmsall

Recorded crime levels are broadly in line with the national average. Shoplifting is prevalent across South Elmsall, with 32 recorded incidents in April 2026.

Deprivation and Employment in South Elmsall

South Elmsall 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 broadly in line with the national average.

Healthcare in South Elmsall

There are 5 GP surgeries within three miles of South Elmsall, the nearest being White Rose Surgery (0.4 miles away).

Property Prices 5,262 sales

Average Price £186K
£150 , £44.21M
Detached £239K 1,148
Semi £144K 2,176
Terraced £105K 1,619
Flat £66K 118

Household Income in South Elmsall ONS 2023

The average total household income in South Elmsall is approximately £38,935 a year before tax, 30% below the national average of £55,302. After tax and benefits, the average disposable (net) household income is around £31,963. These are modelled estimates from the Office for National Statistics for the financial year ending 2023.

South Elmsall £38,935
England & Wales avg. £55,302

Net (after tax) household income averages £31,963.

Businesses in South Elmsall ONS 2025

There are approximately 814 active businesses based in South Elmsall, around 19 for every 1,000 residents. The local economy is dominated by small firms: about 90% are micro-businesses employing fewer than 10 people, while 16 are larger employers with 50 or more staff. Figures are from the Office for National Statistics UK Business Counts.

814 Total businesses
19 Per 1,000 residents
Micro, 0-9 90%
Small, 10-49 7%
Medium, 50-249 2%
Large, 250+ 1%

Deprivation and Employment in South Elmsall IMD 2025

South Elmsall 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
3/10
Income
4/10
Employment
3/10
Education
2/10
Health
2/10
Housing
5/10
Living Environment
7/10
Children 0-15 19%
Working age 62%
Older 65+ 19%
8,178 Children (0-15) 19%
26,457 Working Age 62%
8,189 Older (65+) 19%
Average Child Poverty (IDACI) 46% of children in income-deprived families
Average Older Person Poverty (IDAOPI) 25.3% 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 South Elmsall 261 crimes · April 2026

Average Crime Area

Reported crime levels in South Elmsall sit broadly in line with national averages for a town of this size. Violence & sexual offences accounts for the largest share of recorded offences. The profile is typical of a well-populated area with a mix of residential and commercial activity.

Violence & Sexual Offences 107
Shoplifting 32
Anti-Social Behaviour 25
Criminal Damage & Arson 20
Public Order 17
Other Theft 16
Other Crime 13
Vehicle Crime 10
Burglary 7
Robbery 6
Weapons 4
Drugs 3
Theft from Person 1
Local Policing
West Yorkshire Wakefield 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

South Elmsall Train Station 0.3 miles
Moorthorpe Train Station 1 miles
Thurnscoe Train Station 3.8 miles
Featherstone Train Station 3.9 miles
Fitzwilliam Train Station 4.4 miles
Goldthorpe Train Station 4.6 miles

Location

Local Government

District Wakefield
Ward Ackworth, North Elmsall and Upton
Constituency Hemsworth
Parish Badsworth
Region Yorkshire and The Humber

Home Ownership in South Elmsall

Of the 18,380 households in and around South Elmsall, 60% are owned, 24% are socially rented and 16% are privately rented. Home ownership here is lower than the England and Wales average of 63%.

Owned 60% Social rented 24% Private rented 16%

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

Frequently Asked Questions about South Elmsall

What is the population of South Elmsall?
South Elmsall has a population of approximately 42,824 residents, based on the latest census figures for the surrounding postcode area.
What is the average house price in South Elmsall?
The average property in and around South Elmsall sold for about £186,427, based on HM Land Registry Price Paid records. That is around 47% below the England and Wales average of £349,091.
Is South Elmsall a deprived area?
South Elmsall sits among the more deprived areas in England, with an Index of Multiple Deprivation decile of 3 out of 10, where 1 is the most deprived and 10 the least deprived.
What postcodes cover South Elmsall?
South Elmsall is covered by the WF9 postcode district.
How many schools are there in South Elmsall?
There are 12 schools within easy reach of South Elmsall, spanning primary, secondary and other phases.
Where is the nearest train station to South Elmsall?
The nearest railway station to South Elmsall is South Elmsall Train Station, about 0.3 miles away.