Sowerby Bridge on the map

Sowerby Bridge built-up area

Built-up area1.5 km² (0.6 sq mi)

Location in West YorkshireSowerby Bridge sits where the marker shows within the county.

19,284
Population
8,375
Households
5 / 10
Deprivation decile
Around average
12
Schools nearby
£50,118
Avg. household income
790
Businesses
352
People per km²
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About Sowerby Bridge

Sowerby Bridge is a town located in West Yorkshire, England, within the HX6 postcode area. It lies along the banks of the River Calder and is part of the Calderdale borough. The town features a mix of residential and commercial properties, providing a variety of amenities for residents and visitors alike. The local architecture reflects a blend of historical and modern influences, with several buildings dating back to the 19th century.

The town is well-connected by transport, with a railway station offering services to nearby cities such as Halifax and Leeds. Sowerby Bridge is also known for its canals, which are popular for walking and cycling. The surrounding countryside offers opportunities for outdoor activities, making it a suitable base for exploring the natural beauty of West Yorkshire. Local shops, cafes, and pubs contribute to the community atmosphere, making it a pleasant place to visit or reside.

School Ratings in Sowerby Bridge

There are 121 schools in and around Sowerby Bridge. Compass Community School Willow Park is rated Outstanding by Ofsted. A further 12 schools hold a Good rating.

House Prices in Sowerby Bridge

The average property price is £219K, with terraced houses making up the majority of the housing stock at around £156K.

Crime and Anti-Social Behaviour in Sowerby Bridge

Recorded crime levels are broadly in line with the national average. Anti-social behaviour is prevalent across Sowerby Bridge, with 16 recorded incidents in April 2026.

Deprivation and Employment in Sowerby Bridge

Sowerby Bridge 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 Sowerby Bridge

There are 28 GP surgeries within three miles of Sowerby Bridge, the nearest being Station Road Surgery (0.3 miles away).

Property Prices 3,117 sales

Average Price £219K
£1K , £16M
Detached £410K 417
Semi £226K 622
Terraced £156K 1,499
Flat £127K 381

Household Income in Sowerby Bridge ONS 2023

The average total household income in Sowerby Bridge is approximately £50,118 a year before tax, 9% below the national average of £55,302. After tax and benefits, the average disposable (net) household income is around £38,144. These are modelled estimates from the Office for National Statistics for the financial year ending 2023.

Sowerby Bridge £50,118
England & Wales avg. £55,302

Net (after tax) household income averages £38,144.

Businesses in Sowerby Bridge ONS 2025

There are approximately 790 active businesses based in Sowerby Bridge, around 41 for every 1,000 residents. The local economy is dominated by small firms: about 92% 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.

790 Total businesses
41 Per 1,000 residents
Micro, 0-9 92%
Small, 10-49 7%
Medium, 50-249 1%
Large, 250+ 0%

Deprivation and Employment in Sowerby Bridge IMD 2025

Sowerby Bridge 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
5/10
Income
6/10
Employment
5/10
Education
6/10
Health
5/10
Housing
6/10
Living Environment
2/10
Children 0-15 19%
Working age 63%
Older 65+ 18%
3,621 Children (0-15) 19%
12,151 Working Age 63%
3,516 Older (65+) 18%
Average Child Poverty (IDACI) 29.3% of children in income-deprived families
Average Older Person Poverty (IDAOPI) 16.2% 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 Sowerby Bridge 153 crimes · April 2026

Average Crime Area

Reported crime levels in Sowerby Bridge sit broadly in line with national averages for a small 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 60
Anti-Social Behaviour 16
Criminal Damage & Arson 15
Public Order 15
Burglary 10
Other Crime 10
Vehicle Crime 9
Other Theft 8
Drugs 6
Shoplifting 2
Bicycle Theft 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

Halifax Train Station 2.1 miles
Mytholmroyd Train Station 3.6 miles
Hebden Bridge Train Station 4.8 miles
Brighouse Train Station 5.1 miles
Slaithwaite Train Station 5.8 miles
Huddersfield Train Station 6.4 miles

Location

Local Government

District Calderdale
Ward Sowerby Bridge
Constituency Halifax
Parish Calderdale, unparished area
Region Yorkshire and The Humber

Home Ownership in Sowerby Bridge

Of the 8,574 households in and around Sowerby Bridge, 66% are owned, 14% are socially rented and 20% are privately rented. Home ownership here is higher than the England and Wales average of 63%.

Owned 66% Social rented 14% Private rented 20%

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

Frequently Asked Questions about Sowerby Bridge

What is the population of Sowerby Bridge?
Sowerby Bridge has a population of approximately 19,284 residents, based on the latest census figures for the surrounding postcode area.
What is the average house price in Sowerby Bridge?
The average property in and around Sowerby Bridge sold for about £219,363, based on HM Land Registry Price Paid records. That is around 37% below the England and Wales average of £349,091.
Is Sowerby Bridge a deprived area?
Sowerby Bridge sits around the national average for deprivation, with an Index of Multiple Deprivation decile of 5 out of 10, where 1 is the most deprived and 10 the least deprived.
What postcodes cover Sowerby Bridge?
Sowerby Bridge is covered by the HX6 postcode district.
How many schools are there in Sowerby Bridge?
There are 12 schools within easy reach of Sowerby Bridge, spanning primary, secondary and other phases.
Where is the nearest train station to Sowerby Bridge?
The nearest railway station to Sowerby Bridge is Halifax Train Station, about 2.1 miles away.