Sowood on the map

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

12,585
Population
5,196
Households
6 / 10
Deprivation decile
Around average
12
Schools nearby
£55,679
Avg. household income
542
Businesses
407
People per km²
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About Sowood

Sowood is a small village located in West Yorkshire, England, within the postcode area HX4. It is situated near the larger town of Elland and offers a peaceful residential environment. The village is primarily composed of residential properties, with a few local amenities available for residents.

The surrounding area features scenic landscapes typical of West Yorkshire, with rolling hills and green fields. Sowood is well-connected to nearby towns and cities, making it a convenient base for those who wish to explore the wider region. Local transport links provide easy access to Halifax and Huddersfield, both of which offer a range of shops, services, and cultural attractions.

School Ratings in Sowood

There are 139 schools in and around Sowood. The Greetland Academy is rated Outstanding by Ofsted. A further 3 schools hold a Good rating.

House Prices in Sowood

The average property price is £248K, with terraced houses making up the majority of the housing stock at around £173K.

Crime and Anti-Social Behaviour in Sowood

Recorded crime levels are higher than the national average. Anti-social behaviour is prevalent across Sowood, with 24 recorded incidents in May 2026.

Deprivation and Employment in Sowood

Sowood 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 Sowood

There are 13 GP surgeries within three miles of Sowood, the nearest being Nook Surgery (1.9 miles away).

Property Prices 1,876 sales

Average Price £248K
£2K , £3.15M
Detached £405K 376
Semi £234K 386
Terraced £173K 837
Flat £167K 165

Household Income in Sowood ONS 2023

The average total household income in Sowood is approximately £55,679 a year before tax, in line with the national average of £55,302. After tax and benefits, the average disposable (net) household income is around £41,184. These are modelled estimates from the Office for National Statistics for the financial year ending 2023.

Sowood £55,679
England & Wales avg. £55,302

Net (after tax) household income averages £41,184.

Businesses in Sowood ONS 2025

There are approximately 542 active businesses based in Sowood, around 43 for every 1,000 residents. The local economy is dominated by small firms: about 89% are micro-businesses employing fewer than 10 people, while 14 are larger employers with 50 or more staff. Figures are from the Office for National Statistics UK Business Counts.

542 Total businesses
43 Per 1,000 residents
Micro, 0-9 89%
Small, 10-49 9%
Medium, 50-249 2%
Large, 250+ 0%

Deprivation and Employment in Sowood IMD 2025

Sowood 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
7/10
Employment
7/10
Education
7/10
Health
6/10
Housing
5/10
Living Environment
3/10
Children 0-15 18%
Working age 62%
Older 65+ 20%
2,248 Children (0-15) 18%
7,750 Working Age 62%
2,585 Older (65+) 21%
Average Child Poverty (IDACI) 24.4% of children in income-deprived families
Average Older Person Poverty (IDAOPI) 14.1% 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 Sowood 109 crimes · May 2026

High Crime Area

Sowood 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 48
Anti-Social Behaviour 24
Criminal Damage & Arson 12
Other Theft 7
Vehicle Crime 5
Public Order 4
Other Crime 4
Robbery 2
Burglary 1
Drugs 1
Weapons 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

Slaithwaite Train Station 2.6 miles
Lockwood Train Station 4.2 miles
Halifax Train Station 4.2 miles
Huddersfield Train Station 4.4 miles
Marsden (Yorks) Train Station 4.5 miles
Berry Brow Train Station 4.9 miles

Location

Local Government

District Calderdale
Ward Ryburn
Constituency Calder Valley
Parish Ripponden
Region Yorkshire and The Humber

Home Ownership in Sowood

Of the 5,465 households in and around Sowood, 74% are owned, 9% are socially rented and 16% are privately rented. Home ownership here is higher than the England and Wales average of 63%.

Owned 74% Social rented 9% Private rented 16%

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

Frequently Asked Questions about Sowood

What is the population of Sowood?
Sowood has a population of approximately 12,585 residents, based on the latest census figures for the surrounding postcode area.
What is the average house price in Sowood?
The average property in and around Sowood sold for about £248,191, based on HM Land Registry Price Paid records. That is around 29% below the England and Wales average of £349,091.
Is Sowood a deprived area?
Sowood 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 Sowood?
Sowood is covered by the HX4 postcode district.
How many schools are there in Sowood?
There are 12 schools within easy reach of Sowood, spanning primary, secondary and other phases.
Where is the nearest train station to Sowood?
The nearest railway station to Sowood is Slaithwaite Train Station, about 2.6 miles away.