Brough on the map
Location in Orkney IslandsBrough sits where the marker shows within the county.
About Brough
Brough is a small settlement located on the island of South Ronaldsay in the Orkney Islands, Scotland. It lies within the KW17 postcode area and is situated near the southern tip of the island, close to the Brough of Birsay, an ancient archaeological site. The area is known for its historical significance, with evidence of Norse and Pictish occupation dating back centuries. The landscape around Brough features rugged coastlines and open fields, typical of the Orkney archipelago. The village itself is modest, with a few homes and a small community presence. Access to Brough is via a narrow road from the main part of South Ronaldsay, and it remains a quiet, rural spot with strong ties to the region’s maritime and agricultural heritage.
Crime and Anti-Social Behaviour in Brough
Crime in the area is lower than the national average. Public order is the leading concern across Brough, with 5 incidents recorded in May 2026.
Local Data for Brough
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Household Income in Brough ONS 2023
The average total household income in Brough is approximately £57,262 a year before tax, 4% above the national average of £55,302. After tax and benefits, the average disposable (net) household income is around £43,395. These are modelled estimates from the Office for National Statistics for the financial year ending 2023.
Net (after tax) household income averages £43,395.
Businesses in Brough ONS 2025
There are approximately 1,148 active businesses based in Brough, around 123 for every 1,000 residents. The local economy is dominated by small firms: about 91% 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.
Crime in Brough 35 crimes · May 2026
Crime levels in Brough are lower than the England and Wales average. While violence & sexual offences is the most frequently recorded category, the overall picture is one of a settled and secure small town where serious incidents remain uncommon.
Crime figures depend on reporting by individual police forces and may not reflect the full picture in all areas.
Location
Nearby Towns & Villages 12 found
Local Government
Home Ownership in Brough
Of the 10,784 households in and around Brough, 80% are owned, 6% are socially rented and 14% are privately rented. Home ownership here is higher than the England and Wales average of 63%.
Tenure from the 2021 Census (ONS), for the postcode districts covering Brough.