Bwlch-y-sarnau on the map

Location in PowysBwlch-y-sarnau sits where the marker shows within the county.

3,616
Population
1,307
Households
1
Schools nearby
£38,772
Avg. household income
215
Businesses
21
People per km²
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About Bwlch-y-sarnau

Bwlch-y-sarnau is a small settlement located in the county of Powys, in mid-Wales. It lies within the LD6 postcode area and is situated in a rural part of the Welsh countryside. The area is characterised by rolling hills and open farmland, typical of the landscape in this region. The name Bwlch-y-sarnau translates from Welsh as 'pass of the forges', reflecting its historical connection to ironworking in the area. While the settlement itself is modest in size, it is part of a wider network of communities in Powys that maintain strong ties to local traditions and the Welsh language. The surrounding countryside offers quiet walking routes and views of the surrounding hills, making it a peaceful spot for those seeking a rural experience.

House Prices in Bwlch-y-sarnau

Property prices average £234K across the area, and detached homes are the most common property type, typically selling for £281K.

Crime and Anti-Social Behaviour in Bwlch-y-sarnau

Local crime rates sit lower than national averages. Criminal damage & arson accounts for the highest share in Bwlch-y-sarnau, with 2 incidents logged in May 2026.

Property Prices 355 sales

Average Price £234K
£14K , £3.5M
Detached £281K 149
Semi £177K 63
Terraced £147K 89
Flat £125K 3

Household Income in Bwlch-y-sarnau ONS 2023

The average total household income in Bwlch-y-sarnau is approximately £38,772 a year before tax, 30% below the national average of £55,302. After tax and benefits, the average disposable (net) household income is around £30,925. These are modelled estimates from the Office for National Statistics for the financial year ending 2023.

Bwlch-y-sarnau £38,772
England & Wales avg. £55,302

Net (after tax) household income averages £30,925.

Businesses in Bwlch-y-sarnau ONS 2025

There are approximately 215 active businesses based in Bwlch-y-sarnau, around 59 for every 1,000 residents. The local economy is dominated by small firms: about 95% are micro-businesses employing fewer than 10 people, while 0 are larger employers with 50 or more staff. Figures are from the Office for National Statistics UK Business Counts.

215 Total businesses
59 Per 1,000 residents
Micro, 0-9 95%
Small, 10-49 5%
Medium, 50-249 0%
Large, 250+ 0%

Crime in Bwlch-y-sarnau 9 crimes · May 2026

Low Crime Area

Reported crime in Bwlch-y-sarnau falls below the national average, suggesting a comparatively safe environment. Violence & sexual offences tops the list of recorded incidents, but figures are low overall. Residents and visitors alike tend to find this a quiet and reassuring village.

Violence & Sexual Offences 6
Criminal Damage & Arson 2
Public Order 1
Local Policing
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 4 stations

Pen-Y-Bont Train Station 7.3 miles
Dolau Train Station 8.5 miles
Llandrindod Train Station 8.5 miles
Llanbister Road Train Station 9.3 miles

Location

Local Government

District Powys
Ward Rhayader
Constituency Brecon and Radnorshire
Parish Rhayader

Home Ownership in Bwlch-y-sarnau

Of the 1,648 households in and around Bwlch-y-sarnau, 69% are owned, 11% are socially rented and 21% are privately rented. Home ownership here is higher than the England and Wales average of 63%.

Owned 69% Social rented 11% Private rented 21%

Tenure from the 2021 Census (ONS), for the postcode districts covering Bwlch-y-sarnau.

Frequently Asked Questions about Bwlch-y-sarnau

What is the population of Bwlch-y-sarnau?
Bwlch-y-sarnau has a population of approximately 3,616 residents, based on the latest census figures for the surrounding postcode area.
What is the average house price in Bwlch-y-sarnau?
The average property in and around Bwlch-y-sarnau sold for about £233,638, based on HM Land Registry Price Paid records. That is around 33% below the England and Wales average of £349,091.
What postcodes cover Bwlch-y-sarnau?
Bwlch-y-sarnau is covered by the LD6 postcode district.
How many schools are there in Bwlch-y-sarnau?
There are 1 schools within easy reach of Bwlch-y-sarnau, spanning primary, secondary and other phases.
Where is the nearest train station to Bwlch-y-sarnau?
The nearest railway station to Bwlch-y-sarnau is Pen-Y-Bont Train Station, about 7.3 miles away.