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Setfords Law, Published: 15th July 2026, Last reviewed: 15th July 2026 · Read time: 6 minutes
Crime rates vary enormously by postcode, not only by town. Here is how five well-regarded, lower-crime areas across England and Wales compare, and the legal checks worth making so your own due diligence goes beyond the headline numbers.
Key takeaways
- Crime rates vary by street, not only by town. A city centre postcode can have several times the crime rate of a suburb two miles away, so town-wide figures only tell part of the story.
- National crime levels have held broadly steady. The Crime Survey for England and Wales recorded around 9.6 million incidents in the year to December 2025. This was not significantly different from the year before (ONS).
- Recorded crime data has limits. The Crime Survey for England and Wales estimates that around 40% of crime goes unreported, so recorded figures reflect reporting patterns as well as actual crime levels.
- A survey covers crime, not disputes over the property itself. Boundary disagreements, rights of way, and planning issues are a separate risk that only proper legal searches can catch.
How safety is measured
Two main data sources cover crime in England and Wales. The Crime Survey for England and Wales asks residents directly about their experiences, while police recorded crime counts offences reported to and logged by the 43 territorial forces. Neither gives a complete picture on its own, so most rankings blend the two.
Free tools let you check any postcode directly. Police.uk publishes monthly, street-level crime data for every force in England and Wales, and is worth checking alongside any town-wide ranking before you commit to an area.
Five lower-crime areas worth considering
| Location | Average house price (2026) | Crime rate per 1,000 people (2026) | Best suited for |
|---|---|---|---|
| Dinas Powys, Vale of Glamorgan | £431,000 | 38 | Welsh village close to Cardiff |
| Winchester, Hampshire | £461,000 | 42.1 | Cathedral-city living with strong transport links |
| Harrogate, North Yorkshire | £402,000 | 44.3 | Spa-town pace with strong community feel |
| Bath, Somerset | £571,000 | 47.8 | Georgian architecture and thermal spa heritage |
| Cheltenham, Gloucestershire | £424,000 | 49.2 | Regency architecture and a strong festival calendar |
House prices are sourced from Rightmove and ONS/HM Land Registry sold-price data (2026). Safety notes are drawn from Police.uk recorded crime data and published force-area comparisons; read each profile below for the specific source and figure.
Dinas Powys, Vale of Glamorgan
Dinas Powys recorded 38 crimes per 1,000 people for the 12 months to April 2026, the lowest rate of any location on this list (CrimeRate, sourced from Police.uk). Average prices sit around £431,000 (Rightmove, 2026). This village sits a few miles from central Cardiff, with a golf club, a village common, and easy access to the Vale of Glamorgan coast.
Winchester, Hampshire
Winchester recorded 42.1 crimes per 1,000 people in 2026, the lowest rate of any English city in Police.uk-based comparisons. The average house price was £461,000 in February 2026, with first-time buyers paying £344,000 (ONS and HM Land Registry). Its cathedral, water meadows, and fast trains into London add to the appeal, though prices here sit well above the national average.
Harrogate, North Yorkshire
Harrogate recorded 44.3 crimes per 1,000 people in 2026, the second-lowest rate of any English city in the same comparison. Average prices sit around £402,000 (Rightmove, 2026). The Valley Gardens, Turkish Baths, and strong community groups add to a settled, family-friendly feel.
Bath, Somerset
Bath recorded 47.8 crimes per 1,000 people in 2026, the third-lowest rate of any English city in the same comparison. Average prices sit around £571,000 (Rightmove, 2026), a premium reflecting its Georgian architecture and status as a UNESCO World Heritage Site. Its compact centre and thermal spa heritage add to the appeal.
Cheltenham, Gloucestershire
Cheltenham recorded 49.2 crimes per 1,000 people in 2026, placing it fourth nationally in the same ranking. Average prices sit around £424,000 (Rightmove, 2026). Its festival calendar, including literature, jazz, and racing, gives it a lively character without the crime levels sometimes associated with a busy nightlife scene.
What to check before you decide
Street-level crime data. Town-wide figures can hide a lot. Check Police.uk for the exact street or postcode you are considering, not only the town-wide average, since two addresses a short walk apart can have markedly different profiles.
Boundary and title issues. A safe neighbourhood is no protection against a disputed boundary or an unclear right of way. Your solicitor will check the title and raise any issues with neighbouring land before you exchange.
Planning history. A quiet street can change quickly if a nearby development is approved. A planning search will flag any live applications or decisions that could affect the area after you move in.
Insurance implications. Some insurers price home and contents cover partly on local crime data. It is worth getting a quote before you commit to a purchase, particularly if you are moving from a different type of area.
What you can expect with Setfords
Ultimate flexibility: Our lawyers can tailor their schedules to meet your needs.
Nationwide coverage: with hundreds of consultant lawyers across the UK, we’ll connect you with the right expert.
Dedicated specialist legal partner: work directly with your chosen lawyer from start to finish.
Highly experienced: Setfords lawyers have an average of 20 years’ experience, so you can be assured you’re in safe hands.
Capacity-based allocation: our lawyers never take on more work than they can handle, so you get the focus and attention you deserve.
When to speak to a solicitor
Choosing a safe area is only part of protecting your new home. It is worth speaking to a solicitor if any of the following apply:
- You want the property’s boundaries and any rights of way properly checked before you commit
- You are unsure whether a nearby planning application could affect the property after completion
- You are moving between England and Wales and want the right tax and process applied from the start
- You are buying a leasehold property and want the service charges and building management checked
- You want a second opinion on anything flagged in the seller’s property information form
FAQs
What is the safest place to live in England?
Winchester recorded the lowest crime rate of any English city in 2026, at 42.1 crimes per 1,000 people. Harrogate, Bath, and Cheltenham also feature among the lowest rates nationally.
What is the safest place to live in Wales?
Dinas Powys, near Cardiff, recorded 38 crimes per 1,000 people for the 12 months to April 2026, a lower rate than every English city on this list. It sits within the Vale of Glamorgan, one of the lower-crime areas of South Wales.
How do I check the crime rate for a specific street?
Police.uk provides a free interactive crime map showing recorded crimes by street and postcode for England and Wales. This gives a far more accurate picture than a town-wide ranking, since crime rates can vary sharply within the same town.
Does a low crime rate mean I do not need a survey?
No. Crime data says nothing about the physical condition of a property, its boundaries, or planning risks nearby. A building survey and the usual conveyancing searches remain essential regardless of how safe an area is.
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This article is general information about buying and moving home in England and Wales and is not legal advice. The law and figures quoted can change, and every situation is different, so please speak to a qualified conveyancing solicitor about your circumstances.
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