Alva vs Clackmannan
Which is better to live in? Distance: 3.7 miles apart.
The verdict
When it comes to cost of living, Alva wins on house prices with a 0% gap. Alva has the lower crime rate of the two. For families, Alva edges ahead on school quality.
Avg House Price
Alva
£165,447
Clackmannan
£165,447
Crime Rate
Alva
828.3
Clackmannan
1175.9
Top-Two School Inspection Bands
Alva
65.2%
Clackmannan
65.2%
Avg Download Speed
Alva
476.6
Clackmannan
426.3
EPC Rating
Alva
61.2
Clackmannan
68
Median Income
Alva
£27,183
Clackmannan
£35,632
House Prices (2025)
Most affordable in ScotlandProperty in Clackmannan commands an average of £165,447, compared with £165,447 in Alva – a difference of 0%. The most affordable entry point in Alva is a flat at £93,205, while in Clackmannan it is a flat at £93,205.
Average Price by Property Type (2025)
Biggest gap: detached homes are 0% pricier in Alva (£307,938 vs £307,938).
Price Trend (23 Years)
Over the last 21 years, Alva prices grew faster — 140% vs 140%.
Crime & Safety
Safest in ScotlandResidents of Alva experience less crime overall, with a rate of 828.3 per 1,000 versus 1,175.9 per 1,000 in Clackmannan. The most common crime category in Alva is violent-crime, while in Clackmannan it is violent-crime.
Crime Rate by Category (per 1,000 residents)
Both towns share the same top crime category: violent crime.
Schools & Education
Best for schools in ScotlandFamilies may prefer Alva, where 65.2% of schools are in the top two inspection bands versus 65.2% in Clackmannan. There are 24 schools in Alva and 24 in Clackmannan.
Alva School Inspection Breakdown
65.2% of 24 schools (20 primary, 4 secondary) sit in the top two inspection bands.
Clackmannan School Inspection Breakdown
65.2% of 24 schools (20 primary, 4 secondary) sit in the top two inspection bands.
| Metric | Alva | Clackmannan |
|---|---|---|
| Total Schools | 24 | 24 |
| Primary | 20 | 20 |
| Secondary | 4 | 4 |
| % Top two bands | 65.2% | 65.2% |
Broadband & Connectivity
Average broadband speeds are 476.6 Mbps in Alva and 426.3 Mbps in Clackmannan. Superfast coverage (30 Mbps+) reaches 99.3% of premises in Alva and 95.6% in Clackmannan. Gigabit availability stands at 93.6% in Alva and 82.6% in Clackmannan.
Alva is the faster of the two by 12% on average download speed (477 vs 426 Mbps).
Energy Efficiency & Running Costs
Clackmannan leads on energy efficiency with an average EPC score of 68 (D), while Alva averages 61.2 (D). Estimated annual energy costs average £1,519 in Alva and £1,277 in Clackmannan. 27.3% of homes in Alva have an EPC rating of C or above, compared to 34.4% in Clackmannan.
Clackmannan has more energy-efficient housing — 34.4% reach band C or above, vs 27.3% in the other.
Demographics & Economy
Median household income is £35,632 in Clackmannan and £27,183 in Alva. The median age is 42.6 in Alva and 45.1 in Clackmannan. Owner-occupancy is 62.4% in Alva versus 64.7% in Clackmannan. Employment rates stand at 71.3% in Alva and 77.9% in Clackmannan.
| Indicator | Alva | Clackmannan |
|---|---|---|
| Population | 4,600 | 3,240 |
| Median Age | 42.6 | 45.1 |
| Median Household Income | £27,183 | £35,632 |
| Employment Rate | 71.3% | 77.9% |
| Owner Occupied | 62.4% | 64.7% |
| Degree-Level Qualified | 38.3% | 25.6% |
Location
Common questions
Frequently asked questions
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