Armadale vs Bathgate
Which is better to live in? Distance: 2.7 miles apart.
The verdict
Armadale is the more affordable option, with average house prices around 0% lower. Bathgate has the lower crime rate of the two. For families, Armadale edges ahead on school quality.
Avg House Price
Armadale
£217,827
Bathgate
£217,827
Crime Rate
Armadale
1158.2
Bathgate
510.5
Top-Two School Inspection Bands
Armadale
91.5%
Bathgate
91.5%
Avg Download Speed
Armadale
409.7
Bathgate
409.7
EPC Rating
Armadale
68.9
Bathgate
59.4
Median Income
Armadale
£31,942
Bathgate
£30,926
House Prices (2025)
Most affordable in ScotlandProperty in Bathgate commands an average of £217,827, compared with £217,827 in Armadale – a difference of 0%. The most affordable entry point in Armadale is a flat at £123,221, while in Bathgate it is a flat at £123,221.
Average Price by Property Type (2025)
Biggest gap: detached homes are 0% pricier in Armadale (£390,835 vs £390,835).
Price Trend (23 Years)
Over the last 21 years, Armadale prices grew faster — 142% vs 142%.
Crime & Safety
Safest in ScotlandBathgate has a crime rate of 510.5 per 1,000 residents, which is 127% lower than Armadale at 1,158.2 per 1,000. The most common crime category in Armadale is violent-crime, while in Bathgate 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 Armadale, where 91.5% of schools are in the top two inspection bands versus 91.5% in Bathgate. There are 86 schools in Armadale and 86 in Bathgate.
Armadale School Inspection Breakdown
91.5% of 86 schools (73 primary, 13 secondary) sit in the top two inspection bands.
Bathgate School Inspection Breakdown
91.5% of 86 schools (73 primary, 13 secondary) sit in the top two inspection bands.
| Metric | Armadale | Bathgate |
|---|---|---|
| Total Schools | 86 | 86 |
| Primary | 73 | 73 |
| Secondary | 13 | 13 |
| % Top two bands | 91.5% | 91.5% |
Broadband & Connectivity
Average broadband speeds are 409.7 Mbps in Armadale and 409.7 Mbps in Bathgate. Superfast coverage (30 Mbps+) reaches 95.2% of premises in Armadale and 95.2% in Bathgate. Gigabit availability stands at 79.2% in Armadale and 79.2% in Bathgate.
Armadale is the faster of the two by 0% on average download speed (410 vs 410 Mbps).
Energy Efficiency & Running Costs
Armadale leads on energy efficiency with an average EPC score of 68.9 (D), while Bathgate averages 59.4 (D). Estimated annual energy costs average £1,321 in Armadale and £1,690 in Bathgate. 44.6% of homes in Armadale have an EPC rating of C or above, compared to 21.7% in Bathgate.
Armadale has more energy-efficient housing — 44.6% reach band C or above, vs 21.7% in the other.
Demographics & Economy
Median household income is £31,942 in Armadale and £30,926 in Bathgate. The median age is 45.5 in Armadale and 41.9 in Bathgate. Owner-occupancy is 57.4% in Armadale versus 64.4% in Bathgate. Employment rates stand at 76.2% in Armadale and 70% in Bathgate.
| Indicator | Armadale | Bathgate |
|---|---|---|
| Population | 12,550 | 28,470 |
| Median Age | 45.5 | 41.9 |
| Median Household Income | £31,942 | £30,926 |
| Employment Rate | 76.2% | 70% |
| Owner Occupied | 57.4% | 64.4% |
| Degree-Level Qualified | 33% | 34.6% |
Location
Common questions
Frequently asked questions
How far apart are Armadale and Bathgate?
Which is cheaper to buy a house in, Armadale or Bathgate?
Is Armadale or Bathgate safer?
Which has better schools, Armadale or Bathgate?
Which has faster broadband, Armadale or Bathgate?
Keep exploring