Barnsley vs Huddersfield
Which is better to live in? Distance: 14.5 miles apart.
The verdict
When it comes to cost of living, Barnsley wins on house prices with a 9% gap. Huddersfield has the lower crime rate of the two. For families, Barnsley edges ahead on school quality.
Avg House Price
Barnsley
£199,362
Huddersfield
£219,372
Crime Rate
Barnsley
94.8
Huddersfield
89.2
Top-Two School Inspection Bands
Barnsley
100.0%
Huddersfield
91.2%
Avg Download Speed
Barnsley
421.9
Huddersfield
406
EPC Rating
Barnsley
70.2
Huddersfield
68.5
Median Income
Barnsley
£30,472
Huddersfield
£29,058
House Prices (2025)
Most affordable in Yorkshire and the HumberProperty in Huddersfield commands an average of £219,372, compared with £199,362 in Barnsley – a difference of 9%. The most affordable entry point in Barnsley is a flat at £99,003, while in Huddersfield it is a flat at £126,515.
Average Price by Property Type (2025)
Biggest gap: flat homes are 22% pricier in Huddersfield (£126,515 vs £99,003).
Price Trend (11 Years)
Over the last 9 years, Barnsley prices grew faster — 46% vs 39%.
Crime & Safety
Safest in Yorkshire and the HumberResidents of Huddersfield experience less crime overall, with a rate of 89.2 per 1,000 versus 94.8 per 1,000 in Barnsley. The most common crime category in Barnsley is violent-crime, while in Huddersfield 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 Yorkshire and the HumberFamilies may prefer Barnsley, where 100% of schools are in the top two inspection bands versus 91.2% in Huddersfield. There are 21 schools in Barnsley and 43 in Huddersfield.
Barnsley School Inspection Breakdown
100% of 21 schools (18 primary, 3 secondary) sit in the top two inspection bands.
Huddersfield School Inspection Breakdown
91.2% of 43 schools (35 primary, 8 secondary) sit in the top two inspection bands.
| Metric | Barnsley | Huddersfield |
|---|---|---|
| Total Schools | 21 | 43 |
| Primary | 18 | 35 |
| Secondary | 3 | 8 |
| % Top two bands | 100% | 91.2% |
Broadband & Connectivity
Average broadband speeds are 421.9 Mbps in Barnsley and 406.0 Mbps in Huddersfield. Superfast coverage (30 Mbps+) reaches 97.2% of premises in Barnsley and 95.2% in Huddersfield. Gigabit availability stands at 80.2% in Barnsley and 78% in Huddersfield.
Barnsley is the faster of the two by 4% on average download speed (422 vs 406 Mbps).
Energy Efficiency & Running Costs
Barnsley leads on energy efficiency with an average EPC score of 70.2 (C), while Huddersfield averages 68.5 (C). Estimated annual energy costs average £1,134 in Barnsley and £1,223 in Huddersfield. 58.9% of homes in Barnsley have an EPC rating of C or above, compared to 53.4% in Huddersfield.
Barnsley has more energy-efficient housing — 58.9% reach band C or above, vs 53.4% in the other.
Demographics & Economy
Median household income is £30,472 in Barnsley and £29,058 in Huddersfield. The median age is 43.5 in Barnsley and 41.7 in Huddersfield. Owner-occupancy is 62.3% in Barnsley versus 65.5% in Huddersfield. Employment rates stand at 55.9% in Barnsley and 54.9% in Huddersfield.
| Indicator | Barnsley | Huddersfield |
|---|---|---|
| Population | 71,394 | 140,930 |
| Median Age | 43.5 | 41.7 |
| Median Household Income | £30,472 | £29,058 |
| Employment Rate | 55.9% | 54.9% |
| Owner Occupied | 62.3% | 65.5% |
| Degree-Level Qualified | 23.4% | 29.9% |
Location
Common questions
Frequently asked questions
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