Birstall vs Cosby
Which is better to live in? Distance: 9.4 miles apart.
The verdict
When it comes to cost of living, Birstall wins on house prices with a 26% gap. Cosby has the lower crime rate of the two. For families, Birstall edges ahead on school quality.
Avg House Price
Birstall
£260,306
Cosby
£350,462
Crime Rate
Birstall
68.0
Cosby
59.4
Top-Two School Inspection Bands
Birstall
100.0%
Cosby
100.0%
Avg Download Speed
Birstall
486.2
Cosby
292.2
EPC Rating
Birstall
70.4
Cosby
71
Median Income
Birstall
£30,112
Cosby
£31,173
House Prices (2025)
Most affordable in East MidlandsProperty in Cosby commands an average of £350,462, compared with £260,306 in Birstall – a difference of 26%. The most affordable entry point in Birstall is a flat at £166,694, while in Cosby it is a terraced at £228,167.
Average Price by Property Type (2025)
Biggest gap: detached homes are 28% pricier in Cosby (£492,200 vs £353,215).
Price Trend (11 Years)
Over the last 9 years, Cosby prices grew faster — 43% vs 39%.
Crime & Safety
Safest in East MidlandsResidents of Cosby experience less crime overall, with a rate of 59.4 per 1,000 versus 68 per 1,000 in Birstall. The most common crime category in Birstall is violent-crime, while in Cosby 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 East MidlandsFamilies may prefer Birstall, where 100% of schools are in the top two inspection bands versus 100% in Cosby. There are 4 schools in Birstall and 1 in Cosby.
Birstall School Inspection Breakdown
100% of 4 schools (3 primary, 1 secondary) sit in the top two inspection bands.
Cosby School Inspection Breakdown
100% of 1 school (1 primary) sit in the top two inspection bands.
| Metric | Birstall | Cosby |
|---|---|---|
| Total Schools | 4 | 1 |
| Primary | 3 | 1 |
| Secondary | 1 | 0 |
| % Top two bands | 100% | 100% |
Broadband & Connectivity
Average broadband speeds are 486.2 Mbps in Birstall and 292.2 Mbps in Cosby. Superfast coverage (30 Mbps+) reaches 99.1% of premises in Birstall and 95.6% in Cosby. Gigabit availability stands at 96.8% in Birstall and 48.5% in Cosby.
Birstall is the faster of the two by 66% on average download speed (486 vs 292 Mbps).
Energy Efficiency & Running Costs
Energy efficiency favours Cosby, scoring 71 on average (band C) compared to 70.4 (band C) in Birstall. Estimated annual energy costs average £1,102 in Birstall and £1,245 in Cosby. 62.4% of homes in Birstall have an EPC rating of C or above, compared to 61.5% in Cosby.
Birstall has more energy-efficient housing — 62.4% reach band C or above, vs 61.5% in the other.
Demographics & Economy
Median household income is £31,172.7 in Cosby and £30,111.7 in Birstall. The median age is 41.2 in Birstall and 45.2 in Cosby. Employment rates stand at 56.7% in Birstall and 60.5% in Cosby. Owner-occupancy is 64.8% in Birstall versus 76% in Cosby. Birstall has a population of 13,960 and Cosby has 3,518.
| Indicator | Birstall | Cosby |
|---|---|---|
| Population | 13,960 | 3,518 |
| Median Age | 41.2 | 45.2 |
| Median Household Income | £30,111.7 | £31,172.7 |
| Employment Rate | 56.7% | 60.5% |
| Owner Occupied | 64.8% | 76% |
| Degree-Level Qualified | 30% | 32.6% |
Location
Common questions
Frequently asked questions
How far apart are Birstall and Cosby?
Which is cheaper to buy a house in, Birstall or Cosby?
Is Birstall or Cosby safer?
Which has better schools, Birstall or Cosby?
Which has faster broadband, Birstall or Cosby?
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