Birstall vs Leicester
Which is better to live in? Distance: 3.3 miles apart.
The verdict
Birstall is the more affordable option, with average house prices around 19% lower. Birstall has the lower crime rate of the two. For families, Birstall edges ahead on school quality.
Avg House Price
Birstall
£260,306
Leicester
£319,567
Crime Rate
Birstall
68.0
Leicester
100.6
Top-Two School Inspection Bands
Birstall
100.0%
Leicester
90.8%
Avg Download Speed
Birstall
486.2
Leicester
484.4
EPC Rating
Birstall
70.4
Leicester
70.3
Median Income
Birstall
£30,112
Leicester
£28,975
House Prices (2025)
Most affordable in East MidlandsAt £260,306, Birstall undercuts Leicester (£319,567) by around 19% on average house prices. The most affordable entry point in Birstall is a flat at £166,694, while in Leicester it is a flat at £129,535.
Average Price by Property Type (2025)
Biggest gap: flat homes are 29% pricier in Birstall (£166,694 vs £129,535).
Price Trend (11 Years)
Over the last 9 years, Leicester prices grew faster — 47% vs 39%.
Crime & Safety
Safest in East MidlandsBirstall has a crime rate of 68 per 1,000 residents, which is 48% lower than Leicester at 100.6 per 1,000. The most common crime category in Birstall is violent-crime, while in Leicester 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 MidlandsOf the 4 schools in Birstall, 100% are in the top two inspection bands. In Leicester, which has 111 schools, the figure is 90.8%.
Birstall School Inspection Breakdown
100% of 4 schools (3 primary, 1 secondary) sit in the top two inspection bands.
Leicester School Inspection Breakdown
90.8% of 111 schools (89 primary, 22 secondary) sit in the top two inspection bands.
| Metric | Birstall | Leicester |
|---|---|---|
| Total Schools | 4 | 111 |
| Primary | 3 | 89 |
| Secondary | 1 | 22 |
| % Top two bands | 100% | 90.8% |
Broadband & Connectivity
Broadband in Birstall averages 486.2 Mbps – ahead of Leicester's 484.4 Mbps. Superfast coverage (30 Mbps+) reaches 99.1% of premises in Birstall and 99% in Leicester. Gigabit availability stands at 96.8% in Birstall and 96.3% in Leicester.
Birstall is the faster of the two by 0% on average download speed (486 vs 484 Mbps).
Energy Efficiency & Running Costs
Birstall leads on energy efficiency with an average EPC score of 70.4 (C), while Leicester averages 70.3 (C). Estimated annual energy costs average £1,102 in Birstall and £1,165 in Leicester. 62.4% of homes in Birstall have an EPC rating of C or above, compared to 59.4% in Leicester.
Birstall has more energy-efficient housing — 62.4% reach band C or above, vs 59.4% in the other.
Demographics & Economy
Median household income is £30,111.7 in Birstall and £28,975 in Leicester. The median age is 41.2 in Birstall and 42.2 in Leicester. Owner-occupancy is 64.8% in Birstall versus 66.3% in Leicester. Employment rates stand at 56.7% in Birstall and 58.1% in Leicester.
| Indicator | Birstall | Leicester |
|---|---|---|
| Population | 13,960 | 406,331 |
| Median Age | 41.2 | 42.2 |
| Median Household Income | £30,111.7 | £28,975 |
| Employment Rate | 56.7% | 58.1% |
| Owner Occupied | 64.8% | 66.3% |
| Degree-Level Qualified | 30% | 28.9% |
Location
Common questions
Frequently asked questions
How far apart are Birstall and Leicester?
Which is cheaper to buy a house in, Birstall or Leicester?
Is Birstall or Leicester safer?
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