Brechin vs Forfar
Which is better to live in? Distance: 10.7 miles apart.
The verdict
Brechin is the more affordable option, with average house prices around 0% lower. Forfar has the lower crime rate of the two. For families, Brechin edges ahead on school quality.
Avg House Price
Brechin
£167,088
Forfar
£167,088
Crime Rate
Brechin
960.9
Forfar
499.7
Top-Two School Inspection Bands
Brechin
91.1%
Forfar
91.1%
Avg Download Speed
Brechin
62.7
Forfar
250.4
EPC Rating
Brechin
66.8
Forfar
61.7
Median Income
Brechin
£25,022
Forfar
£35,507
House Prices (2025)
Most affordable in ScotlandProperty in Forfar commands an average of £167,088, compared with £167,088 in Brechin – a difference of 0%. The most affordable entry point in Brechin is a flat at £94,981, while in Forfar it is a flat at £94,981.
Average Price by Property Type (2025)
Biggest gap: detached homes are 0% pricier in Brechin (£290,784 vs £290,784).
Price Trend (23 Years)
Over the last 21 years, Brechin prices grew faster — 127% vs 127%.
Crime & Safety
Safest in ScotlandForfar has a crime rate of 499.7 per 1,000 residents, which is 92% lower than Brechin at 960.9 per 1,000. The most common crime category in Brechin is other-crime, while in Forfar it is other-crime.
Crime Rate by Category (per 1,000 residents)
Both towns share the same top crime category: other crime.
Schools & Education
Best for schools in ScotlandFamilies may prefer Brechin, where 91.1% of schools are in the top two inspection bands versus 91.1% in Forfar. There are 59 schools in Brechin and 59 in Forfar.
Brechin School Inspection Breakdown
91.1% of 59 schools (51 primary, 8 secondary) sit in the top two inspection bands.
Forfar School Inspection Breakdown
91.1% of 59 schools (51 primary, 8 secondary) sit in the top two inspection bands.
| Metric | Brechin | Forfar |
|---|---|---|
| Total Schools | 59 | 59 |
| Primary | 51 | 51 |
| Secondary | 8 | 8 |
| % Top two bands | 91.1% | 91.1% |
Broadband & Connectivity
Average broadband speeds are 250.4 Mbps in Forfar and 62.7 Mbps in Brechin. Superfast coverage (30 Mbps+) reaches 65.8% of premises in Brechin and 69.6% in Forfar. Gigabit availability stands at 1.3% in Brechin and 45.4% in Forfar.
Forfar is the faster of the two by 299% on average download speed (250 vs 63 Mbps).
Energy Efficiency & Running Costs
Brechin leads on energy efficiency with an average EPC score of 66.8 (D), while Forfar averages 61.7 (D). Estimated annual energy costs average £1,284 in Brechin and £1,393 in Forfar. 29.3% of homes in Brechin have an EPC rating of C or above, compared to 53.9% in Forfar.
Forfar has more energy-efficient housing — 53.9% reach band C or above, vs 29.3% in the other.
Demographics & Economy
Median household income is £35,507 in Forfar and £25,022 in Brechin. The median age is 44.7 in Brechin and 42.7 in Forfar. Owner-occupancy is 67.3% in Brechin versus 46% in Forfar. Employment rates stand at 75.1% in Brechin and 74.9% in Forfar.
| Indicator | Brechin | Forfar |
|---|---|---|
| Population | 7,400 | 14,230 |
| Median Age | 44.7 | 42.7 |
| Median Household Income | £25,022 | £35,507 |
| Employment Rate | 75.1% | 74.9% |
| Owner Occupied | 67.3% | 46% |
| Degree-Level Qualified | 19% | 33% |
Location
Common questions
Frequently asked questions
How far apart are Brechin and Forfar?
Which is cheaper to buy a house in, Brechin or Forfar?
Is Brechin or Forfar safer?
Which has better schools, Brechin or Forfar?
Which has faster broadband, Brechin or Forfar?
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