Dalbeattie vs Dumfries
Which is better to live in? Distance: 12.7 miles apart.
The verdict
Property in Dalbeattie is about 0% cheaper on average. Dumfries has the lower crime rate of the two. For families, Dalbeattie edges ahead on school quality.
Avg House Price
Dalbeattie
£162,680
Dumfries
£162,680
Crime Rate
Dalbeattie
4240.7
Dumfries
523.4
Top-Two School Inspection Bands
Dalbeattie
72.0%
Dumfries
72.0%
Avg Download Speed
Dalbeattie
150.8
Dumfries
290.2
EPC Rating
Dalbeattie
41.9
Dumfries
64.6
Median Income
Dalbeattie
£28,422
Dumfries
£26,788
House Prices (2025)
Most affordable in ScotlandThe average house price in Dalbeattie is £162,680, which is 0% less than Dumfries at £162,680. The most affordable entry point in Dalbeattie is a flat at £86,885, while in Dumfries it is a flat at £86,885.
Average Price by Property Type (2025)
Biggest gap: detached homes are 0% pricier in Dalbeattie (£247,236 vs £247,236).
Price Trend (23 Years)
Over the last 21 years, Dalbeattie prices grew faster — 92% vs 92%.
Crime & Safety
Safest in ScotlandCrime is lower in Dumfries (523.4 per 1,000) compared to Dalbeattie (4,240.7 per 1,000), a 710% difference. The most common crime category in Dalbeattie is other-crime, while in Dumfries 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 ScotlandDalbeattie has 72% of schools in the top two inspection bands, compared to 72% in Dumfries. Dalbeattie has 108 schools in total, while Dumfries has 108.
Dalbeattie School Inspection Breakdown
72% of 108 schools (93 primary, 15 secondary) sit in the top two inspection bands.
Dumfries School Inspection Breakdown
72% of 108 schools (93 primary, 15 secondary) sit in the top two inspection bands.
| Metric | Dalbeattie | Dumfries |
|---|---|---|
| Total Schools | 108 | 108 |
| Primary | 93 | 93 |
| Secondary | 15 | 15 |
| % Top two bands | 72% | 72% |
Broadband & Connectivity
Dumfries offers faster average downloads at 290.2 Mbps, compared to 150.8 Mbps in Dalbeattie. Superfast coverage (30 Mbps+) reaches 96.6% of premises in Dalbeattie and 95.1% in Dumfries. Gigabit availability stands at 17.2% in Dalbeattie and 50.7% in Dumfries.
Dumfries is the faster of the two by 92% on average download speed (290 vs 151 Mbps).
Energy Efficiency & Running Costs
Homes in Dumfries are more energy-efficient on average, with an EPC score of 64.6 (band D) versus 41.9 (band E) in Dalbeattie. Estimated annual energy costs average £1,931 in Dalbeattie and £1,221 in Dumfries. 30.7% of homes in Dalbeattie have an EPC rating of C or above, compared to 42% in Dumfries.
Dumfries has more energy-efficient housing — 42% reach band C or above, vs 30.7% in the other.
Demographics & Economy
Median household income is £28,422 in Dalbeattie and £26,788 in Dumfries. The median age is 35.3 in Dalbeattie and 43.8 in Dumfries. Employment rates stand at 71.5% in Dalbeattie and 74.1% in Dumfries. Owner-occupancy is 56.6% in Dalbeattie versus 65% in Dumfries.
| Indicator | Dalbeattie | Dumfries |
|---|---|---|
| Population | 4,200 | 34,030 |
| Median Age | 35.3 | 43.8 |
| Median Household Income | £28,422 | £26,788 |
| Employment Rate | 71.5% | 74.1% |
| Owner Occupied | 56.6% | 65% |
| Degree-Level Qualified | 29.2% | 29.7% |
Location
Common questions
Frequently asked questions
How far apart are Dalbeattie and Dumfries?
Which is cheaper to buy a house in, Dalbeattie or Dumfries?
Is Dalbeattie or Dumfries safer?
Which has better schools, Dalbeattie or Dumfries?
Which has faster broadband, Dalbeattie or Dumfries?
Keep exploring