Darvel vs Galston
Which is better to live in? Distance: 4.0 miles apart.
The verdict
Property in Darvel is about 0% cheaper on average. Galston has the lower crime rate of the two. For families, Darvel edges ahead on school quality.
Avg House Price
Darvel
£127,807
Galston
£127,807
Crime Rate
Darvel
2649.2
Galston
2202.1
Top-Two School Inspection Bands
Darvel
68.2%
Galston
68.2%
Avg Download Speed
Darvel
396.7
Galston
335.6
EPC Rating
Darvel
58.5
Galston
59.4
Median Income
Darvel
£27,064
Galston
£35,177
House Prices (2025)
Most affordable in ScotlandThe average house price in Darvel is £127,807, which is 0% less than Galston at £127,807. The most affordable entry point in Darvel is a flat at £73,235, while in Galston it is a flat at £73,235.
Average Price by Property Type (2025)
Biggest gap: detached homes are 0% pricier in Darvel (£243,517 vs £243,517).
Price Trend (23 Years)
Over the last 21 years, Darvel prices grew faster — 102% vs 102%.
Crime & Safety
Safest in ScotlandWith 2,202.1 offences per 1,000 people, Galston is the safer of the two – 20% lower than Darvel's 2,649.2 per 1,000. The most common crime category in Darvel is other-crime, while in Galston 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 ScotlandDarvel has 68.2% of schools in the top two inspection bands, compared to 68.2% in Galston. Darvel has 54 schools in total, while Galston has 54.
Darvel School Inspection Breakdown
68.2% of 54 schools (47 primary, 7 secondary) sit in the top two inspection bands.
Galston School Inspection Breakdown
68.2% of 54 schools (47 primary, 7 secondary) sit in the top two inspection bands.
| Metric | Darvel | Galston |
|---|---|---|
| Total Schools | 54 | 54 |
| Primary | 47 | 47 |
| Secondary | 7 | 7 |
| % Top two bands | 68.2% | 68.2% |
Broadband & Connectivity
Darvel offers faster average downloads at 396.7 Mbps, compared to 335.6 Mbps in Galston. Superfast coverage (30 Mbps+) reaches 97.2% of premises in Darvel and 94% in Galston. Gigabit availability stands at 75.8% in Darvel and 61.7% in Galston.
Darvel is the faster of the two by 18% on average download speed (397 vs 336 Mbps).
Energy Efficiency & Running Costs
Homes in Galston are more energy-efficient on average, with an EPC score of 59.4 (band D) versus 58.5 (band D) in Darvel. Estimated annual energy costs average £1,480 in Darvel and £1,472 in Galston. 54.3% of homes in Darvel have an EPC rating of C or above, compared to 40.7% in Galston.
Darvel has more energy-efficient housing — 54.3% reach band C or above, vs 40.7% in the other.
Demographics & Economy
Median household income is £35,177 in Galston and £27,064 in Darvel. The median age is 41.6 in Darvel and 41.9 in Galston. Employment rates stand at 74.5% in Darvel and 73.9% in Galston. Owner-occupancy is 62.3% in Darvel versus 64.4% in Galston.
| Indicator | Darvel | Galston |
|---|---|---|
| Population | 3,940 | 4,740 |
| Median Age | 41.6 | 41.9 |
| Median Household Income | £27,064 | £35,177 |
| Employment Rate | 74.5% | 73.9% |
| Owner Occupied | 62.3% | 64.4% |
| Degree-Level Qualified | 30.2% | 30.8% |
Location
Common questions
Frequently asked questions
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