Dumfries vs Lockerbie
Which is better to live in? Distance: 10.8 miles apart.
The verdict
Dumfries is the more affordable option, with average house prices around 0% lower. Dumfries has the lower crime rate of the two. For families, Dumfries edges ahead on school quality.
Avg House Price
Dumfries
£162,680
Lockerbie
£162,680
Crime Rate
Dumfries
523.4
Lockerbie
4200.7
Top-Two School Inspection Bands
Dumfries
72.0%
Lockerbie
72.0%
Avg Download Speed
Dumfries
290.2
Lockerbie
205.2
EPC Rating
Dumfries
64.6
Lockerbie
50.3
Median Income
Dumfries
£26,788
Lockerbie
£31,075
House Prices (2025)
Most affordable in ScotlandProperty in Lockerbie commands an average of £162,680, compared with £162,680 in Dumfries – a difference of 0%. The most affordable entry point in Dumfries is a flat at £86,885, while in Lockerbie it is a flat at £86,885.
Average Price by Property Type (2025)
Biggest gap: detached homes are 0% pricier in Dumfries (£247,236 vs £247,236).
Price Trend (23 Years)
Over the last 21 years, Dumfries prices grew faster — 92% vs 92%.
Crime & Safety
Safest in ScotlandDumfries has a crime rate of 523.4 per 1,000 residents, which is 703% lower than Lockerbie at 4,200.7 per 1,000. The most common crime category in Dumfries is other-crime, while in Lockerbie 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 Dumfries, where 72% of schools are in the top two inspection bands versus 72% in Lockerbie. There are 108 schools in Dumfries and 108 in Lockerbie.
Dumfries School Inspection Breakdown
72% of 108 schools (93 primary, 15 secondary) sit in the top two inspection bands.
Lockerbie School Inspection Breakdown
72% of 108 schools (93 primary, 15 secondary) sit in the top two inspection bands.
| Metric | Dumfries | Lockerbie |
|---|---|---|
| Total Schools | 108 | 108 |
| Primary | 93 | 93 |
| Secondary | 15 | 15 |
| % Top two bands | 72% | 72% |
Broadband & Connectivity
Average broadband speeds are 290.2 Mbps in Dumfries and 205.2 Mbps in Lockerbie. Superfast coverage (30 Mbps+) reaches 95.1% of premises in Dumfries and 83.6% in Lockerbie. Gigabit availability stands at 50.7% in Dumfries and 32.4% in Lockerbie.
Dumfries is the faster of the two by 41% on average download speed (290 vs 205 Mbps).
Energy Efficiency & Running Costs
Dumfries leads on energy efficiency with an average EPC score of 64.6 (D), while Lockerbie averages 50.3 (E). Estimated annual energy costs average £1,221 in Dumfries and £1,570 in Lockerbie. 42% of homes in Dumfries have an EPC rating of C or above, compared to 25.2% in Lockerbie.
Dumfries has more energy-efficient housing — 42% reach band C or above, vs 25.2% in the other.
Demographics & Economy
Median household income is £31,075 in Lockerbie and £26,788 in Dumfries. The median age is 43.8 in Dumfries and 38.5 in Lockerbie. Owner-occupancy is 65% in Dumfries versus 68.3% in Lockerbie. Employment rates stand at 74.1% in Dumfries and 73.9% in Lockerbie.
| Indicator | Dumfries | Lockerbie |
|---|---|---|
| Population | 34,030 | 4,240 |
| Median Age | 43.8 | 38.5 |
| Median Household Income | £26,788 | £31,075 |
| Employment Rate | 74.1% | 73.9% |
| Owner Occupied | 65% | 68.3% |
| Degree-Level Qualified | 29.7% | 26.2% |
Location
Common questions
Frequently asked questions
How far apart are Dumfries and Lockerbie?
Which is cheaper to buy a house in, Dumfries or Lockerbie?
Is Dumfries or Lockerbie safer?
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