Town comparison
Fairford vs South Cerney
Which is better to live in? 6.8 miles apart — compared on house prices, crime, schools, broadband and more.
The verdict
Fairford is the more affordable option, with average house prices around 12% lower. South Cerney has the lower crime rate of the two. For families, Fairford edges ahead on school quality.
Avg House Price
Fairford
£478,257
South Cerney
£542,773
Crime Rate
Fairford
45.0
South Cerney
44.7
Top-Two School Inspection Bands
Fairford
100.0%
South Cerney
100.0%
Avg Download Speed
Fairford
308.4
South Cerney
308.4
EPC Rating
Fairford
69.5
South Cerney
69.5
Median Income
Fairford
£32,467
South Cerney
£32,467
House Prices (2025)
Most affordable in South WestProperty in South Cerney commands an average of £542,773, compared with £478,257 in Fairford – a difference of 12%. The most affordable entry point in Fairford is a flat at £164,167, while in South Cerney it is a flat at £183,500.
Average Price by Property Type (2025)
Biggest gap: detached homes are 27% pricier in South Cerney (£832,090 vs £604,206).
Price Trend (11 Years)
Over the last 9 years, South Cerney prices grew faster — 62% vs 33%.
Crime & Safety
Safest in South WestSouth Cerney has a crime rate of 44.7 per 1,000 residents, which is 1% lower than Fairford at 45 per 1,000. The most common crime category in Fairford is violent-crime, while in South Cerney 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 South WestFamilies may prefer Fairford, where 100% of schools are in the top two inspection bands versus 100% in South Cerney. There are 2 schools in Fairford and 1 in South Cerney.
Fairford School Inspection Breakdown
100% of 2 schools (1 primary, 1 secondary) sit in the top two inspection bands.
South Cerney School Inspection Breakdown
100% of 1 school (1 primary) sit in the top two inspection bands.
| Metric | Fairford | South Cerney |
|---|---|---|
| Total Schools | 2 | 1 |
| Primary | 1 | 1 |
| Secondary | 1 | 0 |
| % Top two bands | 100% | 100% |
Broadband & Connectivity
Average broadband speeds are 308.4 Mbps in Fairford and 308.4 Mbps in South Cerney. Superfast coverage (30 Mbps+) reaches 94.1% of premises in Fairford and 94.1% in South Cerney. Gigabit availability stands at 55.2% in Fairford and 55.2% in South Cerney.
Fairford is the faster of the two by 0% on average download speed (308 vs 308 Mbps).
Energy Efficiency & Running Costs
Energy efficiency favours Fairford, scoring 69.5 on average (band C) compared to 69.5 (band C) in South Cerney. Estimated annual energy costs average £1,394 in Fairford and £1,394 in South Cerney. 60.1% of homes in Fairford have an EPC rating of C or above, compared to 60.1% in South Cerney.
Fairford has more energy-efficient housing — 60.1% reach band C or above, vs 60.1% in the other.
Demographics & Economy
Median household income is £32,466.8 in Fairford and £32,466.8 in South Cerney. The median age is 46.2 in Fairford and 46.2 in South Cerney. Employment rates stand at 60.7% in Fairford and 60.7% in South Cerney. Owner-occupancy is 67.9% in Fairford versus 67.9% in South Cerney. Fairford has a population of 4,240 and South Cerney has 3,623.
| Indicator | Fairford | South Cerney |
|---|---|---|
| Population | 4,240 | 3,623 |
| Median Age | 46.2 | 46.2 |
| Median Household Income | £32,466.8 | £32,466.8 |
| Employment Rate | 60.7% | 60.7% |
| Owner Occupied | 67.9% | 67.9% |
| Degree-Level Qualified | 39% | 39% |
Location
Common questions
Frequently asked questions
How far apart are Fairford and South Cerney?
Which is cheaper to buy a house in, Fairford or South Cerney?
Is Fairford or South Cerney safer?
Which has better schools, Fairford or South Cerney?
Which has faster broadband, Fairford or South Cerney?
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