Forfar vs Kirriemuir
Which is better to live in? Distance: 5.0 miles apart.
The verdict
When it comes to cost of living, Forfar wins on house prices with a 0% gap. Forfar has the lower crime rate of the two. For families, Forfar edges ahead on school quality.
Avg House Price
Forfar
£167,088
Kirriemuir
£167,088
Crime Rate
Forfar
499.7
Kirriemuir
1161.9
Top-Two School Inspection Bands
Forfar
91.1%
Kirriemuir
91.1%
Avg Download Speed
Forfar
250.4
Kirriemuir
250.4
EPC Rating
Forfar
61.7
Kirriemuir
60.8
Median Income
Forfar
£35,507
Kirriemuir
£26,925
House Prices (2025)
Most affordable in ScotlandAt £167,088, Forfar undercuts Kirriemuir (£167,088) by around 0% on average house prices. The most affordable entry point in Forfar is a flat at £94,981, while in Kirriemuir it is a flat at £94,981.
Average Price by Property Type (2025)
Biggest gap: detached homes are 0% pricier in Forfar (£290,784 vs £290,784).
Price Trend (23 Years)
Over the last 21 years, Forfar prices grew faster — 127% vs 127%.
Crime & Safety
Safest in ScotlandResidents of Forfar experience less crime overall, with a rate of 499.7 per 1,000 versus 1,161.9 per 1,000 in Kirriemuir. The most common crime category in Forfar is other-crime, while in Kirriemuir 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 ScotlandOf the 59 schools in Forfar, 91.1% are in the top two inspection bands. In Kirriemuir, which has 59 schools, the figure is 91.1%.
Forfar School Inspection Breakdown
91.1% of 59 schools (51 primary, 8 secondary) sit in the top two inspection bands.
Kirriemuir School Inspection Breakdown
91.1% of 59 schools (51 primary, 8 secondary) sit in the top two inspection bands.
| Metric | Forfar | Kirriemuir |
|---|---|---|
| Total Schools | 59 | 59 |
| Primary | 51 | 51 |
| Secondary | 8 | 8 |
| % Top two bands | 91.1% | 91.1% |
Broadband & Connectivity
Broadband in Forfar averages 250.4 Mbps – ahead of Kirriemuir's 250.4 Mbps. Superfast coverage (30 Mbps+) reaches 69.6% of premises in Forfar and 69.6% in Kirriemuir. Gigabit availability stands at 45.4% in Forfar and 45.4% in Kirriemuir.
Forfar is the faster of the two by 0% on average download speed (250 vs 250 Mbps).
Energy Efficiency & Running Costs
Energy efficiency favours Forfar, scoring 61.7 on average (band D) compared to 60.8 (band D) in Kirriemuir. Estimated annual energy costs average £1,393 in Forfar and £1,312 in Kirriemuir. 53.9% of homes in Forfar have an EPC rating of C or above, compared to 47.6% in Kirriemuir.
Forfar has more energy-efficient housing — 53.9% reach band C or above, vs 47.6% in the other.
Demographics & Economy
Median household income is £35,507 in Forfar and £26,925 in Kirriemuir. The median age is 42.7 in Forfar and 42.4 in Kirriemuir. Employment rates stand at 74.9% in Forfar and 76% in Kirriemuir. Owner-occupancy is 46% in Forfar versus 52.3% in Kirriemuir. Forfar has a population of 14,230 and Kirriemuir has 6,120.
| Indicator | Forfar | Kirriemuir |
|---|---|---|
| Population | 14,230 | 6,120 |
| Median Age | 42.7 | 42.4 |
| Median Household Income | £35,507 | £26,925 |
| Employment Rate | 74.9% | 76% |
| Owner Occupied | 46% | 52.3% |
| Degree-Level Qualified | 33% | 30.5% |
Location
Common questions
Frequently asked questions
How far apart are Forfar and Kirriemuir?
Which is cheaper to buy a house in, Forfar or Kirriemuir?
Is Forfar or Kirriemuir safer?
Which has better schools, Forfar or Kirriemuir?
Which has faster broadband, Forfar or Kirriemuir?
Keep exploring