Glenrothes vs Methil, Leven and Buckhaven
Which is better to live in? Distance: 5.7 miles apart.
The verdict
Glenrothes is the more affordable option, with average house prices around 0% lower. Glenrothes has the lower crime rate of the two. For families, Glenrothes edges ahead on school quality.
Avg House Price
Glenrothes
£170,439
Methil, Leven and Buckhaven
£170,439
Crime Rate
Glenrothes
625.5
Methil, Leven and Buckhaven
963.1
Top-Two School Inspection Bands
Glenrothes
81.8%
Methil, Leven and Buckhaven
81.8%
Avg Download Speed
Glenrothes
371.6
Methil, Leven and Buckhaven
455.1
EPC Rating
Glenrothes
56.4
Methil, Leven and Buckhaven
56
Median Income
Glenrothes
£35,351
Methil, Leven and Buckhaven
£33,871
House Prices (2025)
Most affordable in ScotlandProperty in Methil, Leven And Buckhaven commands an average of £170,439, compared with £170,439 in Glenrothes – a difference of 0%. The most affordable entry point in Glenrothes is a flat at £107,206, while in Methil, Leven And Buckhaven it is a flat at £107,206.
Average Price by Property Type (2025)
Biggest gap: detached homes are 0% pricier in Glenrothes (£327,003 vs £327,003).
Price Trend (23 Years)
Over the last 21 years, Glenrothes prices grew faster — 127% vs 127%.
Crime & Safety
Safest in ScotlandGlenrothes has a crime rate of 625.5 per 1,000 residents, which is 54% lower than Methil, Leven And Buckhaven at 963.1 per 1,000. The most common crime category in Glenrothes is other-crime, while in Methil, Leven And Buckhaven 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 Glenrothes, where 81.8% of schools are in the top two inspection bands versus 81.8% in Methil, Leven And Buckhaven. There are 159 schools in Glenrothes and 159 in Methil, Leven And Buckhaven.
Glenrothes School Inspection Breakdown
81.8% of 159 schools (142 primary, 17 secondary) sit in the top two inspection bands.
Methil, Leven and Buckhaven School Inspection Breakdown
81.8% of 159 schools (142 primary, 17 secondary) sit in the top two inspection bands.
| Metric | Glenrothes | Methil, Leven and Buckhaven |
|---|---|---|
| Total Schools | 159 | 159 |
| Primary | 142 | 142 |
| Secondary | 17 | 17 |
| % Top two bands | 81.8% | 81.8% |
Broadband & Connectivity
Average broadband speeds are 455.1 Mbps in Methil, Leven And Buckhaven and 371.6 Mbps in Glenrothes. Superfast coverage (30 Mbps+) reaches 98.2% of premises in Glenrothes and 96.3% in Methil, Leven And Buckhaven. Gigabit availability stands at 69.4% in Glenrothes and 89.5% in Methil, Leven And Buckhaven.
Methil, Leven And Buckhaven is the faster of the two by 22% on average download speed (455 vs 372 Mbps).
Energy Efficiency & Running Costs
Energy efficiency favours Glenrothes, scoring 56.4 on average (band D) compared to 56 (band D) in Methil, Leven And Buckhaven. Estimated annual energy costs average £1,584 in Glenrothes and £1,726 in Methil, Leven And Buckhaven. 33.6% of homes in Glenrothes have an EPC rating of C or above, compared to 75.2% in Methil, Leven And Buckhaven.
Methil, Leven And Buckhaven has more energy-efficient housing — 75.2% reach band C or above, vs 33.6% in the other.
Demographics & Economy
Median household income is £35,351 in Glenrothes and £33,871 in Methil, Leven And Buckhaven. The median age is 40.8 in Glenrothes and 40.6 in Methil, Leven And Buckhaven. Employment rates stand at 72.4% in Glenrothes and 72.7% in Methil, Leven And Buckhaven. Owner-occupancy is 62.9% in Glenrothes versus 54.8% in Methil, Leven And Buckhaven. Glenrothes has a population of 47,010 and Methil, Leven And Buckhaven has 30,530.
| Indicator | Glenrothes | Methil, Leven and Buckhaven |
|---|---|---|
| Population | 47,010 | 30,530 |
| Median Age | 40.8 | 40.6 |
| Median Household Income | £35,351 | £33,871 |
| Employment Rate | 72.4% | 72.7% |
| Owner Occupied | 62.9% | 54.8% |
| Degree-Level Qualified | 31% | 27.6% |
Location
Common questions
Frequently asked questions
How far apart are Glenrothes and Methil, Leven And Buckhaven?
Which is cheaper to buy a house in, Glenrothes or Methil, Leven And Buckhaven?
Is Glenrothes or Methil, Leven And Buckhaven safer?
Which has better schools, Glenrothes or Methil, Leven And Buckhaven?
Which has faster broadband, Glenrothes or Methil, Leven And Buckhaven?
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