Irvine vs Kilwinning
Which is better to live in? Distance: 3.3 miles apart.
The verdict
Irvine is the more affordable option, with average house prices around 0% lower. Irvine has the lower crime rate of the two. For families, Irvine edges ahead on school quality.
Avg House Price
Irvine
£132,002
Kilwinning
£132,002
Crime Rate
Irvine
315.2
Kilwinning
720.7
Top-Two School Inspection Bands
Irvine
90.9%
Kilwinning
90.9%
Avg Download Speed
Irvine
434.7
Kilwinning
427.3
EPC Rating
Irvine
59.2
Kilwinning
66.1
Median Income
Irvine
£25,202
Kilwinning
£32,130
House Prices (2025)
Most affordable in ScotlandProperty in Kilwinning commands an average of £132,002, compared with £132,002 in Irvine – a difference of 0%. The most affordable entry point in Irvine is a flat at £84,787, while in Kilwinning it is a flat at £84,787.
Average Price by Property Type (2025)
Biggest gap: detached homes are 0% pricier in Irvine (£258,273 vs £258,273).
Price Trend (23 Years)
Over the last 21 years, Irvine prices grew faster — 105% vs 105%.
Crime & Safety
Safest in ScotlandIrvine has a crime rate of 315.2 per 1,000 residents, which is 129% lower than Kilwinning at 720.7 per 1,000. The most common crime category in Irvine is other-crime, while in Kilwinning 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 Irvine, where 90.9% of schools are in the top two inspection bands versus 90.9% in Kilwinning. There are 59 schools in Irvine and 59 in Kilwinning.
Irvine School Inspection Breakdown
90.9% of 59 schools (51 primary, 8 secondary) sit in the top two inspection bands.
Kilwinning School Inspection Breakdown
90.9% of 59 schools (51 primary, 8 secondary) sit in the top two inspection bands.
| Metric | Irvine | Kilwinning |
|---|---|---|
| Total Schools | 59 | 59 |
| Primary | 51 | 51 |
| Secondary | 8 | 8 |
| % Top two bands | 90.9% | 90.9% |
Broadband & Connectivity
Average broadband speeds are 434.7 Mbps in Irvine and 427.3 Mbps in Kilwinning. Superfast coverage (30 Mbps+) reaches 96% of premises in Irvine and 98.8% in Kilwinning. Gigabit availability stands at 84.9% in Irvine and 82.8% in Kilwinning.
Irvine is the faster of the two by 2% on average download speed (435 vs 427 Mbps).
Energy Efficiency & Running Costs
Kilwinning leads on energy efficiency with an average EPC score of 66.1 (D), while Irvine averages 59.2 (D). Estimated annual energy costs average £1,653 in Irvine and £1,595 in Kilwinning. 44.4% of homes in Irvine have an EPC rating of C or above, compared to 51.5% in Kilwinning.
Kilwinning has more energy-efficient housing — 51.5% reach band C or above, vs 44.4% in the other.
Demographics & Economy
Median household income is £32,130 in Kilwinning and £25,202 in Irvine. The median age is 41.8 in Irvine and 44.4 in Kilwinning. Owner-occupancy is 60.8% in Irvine versus 56.8% in Kilwinning. Employment rates stand at 69.9% in Irvine and 72.3% in Kilwinning.
| Indicator | Irvine | Kilwinning |
|---|---|---|
| Population | 37,630 | 16,460 |
| Median Age | 41.8 | 44.4 |
| Median Household Income | £25,202 | £32,130 |
| Employment Rate | 69.9% | 72.3% |
| Owner Occupied | 60.8% | 56.8% |
| Degree-Level Qualified | 27% | 25.2% |
Location
Common questions
Frequently asked questions
How far apart are Irvine and Kilwinning?
Which is cheaper to buy a house in, Irvine or Kilwinning?
Is Irvine or Kilwinning safer?
Which has better schools, Irvine or Kilwinning?
Which has faster broadband, Irvine or Kilwinning?
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