The verdict
When it comes to cost of living, Laurencekirk wins on house prices with a 0% gap. Stonehaven has the lower crime rate of the two. For families, Laurencekirk edges ahead on school quality.
Avg House Price
Laurencekirk
£200,159
Stonehaven
£200,159
Crime Rate
Laurencekirk
4463.2
Stonehaven
1214.7
Top-Two School Inspection Bands
Laurencekirk
73.6%
Stonehaven
73.6%
Avg Download Speed
Laurencekirk
227.7
Stonehaven
376.2
EPC Rating
Laurencekirk
54
Stonehaven
53.9
Median Income
Laurencekirk
£33,879
Stonehaven
£28,169
House Prices (2025)
Most affordable in ScotlandProperty in Stonehaven commands an average of £200,159, compared with £200,159 in Laurencekirk – a difference of 0%. The most affordable entry point in Laurencekirk is a flat at £102,989, while in Stonehaven it is a flat at £102,989.
Average Price by Property Type (2025)
Biggest gap: detached homes are 0% pricier in Laurencekirk (£291,894 vs £291,894).
Price Trend (23 Years)
Over the last 21 years, Laurencekirk prices grew faster — 112% vs 112%.
Crime & Safety
Safest in ScotlandResidents of Stonehaven experience less crime overall, with a rate of 1,214.7 per 1,000 versus 4,463.2 per 1,000 in Laurencekirk. The most common crime category in Laurencekirk is other-crime, while in Stonehaven 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 Laurencekirk, where 73.6% of schools are in the top two inspection bands versus 73.6% in Stonehaven. There are 165 schools in Laurencekirk and 165 in Stonehaven.
Laurencekirk School Inspection Breakdown
73.6% of 165 schools (149 primary, 16 secondary) sit in the top two inspection bands.
Stonehaven School Inspection Breakdown
73.6% of 165 schools (149 primary, 16 secondary) sit in the top two inspection bands.
| Metric | Laurencekirk | Stonehaven |
|---|---|---|
| Total Schools | 165 | 165 |
| Primary | 149 | 149 |
| Secondary | 16 | 16 |
| % Top two bands | 73.6% | 73.6% |
Broadband & Connectivity
Average broadband speeds are 376.2 Mbps in Stonehaven and 227.7 Mbps in Laurencekirk. Superfast coverage (30 Mbps+) reaches 68.5% of premises in Laurencekirk and 91.8% in Stonehaven. Gigabit availability stands at 40.3% in Laurencekirk and 71.9% in Stonehaven.
Stonehaven is the faster of the two by 65% on average download speed (376 vs 228 Mbps).
Energy Efficiency & Running Costs
Laurencekirk leads on energy efficiency with an average EPC score of 54 (E), while Stonehaven averages 53.9 (E). Estimated annual energy costs average £1,749 in Laurencekirk and £1,390 in Stonehaven. 53.4% of homes in Laurencekirk have an EPC rating of C or above, compared to 47% in Stonehaven.
Laurencekirk has more energy-efficient housing — 53.4% reach band C or above, vs 47% in the other.
Demographics & Economy
Median household income is £33,879 in Laurencekirk and £28,169 in Stonehaven. The median age is 39.9 in Laurencekirk and 39.8 in Stonehaven. Owner-occupancy is 60.7% in Laurencekirk versus 67.7% in Stonehaven. Employment rates stand at 70.9% in Laurencekirk and 76.5% in Stonehaven.
| Indicator | Laurencekirk | Stonehaven |
|---|---|---|
| Population | 3,040 | 11,170 |
| Median Age | 39.9 | 39.8 |
| Median Household Income | £33,879 | £28,169 |
| Employment Rate | 70.9% | 76.5% |
| Owner Occupied | 60.7% | 67.7% |
| Degree-Level Qualified | 34.3% | 39.1% |
Location
Common questions
Frequently asked questions
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