West Yorkshire, a county recognized for its cities, towns, and industrial history, presents a variety of living environments. A critical aspect influencing the quality of life in any location is safety. Examining local crime statistics is vital for making informed decisions about housing, family environments, and property investments. Safety impacts peace of mind and property values, making it a key consideration for current and future residents.
This article analyzes the crime statistics across West Yorkshire, identifying areas with the lowest reported crime rates. By using weighted crime rates and comparisons against West Yorkshire and national benchmarks, we highlight five postcode areas that offer a higher degree of security. This analysis covers overall crime rates and specific categories, including violent crime, property crime, theft, and public order offenses. This provides a detailed area-by-area assessment of the unique characteristics and safety profiles of each location, providing the insights needed for informed decisions about choosing a home.
Bradford (BD11)
Situated within the City of Bradford, the BD11 postcode area incorporates both residential and commercial zones. The area features a mix of long-standing communities and developing sites, contributing to the dynamic of the location.
Concerning safety, the BD11 area exhibits lower crime rates when compared to West Yorkshire and national baselines. The weighted crime rate, which emphasizes violent and property offenses, is 13 incidents per 1,000 households annually. This is substantially below the county average of 62.03 and the national average of 47.22. Specifically, violent crime is 80.5% lower than the West Yorkshire average, and property crime is 72.1% lower. Theft offenses are significantly lower, at 88.1% below the county average, while public order incidents are 76.3% lower than the county average.
These data indicate a comparatively safer environment for residents of BD11 relative to other areas of West Yorkshire and the country. These crime statistics may lead to increased peace of mind and enhanced community cohesion, offering a more attractive environment for families and individuals considering relocation. Continuous vigilance remains necessary, but the data suggests BD11 provides a secure living environment.
Huddersfield (HD8)
The HD8 postcode area, composed of villages such as Shelley and Kirkburton south-east of Huddersfield, offers a combination of rural characteristics and community within West Yorkshire. Defined by historic locales and landscapes, it provides a living environment.
Regarding safety, HD8 exhibits crime rates below both the West Yorkshire and national averages. The weighted crime rate, prioritizing violent and property offenses, is approximately 13 incidents per 1,000 households annually. This is lower than the West Yorkshire average of 62.03 and the national average of 47.22. Violent crime in HD8 is 78.4% lower than the county average, and property crime is 78.1% lower. Theft and public order offenses show rates 81.9% and 78.2% lower than the county average, respectively.
The crime figures suggest HD8 offers a safer setting compared to other areas in West Yorkshire and nationally. The levels of crime may enhance security and community well-being for inhabitants. Proximity to the Emley Moor transmitting station, along with community events like the Skelmanthorpe Feast, combines living with social opportunities, supported by the reassuring safety profile shown in these crime statistics.
Leeds (LS25)
The LS25 area, located east of Leeds and including areas like Micklefield and Garforth, consists of residential communities and transport services such as the Micklefield railway station on the Selby and York Lines.
The LS25 postcode area generally experiences crime rates lower than the wider West Yorkshire region and the national average. The weighted crime rate in LS25 is approximately 16.11 incidents per 1,000 households annually, lower than the West Yorkshire average of 62.03 and the national average of 47.22 demonstrating safety. Specifically, violent crime is 76.1% lower than the county average, and property crime is 65.9% lower. Theft and public order offenses reflect similar trends, with rates 82.3% and 69.6% lower than the West Yorkshire average, respectively.
For residents, the figures indicate a secure living environment, encouraging peace of mind. The area offers accessibility to Leeds, with a crime profile compared to areas within the city. There can be variations within LS25, but the overall trend shows enhanced safety. The south-east postcode areas, closer to Kippax, could be influenced by the town's community spirit.
Holmfirth (HD9)
Located in the Holme Valley of West Yorkshire, the HD9 postcode area centers around Holmfirth, known for its landscapes and community connections. This area, historically a center for textile production, balances its characteristics with the amenities of a district.
The HD9 area presents crime rates when compared to West Yorkshire and national rates. The weighted crime rate is approximately 21.28 incidents per 1,000 households annually, significantly below the West Yorkshire average of 62.03 and the national average of 47.22. Regarding crime, violent crime is 59.6% lower than the county average, and property crime is 71.0% lower. Theft and public order offenses are substantially lower, at 75.3% and 69.6% below the West Yorkshire averages, respectively.
These statistics suggest a secure environment for residents of Holmfirth and locations like Upperthong and Netherthong in the Holme Valley. The area attracts tourists drawn to its scenery and heritage, while the crime rates may enhance community well-being. Families and individuals may find reassurance in the data, though attention to safety remains important, with bus routes served via the central bus station.
Wetherby (LS23)
The LS23 postcode area is located south of the town of Wetherby, which includes Boston Spa, offering architecture and proximity to the River Wharfe. The area provides scenery and amenities.
The LS23 area demonstrates crime rates compared to West Yorkshire and national figures. The weighted crime rate, assessing different types of crime, is approximately 21.63 incidents per 1,000 households annually. This is lower than the West Yorkshire average of 62.03 and the national average of 47.22. Violent crime is 59.6% lower than the county average, and property crime is 70.2% lower. Theft and public order offenses show reductions, with rates 82.8% and 61.9% lower than the West Yorkshire averages, respectively.
These figures suggest an environment for residents in the LS23 area. The crime information can contribute to enhanced security, promoting community well-being and making it an location for families. The area offers amenities and bus routes traversing the Wharfe via the Thorp Arch Bridge, but attention to safety remains important.