Locacity has analysed crime data across all regions of England and Wales, ranking each region by its average crime rate across major urban areas. The national average across all major urban areas analysed is 101.5 crimes per 1,000 residents. Greater Manchester is excluded as GMP does not publish data through Police.uk.
Key Findings
West Midlands
Lowest regional average crime rate in England and Wales
101.5
National average crimes per 1,000 residents across major urban areas
North East England
Highest regional average crime rate in England and Wales
Regional Rankings — Average Crimes per 1,000 Residents
| Rank | Region | Avg crimes per 1,000 |
|---|---|---|
| 1 | 85.9−15.6 | |
| 2 | 87.9−13.6 | |
| 3 | 89.6−11.9 | |
| 4 | 91−10.5 | |
| 5 | 92.2−9.3 | |
| 6 | North West England(excl. Greater Manchester) | 105.1+3.6 |
| 7 | 106.2+4.7 | |
| 8 | 115.9+14.4 | |
| 9 | 120.2+18.7 | |
| 10 | 128.6+27.1 |
Source: Locacity analysis of Police.uk data (April 2025 – March 2026) and ONS Census 2021 population estimates.
Figures shown are simple averages of BUA crime rates within each region. Green/red indicates below/above the national average of 101.5. Greater Manchester excluded throughout.
Analysis
The West Midlands records the lowest regional average crime rate of any region in England and Wales at 85.9 crimes per 1,000 residents — 15% below the national average. The South East (89.6), Wales (87.9), South West (91.0) and East of England (92.2) also record below-average crime rates.
The North East records the highest regional average at 128.6 crimes per 1,000 residents — 27% above the national average. Yorkshire and the Humber (120.2) and the East Midlands (115.9) also record significantly above-average rates.
London's average of 106.2 crimes per 1,000 residents places it just above the national average, though this figure masks enormous variation — Richmond upon Thames records 63.0 crimes per 1,000 residents while Westminster records 304.1.
The North-South divide in crime rates is clear from the data. Every region in the South of England and Wales records a below-average crime rate, while every Northern region records an above-average rate. The exception is London, which sits close to the national average despite being the country's largest and most complex urban area.
According to a Churchill Home Insurance survey, around 29,000 property sales fall through every year across England and Wales due to buyers' concerns about local crime — representing an estimated £6.6 billion in lost property transactions annually. Regional comparisons provide a useful starting point, but crime levels vary significantly at street level within every region.
Explore by Region
16 major urban areas
18 major urban areas
21 major urban areas
10 major urban areas
15 major urban areas
12 major urban areas
32 major urban areas
6 major urban areas
12 major urban areas
7 major urban areas
What this means for homebuyers and renters
Regional averages are a useful starting point but crime levels vary enormously at street level. A Locacity report gives you a detailed, street-level picture of crime around a specific property — including nearby schools, transport hubs, and 999 police and ambulance response times.
Methodology
- • Regional averages are simple averages of the crime rates of all Built-Up Areas analysed within each region.
- • The national average of 101.5 is a population-weighted average across all regions, giving greater weight to more populous regions such as London.
- • Crime data sourced from Police.uk open data service (April 2025 – March 2026).
- • Population data sourced from ONS Census 2021.
- • Greater Manchester Police does not publish crime data through Police.uk and is excluded from all Locacity analysis. The North West figure therefore excludes Greater Manchester.
- • London uses borough-level analysis rather than ONS Built-Up Areas, as the standard BUA framework does not apply to Greater London.