Living in Cirencester

Town

Cirencester is a town in South West with a population of 20,390. It has a mixed school picture, with 40% rated Good or Outstanding and a very low crime rate of 39 per 1,000 residents, with average house prices around £335k. Cirencester stands out for its excellent public transport connectivity, making car-free living very feasible.

£335k
Median property price ↑ 0.8%
39
Crimes per 1,000 residents
5
Schools (2 Good/Outstanding)
Excellent
Transport rating · Kemble

About Cirencester

Overview

Capital of the Cotswolds with Roman heritage, abbey grounds, and upmarket independent shops. Located in South West, Cirencester has a population of approximately 20,390 residents, making it a compact town by UK standards. The primary postcode area is GL7.

Cirencester sits within South West and is well connected to neighbouring areas. The local property market is at the affordable end of the spectrum, with a median price of £335k that is 5% above the South West average of £319k. The area has a very low crime rate compared to similar areas.

Key facts about Cirencester

  • Excellent public transport links
  • Nearest station: Kemble
  • Part of South West
  • Very low crime rate
  • Region: South West
  • Population: ~20,390
  • Median property price: £335k
  • Crime rate: 39 per 1,000
  • Ofsted: 40% schools Good/Outstanding

Property prices in Cirencester (2026)

Based on HM Land Registry Price Paid data, updated regularly.

£335k
Median price
↑ 0.8%
Year-on-year change

Property market analysis

The median property price in Cirencester currently stands at £335k, placing it in the affordable segment of the South West market. This is 5% above the South West average of £319k. Over the past twelve months, prices in Cirencester have been edging upward, with a year-on-year change of +0.8%.

This moderate growth is consistent with the broader South West market, where demand continues to be supported by limited housing stock and sustained interest from both first-time buyers and those moving from more expensive areas.

For context, the most affordable areas in South West have median prices around £198k, while the most expensive areas reach £742k. Cirencester sits in the middle of this range.

What types of property are available? At this price level, buyers can access a range of property types including flats, terraced houses, and some semi-detached homes. This makes the area attractive to both first-time buyers and young families.

Crime and safety in Cirencester

Crime data sourced from Police.uk, which records all crimes reported to police forces across England and Wales.

Low crime 39.0 crimes per 1,000 residents

Crime rate analysis

Cirencester has a very low crime rate of 39.0 offences per 1,000 residents per year. This is below the national average of 62 per 1,000. This low crime rate suggests the area is one of the safer locations in the region, which is often reflected in higher property valuations.

Understanding crime statistics: Raw crime numbers can be misleading without context. Areas with high footfall (shopping centres, transport hubs, nightlife) naturally record more incidents. The crimes-per-1,000-residents metric normalises for population size but does not account for visitors. When assessing safety, consider the types of crime most relevant to you — residential burglary and vehicle crime are more directly relevant to homeowners than shoplifting or public order offences.

For a full breakdown by crime category, monthly trends, and year-on-year comparison, sign up for Check Local's detailed safety report for Cirencester. Our AI-generated analysis puts the numbers in plain English so you can make an informed decision.

Schools in Cirencester

School data from the Department for Education (DfE) and Ofsted.

5
Total schools
40%
Good or Outstanding

Schools analysis

Cirencester has 5 schools in the local area, of which 2 (40%) have been rated Good or Outstanding by Ofsted. This represents a mixed level of school quality. Parents considering the area should research individual schools thoroughly. Ofsted ratings provide a useful starting point, but visiting schools and speaking to other parents is equally important.

Primary and secondary schools: The area serves families with children of all ages, with both primary and secondary schools available locally. The smaller number of schools means catchment areas are important — check distances carefully before committing to a property.

Catchment areas and admissions: Most schools in Cirencester use distance-based admissions criteria, meaning the closer you live to a school, the more likely your child is to gain a place. Popular schools can have very tight catchment areas. Check Local's detailed schools report shows the distance from any address to every nearby school, with full Ofsted ratings and Key Stage results.

Transport and commuting in Cirencester

Excellent transport Nearest station: Kemble

Transport links analysis

Cirencester benefits from outstanding public transport connectivity, making it easy to reach central London, major airports, and neighbouring areas without a car. The nearest railway station is Kemble, providing regular services to surrounding areas. Transport connectivity data is sourced from NaPTAN, the official UK database of public transport access points.

For commuters, Cirencester offers strong connectivity. Regular rail services connect the area to major employment centres, and bus routes serve local destinations.

Impact on property values: Transport links are one of the strongest predictors of property prices. Areas within walking distance of a station typically command a premium of 10-15% over areas further away. The excellent transport links in Cirencester are a key factor supporting its property values.

Living in Cirencester — lifestyle and amenities

Cirencester is a compact town in South West with a population of around 20,390. The area has a community feel with local shops, cafes, and green spaces contributing to quality of life.

Who lives in Cirencester? The affordable property prices make this area popular with first-time buyers, young families, and those looking for better value. It often attracts buyers priced out of more expensive neighbouring areas.

Green spaces and recreation: The area offers access to parks, playing fields, and countryside walks, providing a balance between urban convenience and outdoor recreation.

Shopping and dining: While Cirencester may not have the range of a major city, local shops and eateries provide for daily needs, with larger centres accessible within a short drive or train ride.

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Frequently asked questions about Cirencester

Is Cirencester a good place to live?

Cirencester is a town in South West with excellent transport, a mixed school picture, with 40% rated Good or Outstanding, and a median house price of £335k. The crime rate is very low at 39 per 1,000 residents.

What is the population of Cirencester?

Cirencester has a population of approximately 20,390, making it a town by UK standards.

Is Cirencester a safe area?

Cirencester has a very low crime rate of 39 per 1,000 residents, which is below the national average of 62 per 1,000. Crime data is from Police.uk and covers all reported offences.

What are the schools in Cirencester like?

There are 5 schools in Cirencester, of which 2 (40%) are rated Good or Outstanding by Ofsted — a mixed level of school quality.

What is the average house price in Cirencester?

The median property price in Cirencester is £335k, which is 5% above the South West average of £319k. Prices have been edging upward over the past year.

Where does this data come from?

All data in this Cirencester area guide is sourced from verified official UK government and public sector data providers. We combine property transaction records, crime statistics, school inspection data, transport network data, and census information to build a complete picture of every area.

We do not scrape, estimate, or fabricate any figures. Check Local processes and combines these official datasets to produce a unified area intelligence report. Our AI then generates plain-English narratives to help you understand what the numbers actually mean for your day-to-day life.

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