Living in Dundee

City

Dundee is a large town in Scotland with a population of 155,831. It has strong schools, with 83% rated Good or Outstanding and an above-average crime rate of 80 per 1,000 residents, with average house prices around £167k. Good transport links connect it to major employment centres and neighbouring areas.

£167k
Median property price ↑ 0.8%
80
Crimes per 1,000 residents
35
Schools (29 Good/Outstanding)
Good
Transport rating · Dundee

About Dundee

Overview

Scotland's sunniest city with V&A museum, waterfront regeneration, and game design industry. Located in Scotland, Dundee has a population of approximately 155,831 residents, making it a mid-sized city by UK standards. The primary postcode area is DD1.

Dundee sits within Scotland and is well connected to neighbouring areas. The local property market is at the entry-level end of the spectrum, with a median price of £167k that is 21% below the Scotland average of £211k. The area has a above average crime rate compared to similar areas.

Key facts about Dundee

  • Good public transport connections
  • Nearest station: Dundee
  • High proportion of Good/Outstanding schools
  • Affordable property market
  • Region: Scotland
  • Population: ~155,831
  • Median property price: £167k
  • Crime rate: 80 per 1,000
  • Ofsted: 83% schools Good/Outstanding

Property prices in Dundee (2026)

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

£167k
Median price
↑ 0.8%
Year-on-year change

Property market analysis

The median property price in Dundee currently stands at £167k, placing it in the entry-level segment of the Scotland market. This is 21% below the Scotland average of £211k. Over the past twelve months, prices in Dundee have been edging upward, with a year-on-year change of +0.8%.

This moderate growth is consistent with the broader Scotland 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 Scotland have median prices around £140k, while the most expensive areas reach £345k. Dundee sits towards the more affordable end 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 Dundee

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

Medium crime 80.2 crimes per 1,000 residents

Crime rate analysis

Dundee has a above average crime rate of 80.2 offences per 1,000 residents per year. This is above the national average of 62 per 1,000. This level is typical for well-populated urban areas and should be considered in the context of the area's size and character.

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 Dundee. Our AI-generated analysis puts the numbers in plain English so you can make an informed decision.

Schools in Dundee

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

35
Total schools
83%
Good or Outstanding

Schools analysis

Dundee has 35 schools in the local area, of which 29 (83%) have been rated Good or Outstanding by Ofsted. This represents a strong level of school quality. Families moving to the area will find an excellent range of well-regarded schools, which is also a contributing factor to the area's property prices — proximity to top-rated schools typically adds a premium of 8-12% to property values.

Primary and secondary schools: The area serves families with children of all ages, with both primary and secondary schools available locally. With a large number of schools, parents have genuine choice in finding the right fit for their children.

Catchment areas and admissions: Most schools in Dundee 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 Dundee

Good transport Nearest station: Dundee

Transport links analysis

Dundee has good public transport links, with regular services connecting the area to major employment centres and neighbouring towns. The nearest railway station is Dundee, providing regular services to surrounding areas. Transport connectivity data is sourced from NaPTAN, the official UK database of public transport access points.

For commuters, Dundee 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 good transport connectivity in Dundee provides solid support for property values.

Living in Dundee — lifestyle and amenities

Dundee is a mid-sized city in Scotland with a population of around 155,831. As a major urban centre, it provides a full range of amenities including shops, restaurants, leisure facilities, and cultural venues.

Who lives in Dundee? 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: Dundee has a comprehensive selection of high street retailers, independent shops, and dining options ranging from casual cafes to fine dining.

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Frequently asked questions about Dundee

Is Dundee a good place to live?

Dundee is a large town in Scotland with good transport, strong schools, with 83% rated Good or Outstanding, and a median house price of £167k. The crime rate is above average at 80 per 1,000 residents.

What is the population of Dundee?

Dundee has a population of approximately 155,831, making it a large town by UK standards.

Is Dundee a safe area?

Dundee has an above-average crime rate of 80 per 1,000 residents, which is above the national average of 62 per 1,000. Crime data is from Police.uk and covers all reported offences.

What are the schools in Dundee like?

There are 35 schools in Dundee, of which 29 (83%) are rated Good or Outstanding by Ofsted — a strong level of school quality.

What is the average house price in Dundee?

The median property price in Dundee is £167k, which is 21% below the Scotland average of £211k. Prices have been edging upward over the past year.

Where does this data come from?

All data in this Dundee 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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