Living in Petworth

Town

Petworth is a village in South East with a population of 3,265. It has strong schools, with 75% rated Good or Outstanding and a very low crime rate of 13 per 1,000 residents, with average house prices around £378k. It is one of the safer areas in South East, making it particularly attractive to families.

£378k
Median property price ↑ 3.4%
13
Crimes per 1,000 residents
4
Schools (3 Good/Outstanding)
Moderate
Transport rating · Pulborough

About Petworth

Overview

West Sussex town with National Trust house and deer park, antiques, and Turner connections. Located in South East, Petworth has a population of approximately 3,265 residents, making it a compact town by UK standards. The primary postcode area is GU28.

Petworth sits within South East and is well connected to neighbouring areas. The local property market is at the affordable end of the spectrum, with a median price of £378k that is 14% below the South East average of £437k. The area has a very low crime rate compared to similar areas.

Key facts about Petworth

  • Moderate public transport links
  • Nearest station: Pulborough
  • Part of South East
  • High proportion of Good/Outstanding schools
  • Very low crime rate
  • Region: South East
  • Population: ~3,265
  • Median property price: £378k
  • Crime rate: 13 per 1,000
  • Ofsted: 75% schools Good/Outstanding

Property prices in Petworth (2026)

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

£378k
Median price
↑ 3.4%
Year-on-year change

Property market analysis

The median property price in Petworth currently stands at £378k, placing it in the affordable segment of the South East market. This is 14% below the South East average of £437k. Over the past twelve months, prices in Petworth have been on an upward trend, with a year-on-year change of +3.4%.

This rate of growth outpaces many comparable areas in South East and suggests continued demand from buyers. Factors driving price appreciation may include transport improvements, new developments, or an influx of buyers priced out of more expensive neighbouring areas.

For context, the most affordable areas in South East have median prices around £238k, while the most expensive areas reach £1.3M. Petworth 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 Petworth

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

Low crime 12.6 crimes per 1,000 residents

Crime rate analysis

Petworth has a very low crime rate of 12.6 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 Petworth. Our AI-generated analysis puts the numbers in plain English so you can make an informed decision.

Schools in Petworth

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

4
Total schools
75%
Good or Outstanding

Schools analysis

Petworth has 4 schools in the local area, of which 3 (75%) have been rated Good or Outstanding by Ofsted. This represents a strong level of school quality. While the majority of schools perform well, parents should research individual schools carefully. Ofsted ratings can change between inspections, and a school's suitability depends on your child's specific needs.

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 Petworth 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 Petworth

Moderate transport Nearest station: Pulborough

Transport links analysis

Petworth has moderate transport links. While services are available, a car may be useful for some journeys, particularly during off-peak hours. The nearest railway station is Pulborough, providing regular services to surrounding areas. Transport connectivity data is sourced from NaPTAN, the official UK database of public transport access points.

Commuters from Petworth should factor in travel times carefully. Rail services may be less frequent than in larger centres, and a car is advisable for maximum flexibility.

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. Planned transport improvements could be a catalyst for future price growth in Petworth.

Living in Petworth — lifestyle and amenities

Petworth is a compact town in South East with a population of around 3,265. The area has a community feel with local shops, cafes, and green spaces contributing to quality of life.

Who lives in Petworth? 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 Petworth 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 Petworth

Is Petworth a good place to live?

Petworth is a village in South East with moderate transport, strong schools, with 75% rated Good or Outstanding, and a median house price of £378k. The crime rate is very low at 13 per 1,000 residents.

What is the population of Petworth?

Petworth has a population of approximately 3,265, making it a village by UK standards.

Is Petworth a safe area?

Petworth has a very low crime rate of 13 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 Petworth like?

There are 4 schools in Petworth, of which 3 (75%) are rated Good or Outstanding by Ofsted — a strong level of school quality.

What is the average house price in Petworth?

The median property price in Petworth is £378k, which is 14% below the South East average of £437k. Prices have been on an upward trend over the past year.

Where does this data come from?

All data in this Petworth 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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