Living in Ross-on-Wye

Town

Ross-on-Wye is a small town in West Midlands with a population of 12,673. It has strong schools, with 75% rated Good or Outstanding and a very low crime rate of 35 per 1,000 residents, with average house prices around £270k. Ross-on-Wye stands out for its excellent public transport connectivity, making car-free living very feasible.

£270k
Median property price ↓ 3.5%
35
Crimes per 1,000 residents
4
Schools (3 Good/Outstanding)
Excellent
Transport rating · Hereford

About Ross-on-Wye

Overview

Herefordshire town overlooking the Wye Valley with market house, riverside walks, and Man of Ross heritage. Located in West Midlands, Ross-on-Wye has a population of approximately 12,673 residents, making it a compact town by UK standards. The primary postcode area is HR9.

Ross-on-Wye sits within West Midlands and is well connected to neighbouring areas. The local property market is at the affordable end of the spectrum, with a median price of £270k that is 6% below the West Midlands average of £289k. The area has a very low crime rate compared to similar areas.

Key facts about Ross-on-Wye

  • Excellent public transport links
  • Nearest station: Hereford
  • Part of West Midlands
  • High proportion of Good/Outstanding schools
  • Very low crime rate
  • Region: West Midlands
  • Population: ~12,673
  • Median property price: £270k
  • Crime rate: 35 per 1,000
  • Ofsted: 75% schools Good/Outstanding

Property prices in Ross-on-Wye (2026)

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

£270k
Median price
↓ 3.5%
Year-on-year change

Property market analysis

The median property price in Ross-on-Wye currently stands at £270k, placing it in the affordable segment of the West Midlands market. This is 6% below the West Midlands average of £289k. Over the past twelve months, prices in Ross-on-Wye have been softening slightly, with a year-on-year change of -3.5%.

The decline in prices may reflect broader market conditions rather than area-specific issues. For buyers with a long-term horizon, this could represent an attractive entry point into a well-connected town.

For context, the most affordable areas in West Midlands have median prices around £140k, while the most expensive areas reach £525k. Ross-on-Wye 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 Ross-on-Wye

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

Low crime 34.6 crimes per 1,000 residents

Crime rate analysis

Ross-on-Wye has a very low crime rate of 34.6 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 Ross-on-Wye. Our AI-generated analysis puts the numbers in plain English so you can make an informed decision.

Schools in Ross-on-Wye

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

4
Total schools
75%
Good or Outstanding

Schools analysis

Ross-on-Wye 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 Ross-on-Wye 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 Ross-on-Wye

Excellent transport Nearest station: Hereford

Transport links analysis

Ross-on-Wye 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 Hereford, providing regular services to surrounding areas. Transport connectivity data is sourced from NaPTAN, the official UK database of public transport access points.

For commuters, Ross-on-Wye 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 Ross-on-Wye are a key factor supporting its property values.

Living in Ross-on-Wye — lifestyle and amenities

Ross-on-Wye is a compact town in West Midlands with a population of around 12,673. The area has a community feel with local shops, cafes, and green spaces contributing to quality of life.

Who lives in Ross-on-Wye? 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 Ross-on-Wye 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 Ross-on-Wye

Is Ross-on-Wye a good place to live?

Ross-on-Wye is a small town in West Midlands with excellent transport, strong schools, with 75% rated Good or Outstanding, and a median house price of £270k. The crime rate is very low at 35 per 1,000 residents.

What is the population of Ross-on-Wye?

Ross-on-Wye has a population of approximately 12,673, making it a small town by UK standards.

Is Ross-on-Wye a safe area?

Ross-on-Wye has a very low crime rate of 35 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 Ross-on-Wye like?

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

What is the average house price in Ross-on-Wye?

The median property price in Ross-on-Wye is £270k, which is 6% below the West Midlands average of £289k. Prices have been softening slightly over the past year.

Where does this data come from?

All data in this Ross-on-Wye 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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