Living in Swansea
CitySwansea is a large town in Wales with a population of 243,152. It has a mixed school picture, with 0% rated Good or Outstanding and a moderate crime rate of 76 per 1,000 residents, with average house prices around £200k. Swansea stands out for its excellent public transport connectivity, making car-free living very feasible.
About Swansea
Overview
Welsh coastal city with sweeping bay, Dylan Thomas heritage, and Gower Peninsula access. Located in Wales, Swansea has a population of approximately 243,152 residents, making it a large city by UK standards. The primary postcode area is SA1.
Swansea sits within Wales 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 £200k that is 16% below the Wales average of £238k. The area has a moderate crime rate compared to similar areas.
Key facts about Swansea
- Excellent public transport links
- Nearest station: Swansea
- Part of Wales
- Affordable property market
- Major population centre
- Region: Wales
- Population: ~243,152
- Median property price: £200k
- Crime rate: 76 per 1,000
- Ofsted: 0% schools Good/Outstanding
Property prices in Swansea (2026)
Based on HM Land Registry Price Paid data, updated regularly.
Property market analysis
The median property price in Swansea currently stands at £200k, placing it in the entry-level segment of the Wales market. This is 16% below the Wales average of £238k. Over the past twelve months, prices in Swansea have been rising strongly, with a year-on-year change of +5.3%.
This rate of growth outpaces many comparable areas in Wales 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 Wales have median prices around £163k, while the most expensive areas reach £480k. Swansea 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 Swansea
Crime data sourced from Police.uk, which records all crimes reported to police forces across England and Wales.
Crime rate analysis
Swansea has a moderate crime rate of 75.7 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 Swansea. Our AI-generated analysis puts the numbers in plain English so you can make an informed decision.
Schools in Swansea
School data from the Department for Education (DfE) and Ofsted.
Schools analysis
Swansea has 98 schools in the local area, of which 0 (0%) 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. 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 Swansea 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 Swansea
Transport links analysis
Swansea 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 Swansea, providing regular services to surrounding areas. Transport connectivity data is sourced from NaPTAN, the official UK database of public transport access points.
For commuters, Swansea 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 Swansea are a key factor supporting its property values.
Living in Swansea — lifestyle and amenities
Swansea is a large city in Wales with a population of around 243,152. As a major urban centre, it provides a full range of amenities including shops, restaurants, leisure facilities, and cultural venues.
Who lives in Swansea? 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: Swansea has a comprehensive selection of high street retailers, independent shops, and dining options ranging from casual cafes to fine dining.
Frequently asked questions about Swansea
Is Swansea a good place to live?
Swansea is a large town in Wales with excellent transport, a mixed school picture, with 0% rated Good or Outstanding, and a median house price of £200k. The crime rate is moderate at 76 per 1,000 residents.
What is the population of Swansea?
Swansea has a population of approximately 243,152, making it a large town by UK standards.
Is Swansea a safe area?
Swansea has a moderate crime rate of 76 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 Swansea like?
There are 98 schools in Swansea, of which 0 (0%) are rated Good or Outstanding by Ofsted — a mixed level of school quality.
What is the average house price in Swansea?
The median property price in Swansea is £200k, which is 16% below the Wales average of £238k. Prices have been rising strongly over the past year.
Where does this data come from?
All data in this Swansea 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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