Waterdell is in Leighton Buzzard and in South Bedfordshire district. LU7 3PL is located in the Leighton-Linslade South electoral ward, within the English Parliamentary constituency of South West Bedfordshire. This postcode has been in use since 2001-06-01.
StreetScan combines information about Waterdell, Leighton Buzzard, LU7 3PL and displays a report on the quality of life in this place and its surroundings.
Nearby postcodes are: LU7 3PP, LU7 3PW, LU7 3PD, LU7 3PR, LU7 3PN, LU7 3PJ, LU7 3NA, LU7 3PE, LU7 3LX.
In the UK, the overall gender distribution is approximately 49% male and 51% female. However, the area surrounding LU7 3PL, has a female population slightly higher than UK average, with 52.5% of residents being female. Several factors can contribute to this. Women generally live longer than men, resulting in a higher proportion of women in neighborhoods with significant elderly populations. Typically, as people grow older, they tend to relocate from city center addresses to suburban areas, smaller towns, and rural locations. Consequently, these areas often have a higher number of females. A higher female population can also be found in areas with industries that employ more women, such as healthcare, education, and retail.
| 2011 | 2021 | 10y change (pp) | UK Average | postcode vs UK (pp) | |
|---|---|---|---|---|---|
| Female | 51.6% | 52.5% | 0.9% | 51.0% | 1.5% |
| Male | 48.4% | 47.5% | -0.9% | 49.0% | -1.5% |
Across the UK, the average relationship status breakdown is roughly 44% married, 38% single, 9% divorced, 6% widowed, and 2% separated.
In the immediate vicinity of LU7 3PL there is a very large concentration of residents that are married - 55.9% of the resident population. In contrast, the average marriage rate across the census is about 44%.
Areas with a high percentage of married residents are typically suburban neighborhoods, towns with good schools and family-friendly amenities, and regions with affordable, spacious housing options. Additionally, such areas can be popular among retirees.
| 2011 | 2021 | 10y change (pp) | UK Average | postcode vs UK (pp) | |
|---|---|---|---|---|---|
| Single | 26.5% | 25% | -1.5% | 37.9% | -12.9% |
| Married: Opposite sex | 62.2% | 55.9% | -6.3% | 44.2% | 11.7% |
| Civil partnership: Opposite sex | 0% | 0.4% | 0.4% | 0.1% | 0.3% |
| Civil partnership: Same sex | 0% | 0.4% | 0.4% | 0.1% | 0.3% |
| Separated | 1.3% | 2.5% | 1.2% | 2.2% | 0.3% |
| Divorced | 4.6% | 8.1% | 3.5% | 9.1% | -1.0% |
| Widowed | 5.5% | 7.6% | 2.1% | 6.1% | 1.5% |
Across the UK, the average 48.4% rated their health as Very Good, 33.6% as Good, 12.7% as Fair, 4% as Bad, and 1.2% as Very Bad.
Population age significantly impacts residents' health. Additionally, socioeconomic status plays a crucial role: higher income levels and lower poverty rates are linked to better health outcomes. Affluent areas benefit from higher living standards, access to private healthcare, and healthier lifestyle choices.
| 2011 | 2021 | 10y change (pp) | UK Average | postcode vs UK (pp) | |
|---|---|---|---|---|---|
| Very good health | 42.2% | 42.1% | -0.1% | 48.4% | -6.3% |
| Good health | 45.5% | 39.2% | -6.3% | 33.6% | 5.6% |
| Fair health | 10.5% | 14% | 3.5% | 12.7% | 1.3% |
| Bad health | 1.1% | 4.7% | 3.6% | 4.0% | 0.7% |
| Very bad health | 0.7% | 0% | -0.7% | 1.2% | -1.2% |
During the 2021 census, the educational qualifications of residents across the UK were as follows: 18.2% had no qualifications, 9.6% had 1-4 GCSEs, 13.4% had 5 or more GCSEs and 1-2 A/AS Levels, 16.9% had 2 or more A Levels, 33.8% held a degree (or equivalent), and 5.4% had completed an apprenticeship.
This area stands out for its low percentage of residents with higher education degree. The UK average is 33.8%, while in this area it is 16.5%.
| 2011 | 2021 | 10y change (pp) | UK Average | postcode vs UK (pp) | |
|---|---|---|---|---|---|
| No qualifications | 27.3% | 23.2% | -4.1% | 18.2% | 5.0% |
| 1-4 GCSEs or Equivalent | 15.5% | 11.4% | -4.1% | 9.6% | 1.8% |
| 5 or more GCSEs, an A-Level or 1-2 AS Levels | 18.9% | 16.9% | -2.0% | 13.4% | 3.5% |
| Apprenticeship | 7.6% | 9.7% | 2.1% | 5.3% | 4.4% |
| HNC, HND or 2+ A Levels | 10.1% | 19.8% | 9.7% | 16.9% | 2.9% |
| Degree or Similar | 16.8% | 16.5% | -0.3% | 33.8% | -17.3% |
| Other | 3.8% | 2.5% | -1.3% | 2.8% | -0.3% |
In this area, the population is predominantly white, with 97.1% identifying as such, significantly higher than the UK average of 81.4%. This indicates a lower level of ethnic diversity compared to the broader UK population.
| 2011 | 2021 | 10y change (pp) | UK Average | postcode vs UK (pp) | |
|---|---|---|---|---|---|
| Bangladeshi | 0% | 0.4% | 0.4% | 1.1% | -0.7% |
| Chinese | 0.4% | 0% | -0.4% | 0.7% | -0.7% |
| Indian | 0.7% | 0.4% | -0.3% | 3.1% | -2.7% |
| Pakistani | 0.4% | 0% | -0.4% | 2.7% | -2.7% |
| Mixed White and Asian | 0% | 1.1% | 1.1% | 0.8% | 0.3% |
| Mixed White and African | 0.4% | 0% | -0.4% | 0.4% | -0.4% |
| Mixed White and Caribbean | 0% | 0.4% | 0.4% | 0.9% | -0.5% |
| Mixed Other | 0% | 0.7% | 0.7% | 0.8% | -0.1% |
| White | 98.2% | 97.1% | -1.1% | 81.4% | 15.7% |
In this area, 91.4% of the population were born in the United Kingdom, which is higher than the UK average of 83.2%.
| 2011 | 2021 | 10y change (pp) | UK Average | postcode vs UK (pp) | |
|---|---|---|---|---|---|
| United Kingdom | 91.7% | 91.4% | -0.3% | 83.2% | 8.2% |
| European Union | 5.4% | 6.1% | 0.7% | 6.1% | 0.0% |
| Rest of Europe | 0.7% | 0% | -0.7% | 0.8% | -0.8% |
| Africa | 0.4% | 1.8% | 1.4% | 2.7% | -0.9% |
| Middle East and Asia | 1.4% | 0.7% | -0.7% | 5.6% | -4.9% |
| Oceania | 0.4% | 0% | -0.4% | 0.3% | -0.3% |
| 2011 | 2021 | 10y change (pp) | UK Average | postcode vs UK (pp) | |
|---|---|---|---|---|---|
| Born in the UK | 91.3% | 92.1% | 0.8% | 83.2% | 8.9% |
| 10+ Years | 0.4% | 6.5% | 6.1% | 9.8% | -3.3% |
| 5-10 Years | 0.4% | 0.4% | 0.0% | 2.9% | -2.5% |
| 2-5 Years | 0.7% | 1.1% | 0.4% | 2.2% | -1.1% |
| Less than 2 years | 7.2% | 0% | -7.2% | 1.9% | -1.9% |
| 2021 | UK Average | postcode vs UK (pp) | |
|---|---|---|---|
| United Kingdom | 78.8% | 76.7% | 2.1% |
| Ireland | 2.2% | 0.6% | 1.6% |
| Italy | 2.2% | 0.6% | 1.6% |
| Poland | 0.4% | 1.3% | -0.9% |
| Romania | 0.4% | 0.9% | -0.5% |
| Other EU countries | 0.7% | 1.5% | -0.8% |
| No passport held | 15.5% | 13.5% | 2.0% |
| 2021 | UK Average | postcode vs UK (pp) | |
|---|---|---|---|
| No religion | 36.3% | 37.2% | -0.9% |
| Christian | 59.4% | 46.2% | 13.2% |
| Jewish | 0.7% | 0.5% | 0.2% |
| Muslim | 0.4% | 6.5% | -6.1% |
| Sikh | 0.4% | 0.9% | -0.5% |
| Other religion | 1.1% | 0.6% | 0.5% |
| Not answered | 1.8% | 6.0% | -4.2% |
Over the last 12 months, the overall crime rate around Waterdell was 122.1 per 1,000 residents, which is 35.9% higher than the Leighton-Linslade South average. The most reported crime type was Anti-social behaviour.
Waterdell has the 5th highest crime rate of 41 local areas in Leighton-Linslade South and the 104th highest crime rate of 871 local areas in Central Bedfordshire .
Violent and sexual offences accounted for around 42.0 crimes per 1,000 residents and have been rising year on year. Over the last decade, overall crime has fallen by about -37.6%.

Households in this area have a higher level of wealth to the average household in England and Wales. 86% of analyzed areas in England and Wales have lower average household annual income than this area.

| Address | Sale Price | Sale Date | Price Estimate 2025 |
|---|---|---|---|
| 87 Waterdell, Leighton Buzzard, Central Bedfordshire Semi-Detached, an established residential building | £315,000 | 2023-11-24 | £342,391 |
| 74 Waterdell, Leighton Buzzard, Central Bedfordshire Semi-Detached, an established residential building | £395,000 | 2023-06-30 | £425,821 |
| 81 Waterdell, Leighton Buzzard, Central Bedfordshire Semi-Detached, an established residential building | £312,000 | 2021-07-06 | £377,855 |
| 78 Waterdell, Leighton Buzzard, Central Bedfordshire Semi-Detached, an established residential building | £265,000 | 2021-04-30 | £322,796 |
| 66 Waterdell, Leighton Buzzard, Central Bedfordshire Terraced, an established residential building | £368,000 | 2019-10-11 | £453,397 |
LU7 3PL area has a low unemployment rate. According to Census 2021, 3% residents of this area were unemployed, while the average in the UK was 4.83%. A low level of unemployment in an area indicates a strong job market, where most people who are seeking work can find employment. This generally reflects a healthy economy in the area.
The percentage of retired residents living in LU7 3PL area is much higher than the country's average. According to Census 2011, 32% residents of this area were retired, while the average in the UK was 14%.
| Full-Time Employee | 95 |
| Retired | 75 |
| Part-Time Employee | 31 |
| Self-Employed | 15 |
| Unemployed | 7 |
| Student (economically inactive) | 7 |
| Looking after home or family | 6 |
| Other | 1 |
| Long-Term Sick or disabled | 0 |
| Full-Time Student (with or without job) | 0 |
| Wholesale and retail trade; repair of motor vehicles and motor cycles | 29 |
| Manufacturing | 21 |
| Education | 16 |
| Construction | 15 |
| Human health and social work activities | 14 |
| Transport and storage | 13 |
| Administrative and support service activities | 8 |
| Accommodation and food service activities | 7 |
| Other | 6 |
| Real estate activities | 6 |
| Public administration and defence; compulsory social security | 5 |
| Information and communication | 5 |
| Professional, scientific and technical activities | 5 |
| Financial and insurance activities | 4 |
| Electricity, gas, steam and air conditioning supply | 1 |
| Ofsted Overall Effectiveness | Distance | Establishment Type | Has Nursery Classes | Gender | More Info | |
|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|
| Clipstone Brook Lower School Brooklands Drive , LU7 3PG | 3out of 4 | 289 yd | Community school | Yes | Mixed | More About School |
| Leedon Lower School Highfield Road , LU7 3LZ | 2out of 4 | 500 yd | Community school | No | Mixed | More About School |
| The Rushmere Park Academy East Street , LU7 1EW | 3out of 4 | 827 yd | Academy converter | Yes | Mixed | More About School |
| Beaudesert Lower School Appenine Way , LU7 3DX | 3out of 4 | 986 yd | Community school | No | Mixed | More About School |
| The Mary Bassett Lower School Bassett Road , LU7 1AR | 3out of 4 | 1,301 yd | Community school | Yes | Mixed | More About School |
| Ofsted Overall Effectiveness | Distance | Establishment Type | Has Nursery Classes | Gender | More Info | |
|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|
| Vandyke Upper School Vandyke Road , LU7 3DY | 3out of 4 | 1,165 yd | Academy converter | Not Applicable | Mixed | More About School |
| Cedars Upper School Mentmore Road , Linslade LU7 2AE | 3out of 4 | 2,392 yd | Academy converter | Not Applicable | Mixed | More About School |
| Ofsted Overall Effectiveness | Distance | Establishment Type | Has Nursery Classes | Gender | More Info | |
|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|
| Brooklands Middle School Brooklands Drive , LU7 3PF | 3out of 4 | 227 yd | Academy converter | Not Applicable | Mixed | More About School |
| Gilbert Inglefield Academy Vandyke Road , LU7 3FU | 3out of 4 | 1,004 yd | Academy converter | No | Mixed | More About School |
| Leighton Middle School Church Square , LU7 1EX | 3out of 4 | 1,358 yd | Community school | No | Mixed | More About School |
| Linslade School Mentmore Road , Linslade LU7 2PA | 3out of 4 | 2,391 yd | Academy converter | Not Applicable | Mixed | More About School |
| Ofsted Overall Effectiveness | Distance | Establishment Type | Has Nursery Classes | Gender | More Info | |
|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|
| Oak Bank School Sandy Lane , LU7 3BE | 4out of 4 | 2,427 yd | Academy special converter | Not Applicable | Mixed | More About School |
School statistics for this postcode are based on Ofsted rankings.
| Business Name | Address | Food hygiene rating | Distance |
|---|---|---|---|
| Oliver Hare & Co | 2 Hockliffe Street, Leighton Buzzard | 890 yd | |
| Thai Chef Restaurant | 12 Hockliffe Street, Leighton Buzzard | 890 yd | |
| Leighton Buzzard Garden Centre Cafe | Hockliffe Road, Leighton Buzzard | 953 yd | |
| New Spice Lounge | 57 Lake Street, Leighton Buzzard | 992 yd | |
| The Cottage Italian Bistro | 19-21 Hockliffe Street, Leighton Buzzard | 1,049 yd |
| Business Name | Address | Food hygiene rating | Distance |
|---|---|---|---|
| The Clay Pipe | Appenine Way, Leighton Buzzard | 857 yd | |
| The Craft Union Pub Company Ltd | The Sun, 42 Lake Street | 1,032 yd | |
| Leighton Buzzard Youth Club | Youth Club, Vandyke Road | 1,037 yd | |
| The Bald Buzzard | 6 Hockliffe Street, Leighton Buzzard | 1,081 yd |
| Business Name | Address | Food hygiene rating | Distance |
|---|---|---|---|
| Sizzlers Fish & Chip Shop | 115 Waterdell, Leighton Buzzard | 73 yd | |
| Hong Kong Fish Shop | 43 Vandyke Road, Leighton Buzzard | 752 yd | |
| Med Fish Bar | 53 Hockliffe Street, Leighton Buzzard | 858 yd | |
| Pizza Hut | 13 Hockliffe Street, Leighton Buzzard | 884 yd | |
| Mandarin Inn | 51 Hockliffe Street, Leighton Buzzard | 884 yd |
| Business Name | Address | Food hygiene rating | Distance |
|---|---|---|---|
| Wm Morrison Supermarkets Ltd | Lake Street, Leighton Buzzard | 808 yd |
| Facility Name | Sport Objects | Distance |
|---|---|---|
| Brooklands Middle School Brooklands Drive | grass pitches, tennis courts | 183 yd |
| Vandyke Road Playing Field Vandyke Road | grass pitches | 643 yd |
| Pages Field THE VYNES THE VYNES WESTON AVENUE | grass pitches | 824 yd |
| Pages Park Billington Road | grass pitches, tennis courts | 925 yd |
| Colloseum Gym (Closed) Lake Street | health and fitness suite | 991 yd |
| Gilbert Inglefield Academy VANDYKE ROAD | grass pitches, tennis courts | 1,064 yd |
This statistics are based on Active Places Data - Contains Data © Sport England
| Percentage of premises that have Superfast Broadband (30Mbit/s or greater) coverage from fixed broadband | 100.0% |
| Percentage of premises that have Ultrafast Broadband (100Mbit/s or greater) coverage from fixed broadband | 100.0% |
| Percentage of premises that have Ultrafast Broadband (300Mbit/s or greater) coverage from fixed broadband | 100.0% |
| Percentage of premises that have coverage from a Gigabit capable service from fixed broadband | 100.0% |
| Percentage of premises unable to receive 2Mbit/s | 0.0% |
| Percentage of premises unable to receive 5Mbit/s | 0.0% |
| Percentage of premises unable to receive 10Mbit/s | 0.0% |
| Percentage of premises unable to receive 30Mbit/s | 0.0% |
| Median download speed | 80 Mbit/s |
| Average download speed | 149.5 Mbit/s |
| Minimum download speed | 1000 Mbit/s |
| Maximum download speed | 1000 Mbit/s |
| Median upload speed | 20 Mbit/s |
| Average upload speed | 19.6 Mbit/s |
| Maximum upload speed | 50 Mbit/s |
Broadband statistics are based on Ofcom's Communications Market Report (CMR) 2022.