Castle Road is in Bedford and in Bedford district. MK40 3QP is located in the Castle & Newnham electoral ward, within the English Parliamentary constituency of Bedford. This postcode has been in use since 1980-01-01.
StreetScan combines information about Castle Road, Bedford, MK40 3QP and displays a report on the quality of life in this place and its surroundings.
Nearby postcodes are: MK40 3QR, MK40 3QX, MK40 3QY, MK40 3QW, MK40 3QU, MK40 3QN, MK40 3QH, MK40 3RE, MK40 3PR.
In the UK, the overall gender distribution is approximately 49% male and 51% female. The area surrounding MK40 3QP has a slightly higher male population, with 51.8% of residents being male. Several factors can contribute to this, including areas with industries or sectors that predominantly employ men, proximity to universities or technical schools with a higher enrollment of male students, presence of all-male or predominantly male institutions (military academies, boarding schools).
| 2011 | 2021 | 10y change (pp) | UK Average | postcode vs UK (pp) | |
|---|---|---|---|---|---|
| Female | 52.3% | 48.2% | -4.1% | 51.0% | -2.8% |
| Male | 47.7% | 51.8% | 4.1% | 49.0% | 2.8% |
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 MK40 3QP there is a very large concentration of residents that are married - 56.2% 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 | 32.7% | 21.5% | -11.2% | 37.9% | -16.4% |
| Married: Opposite sex | 45% | 56.2% | 11.2% | 44.2% | 12.0% |
| Married: Same sex | 0.9% | 0% | -0.9% | 0.3% | -0.3% |
| Civil partnership: Same sex | 0% | 1.8% | 1.8% | 0.1% | 1.7% |
| Separated | 1.4% | 0.9% | -0.5% | 2.2% | -1.3% |
| Divorced | 7.7% | 7.8% | 0.1% | 9.1% | -1.3% |
| Widowed | 12.3% | 11.9% | -0.4% | 6.1% | 5.8% |
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 | 46.2% | 45.3% | -0.9% | 48.4% | -3.1% |
| Good health | 37.6% | 29.3% | -8.3% | 33.6% | -4.3% |
| Fair health | 12.8% | 16.4% | 3.6% | 12.7% | 3.7% |
| Bad health | 2.6% | 7% | 4.4% | 4.0% | 3.0% |
| Very bad health | 0.8% | 2% | 1.2% | 1.2% | 0.8% |
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.
In the area around MK40 3QP this area, 9.5% of residents have no qualifications. This is significantly lower than the UK average of 18.2%. This area stands out for its high percentage of residents with higher education degree or similar. The UK average is 33.8%, while in this area it is 57.7%.
| 2011 | 2021 | 10y change (pp) | UK Average | postcode vs UK (pp) | |
|---|---|---|---|---|---|
| No qualifications | 14.1% | 9.5% | -4.6% | 18.2% | -8.7% |
| 1-4 GCSEs or Equivalent | 11.4% | 11.4% | 0.0% | 9.6% | 1.8% |
| 5 or more GCSEs, an A-Level or 1-2 AS Levels | 10% | 8.6% | -1.4% | 13.4% | -4.8% |
| Apprenticeship | 3.2% | 2.3% | -0.9% | 5.3% | -3.0% |
| HNC, HND or 2+ A Levels | 15.5% | 10% | -5.5% | 16.9% | -6.9% |
| Degree or Similar | 42.7% | 57.7% | 15.0% | 33.8% | 23.9% |
| Other | 3.2% | 0.5% | -2.7% | 2.8% | -2.3% |
In this area, the population is predominantly white, with 91.6% 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) | |
|---|---|---|---|---|---|
| Chinese | 0% | 0.4% | 0.4% | 0.7% | -0.3% |
| Indian | 3% | 2.8% | -0.2% | 3.1% | -0.3% |
| Other Asian | 0% | 0.8% | 0.8% | 1.6% | -0.8% |
| Black African | 0.8% | 0% | -0.8% | 2.5% | -2.5% |
| Black Caribbean | 1.1% | 0.4% | -0.7% | 1.0% | -0.6% |
| Mixed White and Asian | 1.5% | 1.6% | 0.1% | 0.8% | 0.8% |
| Mixed White and Caribbean | 1.5% | 0% | -1.5% | 0.9% | -0.9% |
| White | 91.7% | 91.6% | -0.1% | 81.4% | 10.2% |
| Arab | 0.4% | 0% | -0.4% | 0.6% | -0.6% |
| Other | 0% | 2.4% | 2.4% | 1.6% | 0.8% |
In this area, 83.5% of the population were born in the United Kingdom, which is similar to the UK average of 83.2%.
| 2011 | 2021 | 10y change (pp) | UK Average | postcode vs UK (pp) | |
|---|---|---|---|---|---|
| United Kingdom | 86.5% | 83.5% | -3.0% | 83.2% | 0.3% |
| European Union | 6.4% | 8.8% | 2.4% | 6.1% | 2.7% |
| Rest of Europe | 1.5% | 0.4% | -1.1% | 0.8% | -0.4% |
| Africa | 1.9% | 3.2% | 1.3% | 2.7% | 0.5% |
| Middle East and Asia | 1.9% | 3.2% | 1.3% | 5.6% | -2.4% |
| The Americas and the Caribbean | 1.1% | 0% | -1.1% | 1.3% | -1.3% |
| Oceania | 0.4% | 0.8% | 0.4% | 0.3% | 0.5% |
| British Overseas | 0.4% | 0% | -0.4% | 0.0% | 0.0% |
| 2011 | 2021 | 10y change (pp) | UK Average | postcode vs UK (pp) | |
|---|---|---|---|---|---|
| Born in the UK | 85.7% | 81.9% | -3.8% | 83.2% | -1.3% |
| 10+ Years | 1.1% | 11% | 9.9% | 9.8% | 1.2% |
| 5-10 Years | 1.5% | 2% | 0.5% | 2.9% | -0.9% |
| 2-5 Years | 1.1% | 3.9% | 2.8% | 2.2% | 1.7% |
| Less than 2 years | 10.5% | 1.2% | -9.3% | 1.9% | -0.7% |
| 2021 | UK Average | postcode vs UK (pp) | |
|---|---|---|---|
| United Kingdom | 81% | 76.7% | 4.3% |
| Ireland | 0.4% | 0.6% | -0.2% |
| France | 0.4% | 0.3% | 0.1% |
| Italy | 1.6% | 0.6% | 1.0% |
| Poland | 0.4% | 1.3% | -0.9% |
| Romania | 1.2% | 0.9% | 0.3% |
| Other EU countries | 1.6% | 1.5% | 0.1% |
| South and Eastern Africa | 0.4% | 0.2% | 0.2% |
| Southern Asia | 0.4% | 1.2% | -0.8% |
| Oceania | 1.6% | 0.1% | 1.5% |
| No passport held | 11.1% | 13.5% | -2.4% |
| 2021 | UK Average | postcode vs UK (pp) | |
|---|---|---|---|
| No religion | 43.1% | 37.2% | 5.9% |
| Christian | 44.7% | 46.2% | -1.5% |
| Hindu | 2.4% | 1.7% | 0.7% |
| Jewish | 0.4% | 0.5% | -0.1% |
| Muslim | 2.8% | 6.5% | -3.7% |
| Sikh | 0.4% | 0.9% | -0.5% |
| Other religion | 0.4% | 0.6% | -0.2% |
| Not answered | 5.9% | 6.0% | -0.1% |
Over the last 12 months, the overall crime rate around Castle Road was 109.6 per 1,000 residents, which is 47.8% lower than the Castle & Newnham average. The most reported crime type was Violence and sexual offences.
Castle Road has the 26th highest crime rate of 52 local areas in Castle & Newnham and the 126th highest crime rate of 543 local areas in Bedford .
Violent and sexual offences accounted for around 30.8 crimes per 1,000 residents and have been rising year on year. Over the last decade, overall crime has fallen by about -44.6%.

Households in this area have a similar level level of wealth to the average household in England and Wales. 59% of analyzed areas in England and Wales have lower average household annual income than this area.

| Address | Sale Price | Sale Date | Price Estimate 2025 |
|---|---|---|---|
| 105A Castle Road, Bedford, Bedford Flats/Maisonettes, an established residential building | £335,000 | 2024-06-28 | £349,805 |
| 105A Castle Road, Bedford, Bedford Flats/Maisonettes, an established residential building | £180,000 | 2014-07-31 | £274,183 |
| 95 Castle Road, Bedford, Bedford Semi-Detached, an established residential building | £285,000 | 2013-12-17 | £531,000 |
| 95 Castle Road, Bedford, Bedfordshire Semi-Detached, an established residential building | £160,000 | 2006-03-09 | £336,475 |
| 99 Castle Road, Bedford, Bedfordshire Semi-Detached, an established residential building | £175,000 | 2005-12-21 | £365,846 |
MK40 3QP area has a low unemployment rate. According to Census 2021, 2% 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 MK40 3QP area is much higher than the country's average. According to Census 2011, 34% residents of this area were retired, while the average in the UK was 14%.
| Full-Time Employee | 80 |
| Retired | 74 |
| Self-Employed | 23 |
| Part-Time Employee | 16 |
| Student (economically inactive) | 8 |
| Other | 4 |
| Unemployed | 4 |
| Long-Term Sick or disabled | 4 |
| Looking after home or family | 3 |
| Full-Time Student (with or without job) | 2 |
| Education | 17 |
| Professional, scientific and technical activities | 13 |
| Wholesale and retail trade; repair of motor vehicles and motor cycles | 12 |
| Manufacturing | 11 |
| Human health and social work activities | 11 |
| Other | 10 |
| Public administration and defence; compulsory social security | 8 |
| Construction | 8 |
| Information and communication | 8 |
| Administrative and support service activities | 6 |
| Financial and insurance activities | 4 |
| Real estate activities | 4 |
| Accommodation and food service activities | 2 |
| Transport and storage | 2 |
| Electricity, gas, steam and air conditioning supply | 1 |
| Ofsted Overall Effectiveness | Distance | Establishment Type | Has Nursery Classes | Gender | More Info | |
|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|
| Cherry Trees Nursery School Hawkins Road , MK42 9LS | 4out of 4 | 1,649 yd | Local authority nursery school | Yes | Mixed | More About School |
| Peter Pan Nursery School Edward Road , MK42 9DR | 4out of 4 | 1,844 yd | Local authority nursery school | Yes | Mixed | More About School |
| Ofsted Overall Effectiveness | Distance | Establishment Type | Has Nursery Classes | Gender | More Info | |
|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|
| Castle Newnham School Goldington Road , MK40 3EP | 4out of 4 | 375 yd | Foundation school | Yes | Mixed | More About School |
| St John Rigby Catholic Primary School Polhill Avenue , MK41 9DQ | 4out of 4 | 1,158 yd | Academy converter | No | Mixed | More About School |
| Priory Primary School Greyfriars , MK40 1JD | 4out of 4 | 1,361 yd | Foundation school | Yes | Mixed | More About School |
| Shackleton Primary School Pearcey Road , MK42 9LZ | 3out of 4 | 1,634 yd | Academy converter | No | Mixed | More About School |
| Livingstone Primary School Clapham Road , MK41 7LG | 3out of 4 | 1,643 yd | Foundation school | No | Mixed | More About School |
| Ofsted Overall Effectiveness | Distance | Establishment Type | Has Nursery Classes | Gender | More Info | |
|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|
| Bedford Free School Cauldwell Street , MK42 9AD | 3out of 4 | 953 yd | Free schools | No | Mixed | More About School |
| Castle Newnham School Polhill Avenue , MK41 9DT | 3out of 4 | 1,118 yd | Foundation school | No | Mixed | More About School |
| Goldington Academy Haylands Way , MK41 9BX | 3out of 4 | 1,287 yd | Academy converter | Not Applicable | Mixed | More About School |
| Bedford Academy Mile Road , MK42 9TR | 3out of 4 | 2,277 yd | Academy sponsor led | Not Applicable | Mixed | More About School |
| Biddenham International School and Sports College Biddenham Turn , MK40 4AZ | 3out of 4 | 3,000 yd | Foundation school | No | Mixed | More About School |
| Ofsted Overall Effectiveness | Distance | Establishment Type | Has Nursery Classes | Gender | More Info | |
|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|
| Bedford College Cauldwell Street , MK42 9AH | - not rated | 967 yd | Further education | Not Applicable | Mixed | More About School |
| Ofsted Overall Effectiveness | Distance | Establishment Type | Has Nursery Classes | Gender | More Info | |
|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|
| Bedford Girls' School Cardington Road , MK42 0BX | - not rated | 665 yd | Other independent school | No | Girls | More About School |
| Bedford School De Parys Avenue , MK40 2TU | - not rated | 717 yd | Other independent school | No | Boys | More About School |
| St Andrew's School 78 Kimbolton Road , MK40 2PA | - not rated | 787 yd | Other independent school | Yes | Mixed | More About School |
| E-Spired Centre of Excellence The Raleigh Centre , Ampthill Road MK42 9HE | - not rated | 1,423 yd | Other independent school | No | Mixed | More About School |
| KWS School 51 Brunel Road , Bedford MK41 9TJ | - not rated | 1,493 yd | Other independent school | No | Mixed | More About School |
School statistics for this postcode are based on Ofsted rankings.
| Business Name | Address | Food hygiene rating | Distance |
|---|---|---|---|
| Sapori del sud | 108 Castle Road | 47 yd | |
| A Casa asa di Anna | 108 Castle Road | 47 yd | |
| Papillon Coffee House & Beloved Brownies | 133 Castle Road | 153 yd | |
| 2likeus | 127a Castle Road | 153 yd | |
| Peng | 51a Pembroke Street | 196 yd |
| Business Name | Address | Food hygiene rating | Distance |
|---|---|---|---|
| Gordon Arms | The Gordon Arms, 118 Castle Road | 74 yd | |
| Devonshire Arms | The Devonshire Arms, 32 Dudley Street | 363 yd | |
| Russell Park Social Club | 69 Goldington Road | 368 yd | |
| The Castle | The Castle, 17 Newnham Street | 494 yd | |
| Three Cups Pub | The Three Cups, 45 Newnham Street | 494 yd |
| Business Name | Address | Food hygiene rating | Distance |
|---|---|---|---|
| Papa Gigi's | Papa Gigis Pizzas, 109a Castle Road | 2 yd | |
| Lee's Takeaway | 131 Castle Road | 153 yd | |
| The New Golden Lion Chinese Takeaway | 53 York Street | 249 yd | |
| The Denmark St Fish & Chip Shop | 34 Denmark Street | 306 yd | |
| Chai Rasoi | 167 Castle Road | 320 yd |
| Business Name | Address | Food hygiene rating | Distance |
|---|---|---|---|
| Lidl Food Stores | 5-9 St Peters Street | 776 yd | |
| Tesco | 63 High Street | 821 yd | |
| Village Choice Ltd T/A Budgens | Budgens, 82 Kimbolton Road | 833 yd | |
| Tesco | Tesco, Cardington Road | 912 yd | |
| BQUALITY AFRICA MINI MARKET | Flat D, Broadway Apartments, 30 The Broadway | 1,004 yd |
| Facility Name | Sport Objects | Distance |
|---|---|---|
| Russell Park PEMBROKE STREET | grass pitches, tennis courts | 289 yd |
| Riverside Tennis Club GOLDINGTON ROAD | indoor tennis centre, tennis courts | 532 yd |
| Goldington Road (Bedford Blues Rufc) GOLDINGTON ROAD | grass pitches | 537 yd |
| Bedford Borough Indoor Bowling Club GOLDINGTON ROAD | indoor bowls | 571 yd |
| Bunyan Meeting Church MILL STREET | 660 yd | |
| Bedford And County Badminton Club BRADGATE ROAD | 662 yd | |
| Bedford Girls School CARDINGTON ROAD | artificial grass pitch, grass pitches, health and fitness suite, swimming pool | 687 yd |
| Bedford School DE PARYS AVENUE | grass pitches, health and fitness suite, squash courts, swimming pool, tennis courts | 843 yd |
| Pace Health Club (Bedford) (Closed) St. Marys Street | health and fitness suite | 885 yd |
| St Andrew'S School KIMBOLTON ROAD | 885 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 | 79.9 Mbit/s |
| Average download speed | 202.8 Mbit/s |
| Minimum download speed | 600 Mbit/s |
| Maximum download speed | 600 Mbit/s |
| Median upload speed | 20 Mbit/s |
| Average upload speed | 22.3 Mbit/s |
| Maximum upload speed | 40 Mbit/s |
Broadband statistics are based on Ofcom's Communications Market Report (CMR) 2022.