Melchbourne Road is in Knotting, Bedford and in Bedford district. MK44 1AF is located in the Sharnbrook electoral ward, within the English Parliamentary constituency of North East Bedfordshire. This postcode has been in use since 1980-01-01.
StreetScan combines information about Melchbourne Road, Knotting, Bedford, MK44 1AF and displays a report on the quality of life in this place and its surroundings.
In the UK, the overall gender distribution is approximately 49% male and 51% female. However, the area surrounding MK44 1AF, has a female population slightly higher than UK average, with 52.7% 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 | 48.7% | 52.7% | 4.0% | 51.0% | 1.7% |
| Male | 51.3% | 47.3% | -4.0% | 49.0% | -1.7% |
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 MK44 1AF there is a very large concentration of residents that are married - 52.4% 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 | 25.4% | 28.3% | 2.9% | 37.9% | -9.6% |
| Married: Opposite sex | 61% | 52.4% | -8.6% | 44.2% | 8.2% |
| Married: Same sex | 0% | 0.9% | 0.9% | 0.3% | 0.6% |
| Separated | 2.3% | 3.8% | 1.5% | 2.2% | 1.6% |
| Divorced | 5.2% | 8.5% | 3.3% | 9.1% | -0.6% |
| Widowed | 6.1% | 6.1% | 0.0% | 6.1% | 0.0% |
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.
This area has a high percentage of residents reporting their health as Good or Very Good (86.7%) compared to the average (82%). This typically indicates either a younger population or more affluent area.
| 2011 | 2021 | 10y change (pp) | UK Average | postcode vs UK (pp) | |
|---|---|---|---|---|---|
| Very good health | 51.7% | 51.2% | -0.5% | 48.4% | 2.8% |
| Good health | 35.7% | 35.5% | -0.2% | 33.6% | 1.9% |
| Fair health | 8.4% | 9.5% | 1.1% | 12.7% | -3.2% |
| Bad health | 3.8% | 3.7% | -0.1% | 4.0% | -0.3% |
| Very bad health | 0.4% | 0% | -0.4% | 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.
| 2011 | 2021 | 10y change (pp) | UK Average | postcode vs UK (pp) | |
|---|---|---|---|---|---|
| No qualifications | 14.1% | 13.3% | -0.8% | 18.2% | -4.9% |
| 1-4 GCSEs or Equivalent | 15.5% | 9.5% | -6.0% | 9.6% | -0.1% |
| 5 or more GCSEs, an A-Level or 1-2 AS Levels | 12.7% | 13.8% | 1.1% | 13.4% | 0.4% |
| Apprenticeship | 4.7% | 7.6% | 2.9% | 5.3% | 2.3% |
| HNC, HND or 2+ A Levels | 8% | 17.1% | 9.1% | 16.9% | 0.2% |
| Degree or Similar | 41.8% | 37.1% | -4.7% | 33.8% | 3.3% |
| Other | 3.3% | 1.4% | -1.9% | 2.8% | -1.4% |
In this area, the population is predominantly white, with 90.6% 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) | |
|---|---|---|---|---|---|
| Indian | 1.7% | 1.2% | -0.5% | 3.1% | -1.9% |
| Other Asian | 1.7% | 0% | -1.7% | 1.6% | -1.6% |
| Black African | 0% | 0.4% | 0.4% | 2.5% | -2.1% |
| Black Caribbean | 0% | 1.2% | 1.2% | 1.0% | 0.2% |
| Other Black | 0% | 0.8% | 0.8% | 0.5% | 0.3% |
| Mixed White and Asian | 1.7% | 1.2% | -0.5% | 0.8% | 0.4% |
| Mixed White and Caribbean | 0% | 2% | 2.0% | 0.9% | 1.1% |
| Mixed Other | 0% | 2.5% | 2.5% | 0.8% | 1.7% |
| White | 95% | 90.6% | -4.4% | 81.4% | 9.2% |
In this area, 93.4% 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 | 92.4% | 93.4% | 1.0% | 83.2% | 10.2% |
| European Union | 3.4% | 3.7% | 0.3% | 6.1% | -2.4% |
| Africa | 0.4% | 0.4% | 0.0% | 2.7% | -2.3% |
| Middle East and Asia | 2.5% | 2.1% | -0.4% | 5.6% | -3.5% |
| The Americas and the Caribbean | 0.8% | 0% | -0.8% | 1.3% | -1.3% |
| Oceania | 0.4% | 0.4% | 0.0% | 0.3% | 0.1% |
| 2011 | 2021 | 10y change (pp) | UK Average | postcode vs UK (pp) | |
|---|---|---|---|---|---|
| Born in the UK | 91.2% | 92.6% | 1.4% | 83.2% | 9.4% |
| 10+ Years | 0.4% | 6.1% | 5.7% | 9.8% | -3.7% |
| 5-10 Years | 0.4% | 0% | -0.4% | 2.9% | -2.9% |
| 2-5 Years | 1.7% | 0% | -1.7% | 2.2% | -2.2% |
| Less than 2 years | 6.3% | 1.2% | -5.1% | 1.9% | -0.7% |
| 2021 | UK Average | postcode vs UK (pp) | |
|---|---|---|---|
| United Kingdom | 84.8% | 76.7% | 8.1% |
| Ireland | 1.6% | 0.6% | 1.0% |
| Italy | 0.8% | 0.6% | 0.2% |
| Poland | 0.4% | 1.3% | -0.9% |
| Other EU countries | 0.8% | 1.5% | -0.7% |
| Central and Western Africa | 0.4% | 0.3% | 0.1% |
| No passport held | 11.1% | 13.5% | -2.4% |
| 2021 | UK Average | postcode vs UK (pp) | |
|---|---|---|---|
| No religion | 35.5% | 37.2% | -1.7% |
| Christian | 56.2% | 46.2% | 10.0% |
| Buddhist | 0.4% | 0.5% | -0.1% |
| Other religion | 0.4% | 0.6% | -0.2% |
| Not answered | 7.4% | 6.0% | 1.4% |
Over the last 12 months, the overall crime rate around Melchbourne Road was 131.9 per 1,000 residents, which is 114.8% higher than the Riseley average. The most reported crime type was Anti-social behaviour.
Melchbourne Road has the 2nd highest crime rate of 20 local areas in Riseley and the 91st highest crime rate of 543 local areas in Bedford .
Violent and sexual offences accounted for around 29.8 crimes per 1,000 residents and have been rising year on year. Over the last decade, overall crime has fallen by about -24.5%.
Households in this area have a higher level of wealth to the average household in England and Wales. 81% of analyzed areas in England and Wales have lower average household annual income than this area.
| Address | Sale Price | Sale Date | Price Estimate 2025 |
|---|---|---|---|
| Toad Cottage, 4 Melchbourne Road, Bedford, Bedford Terraced, an established residential building | £310,000 | 2025-05-09 | £310,000 |
| 3 Melchbourne Road, Bedford, Bedford Terraced, an established residential building | £395,000 | 2018-08-30 | £482,882 |
| Toad Cottage, 4 Melchbourne Road, Bedford, Bedford Terraced, an established residential building | £165,000 | 2014-07-28 | £277,598 |
| Toad Cottage, 4 Melchbourne Road, Bedford, Bedford Terraced, an established residential building | £180,000 | 2010-09-30 | £336,239 |
| 5 Melchbourne Road, Bedford, Bedfordshire Detached, an established residential building | £250,000 | 2007-04-27 | £465,889 |
MK44 1AF area has a very high level of entrepreneurship. Only 9% of streets have higher percent of entrepreneur residents. 15% of population in this area is self-employed, while the average in the UK is 9.7%. High number of entrepreneurs usually leads to relatively high economic growth, higher paid jobs and better quality of life in the area.
MK44 1AF 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.
| Full-Time Employee | 75 |
| Retired | 53 |
| Self-Employed | 32 |
| Part-Time Employee | 18 |
| Other | 9 |
| Looking after home or family | 7 |
| Unemployed | 5 |
| Long-Term Sick or disabled | 5 |
| Full-Time Student (with or without job) | 4 |
| Student (economically inactive) | 2 |
| Wholesale and retail trade; repair of motor vehicles and motor cycles | 18 |
| Professional, scientific and technical activities | 16 |
| Human health and social work activities | 16 |
| Construction | 15 |
| Education | 12 |
| Manufacturing | 10 |
| Other | 8 |
| Administrative and support service activities | 7 |
| Public administration and defence; compulsory social security | 7 |
| Agriculture, forestry and fishing | 7 |
| Transport and storage | 6 |
| Financial and insurance activities | 5 |
| Real estate activities | 3 |
| Information and communication | 3 |
| Accommodation and food service activities | 3 |
| Water supply; sewerage, waste management and remediation activities | 1 |
| Ofsted Overall Effectiveness | Distance | Establishment Type | Has Nursery Classes | Gender | More Info | |
|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|
| Sharnbrook Primary High Street , Sharnbrook MK44 1PF | 4out of 4 | 4,471 yd | Academy converter | Yes | Mixed | More About School |
| Rushden Primary Academy Goulsbra Road , NN10 0YX | 3out of 4 | 4,517 yd | Academy sponsor led | No | Mixed | More About School |
| Riseley CofE Primary School High Street , Riseley MK44 1DR | 3out of 4 | 4,843 yd | Voluntary aided school | Yes | Mixed | More About School |
| St Lawrence Church of England Primary School Manor Lane , Wymington NN10 9LL | 2out of 4 | 5,318 yd | Voluntary aided school | Yes | Mixed | More About School |
| Ofsted Overall Effectiveness | Distance | Establishment Type | Has Nursery Classes | Gender | More Info | |
|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|
| Sharnbrook Academy Odell Road , Sharnbrook MK44 1JL | 3out of 4 | 5,079 yd | Academy converter | Not Applicable | Mixed | More About School |
School statistics for this postcode are based on Ofsted rankings.
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 | 0.0% |
| Percentage of premises that have Ultrafast Broadband (100Mbit/s or greater) coverage from fixed broadband | 0.0% |
| Percentage of premises that have Ultrafast Broadband (300Mbit/s or greater) coverage from fixed broadband | 0.0% |
| Percentage of premises that have coverage from a Gigabit capable service from fixed broadband | 0.0% |
| Percentage of premises unable to receive 2Mbit/s | 0.0% |
| Percentage of premises unable to receive 5Mbit/s | 100.0% |
| Percentage of premises unable to receive 10Mbit/s | 100.0% |
| Percentage of premises unable to receive 30Mbit/s | 100.0% |
Broadband statistics are based on Ofcom's Communications Market Report (CMR) 2022.