Home Close is in Wilstead, Bedford and in Bedford district. MK45 3HB is located in the Wixams & Wilstead electoral ward, within the English Parliamentary constituency of Mid Bedfordshire. This postcode has been in use since 1980-01-01.
StreetScan combines information about Home Close, Wilstead, Bedford, MK45 3HB and displays a report on the quality of life in this place and its surroundings.
Nearby postcodes are: MK45 3HA, MK45 3HD, MK45 3EP, MK45 3EU, MK45 3FX, MK45 3HH, MK45 3HJ, MK45 3EY, MK45 3BT.
In the UK, the overall gender distribution is approximately 49% male and 51% female. However, the area surrounding MK45 3HB, has a female population slightly higher than UK average, with 54.2% 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 | 52.4% | 54.2% | 1.8% | 51.0% | 3.2% |
| Male | 47.6% | 45.8% | -1.8% | 49.0% | -3.2% |
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 MK45 3HB there is a very large concentration of residents that are married - 54% 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 | 23.4% | 28.1% | 4.7% | 37.9% | -9.8% |
| Married: Opposite sex | 59.7% | 54% | -5.7% | 44.2% | 9.8% |
| Separated | 3% | 1.7% | -1.3% | 2.2% | -0.5% |
| Divorced | 7% | 9.4% | 2.4% | 9.1% | 0.3% |
| Widowed | 7% | 6.8% | -0.2% | 6.1% | 0.7% |
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 | 50.4% | 43.1% | -7.3% | 48.4% | -5.3% |
| Good health | 31.9% | 37.5% | 5.6% | 33.6% | 3.9% |
| Fair health | 14.2% | 13.1% | -1.1% | 12.7% | 0.4% |
| Bad health | 2.8% | 4.1% | 1.3% | 4.0% | 0.1% |
| Very bad health | 0.8% | 2.2% | 1.4% | 1.2% | 1.0% |
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 | 24.4% | 16.3% | -8.1% | 18.2% | -1.9% |
| 1-4 GCSEs or Equivalent | 16.4% | 14.2% | -2.2% | 9.6% | 4.6% |
| 5 or more GCSEs, an A-Level or 1-2 AS Levels | 12.9% | 7.3% | -5.6% | 13.4% | -6.1% |
| Apprenticeship | 4.5% | 10.7% | 6.2% | 5.3% | 5.4% |
| HNC, HND or 2+ A Levels | 10.9% | 20.6% | 9.7% | 16.9% | 3.7% |
| Degree or Similar | 26.9% | 28.3% | 1.4% | 33.8% | -5.5% |
| Other | 4% | 2.6% | -1.4% | 2.8% | -0.2% |
In this area, the population is predominantly white, with 96.3% 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) | |
|---|---|---|---|---|---|
| Pakistani | 0% | 0.4% | 0.4% | 2.7% | -2.3% |
| Black African | 0.4% | 0.7% | 0.3% | 2.5% | -1.8% |
| Black Caribbean | 0.8% | 0.4% | -0.4% | 1.0% | -0.6% |
| Other Black | 0% | 0.4% | 0.4% | 0.5% | -0.1% |
| Mixed White and Asian | 0% | 0.7% | 0.7% | 0.8% | -0.1% |
| Mixed White and Caribbean | 0.8% | 0.7% | -0.1% | 0.9% | -0.2% |
| Mixed Other | 0% | 0.4% | 0.4% | 0.8% | -0.4% |
| White | 96.1% | 96.3% | 0.2% | 81.4% | 14.9% |
| Gypsy or Irish Traveller | 2% | 0% | -2.0% | 0.1% | -0.1% |
In this area, 96.7% 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 | 95.7% | 96.7% | 1.0% | 83.2% | 13.5% |
| European Union | 2.4% | 2.6% | 0.2% | 6.1% | -3.5% |
| Rest of Europe | 0.4% | 0% | -0.4% | 0.8% | -0.8% |
| Africa | 1.2% | 0% | -1.2% | 2.7% | -2.7% |
| Middle East and Asia | 0.4% | 0% | -0.4% | 5.6% | -5.6% |
| The Americas and the Caribbean | 0% | 0.4% | 0.4% | 1.3% | -0.9% |
| Oceania | 0% | 0.4% | 0.4% | 0.3% | 0.1% |
| 2011 | 2021 | 10y change (pp) | UK Average | postcode vs UK (pp) | |
|---|---|---|---|---|---|
| Born in the UK | 94.5% | 96.7% | 2.2% | 83.2% | 13.5% |
| 10+ Years | 0% | 2.6% | 2.6% | 9.8% | -7.2% |
| 5-10 Years | 1.6% | 0% | -1.6% | 2.9% | -2.9% |
| 2-5 Years | 1.6% | 0.7% | -0.9% | 2.2% | -1.5% |
| Less than 2 years | 2.4% | 0% | -2.4% | 1.9% | -1.9% |
| 2021 | UK Average | postcode vs UK (pp) | |
|---|---|---|---|
| United Kingdom | 85% | 76.7% | 8.3% |
| Ireland | 1.9% | 0.6% | 1.3% |
| North America and the Caribbean | 0.4% | 0.3% | 0.1% |
| No passport held | 12.7% | 13.5% | -0.8% |
| 2021 | UK Average | postcode vs UK (pp) | |
|---|---|---|---|
| No religion | 44.6% | 37.2% | 7.4% |
| Christian | 49.4% | 46.2% | 3.2% |
| Jewish | 0.4% | 0.5% | -0.1% |
| Muslim | 0.7% | 6.5% | -5.8% |
| Other religion | 0.4% | 0.6% | -0.2% |
| Not answered | 4.5% | 6.0% | -1.5% |
Over the last 12 months, the overall crime rate around Home Close was 48.6 per 1,000 residents, which is 42.1% lower than the Shortstown average. The most reported crime type was Violence and sexual offences.
Home Close has the 14th highest crime rate of 28 local areas in Shortstown and the 243rd lowest crime rate of 543 local areas in Bedford .
Violent and sexual offences accounted for around 20.2 crimes per 1,000 residents and have been falling year on year. Over the last decade, overall crime has fallen by about -25.0%.

Households in this area have a higher level of wealth to the average household in England and Wales. 80% of analyzed areas in England and Wales have lower average household annual income than this area.

| Address | Sale Price | Sale Date | Price Estimate 2025 |
|---|---|---|---|
| 3 Home Close, Bedford, Bedford Detached, an established residential building | £290,000 | 2012-09-06 | £545,326 |
| 3 Home Close, Bedford, Bedford Detached, an established residential building | £188,500 | 2011-05-10 | £361,669 |
| 2 Home Close, Bedford, Bedfordshire Detached, an established residential building | £235,000 | 2008-05-12 | £428,699 |
| 4 Home Close, Bedford, Bedfordshire Detached, an established residential building | £295,000 | 2007-02-28 | £558,777 |
| 4 Home Close, Bedford, Bedfordshire Detached, an established residential building | £216,000 | 2002-07-18 | £573,422 |
MK45 3HB area has a low unemployment rate. According to Census 2021, 0% 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 | 70 |
| Part-Time Employee | 27 |
| Self-Employed | 26 |
| Student (economically inactive) | 13 |
| Looking after home or family | 10 |
| Long-Term Sick or disabled | 7 |
| Other | 6 |
| Full-Time Student (with or without job) | 2 |
| Unemployed | 0 |
| Education | 18 |
| Wholesale and retail trade; repair of motor vehicles and motor cycles | 18 |
| Manufacturing | 17 |
| Construction | 13 |
| Human health and social work activities | 10 |
| Professional, scientific and technical activities | 8 |
| Administrative and support service activities | 8 |
| Public administration and defence; compulsory social security | 7 |
| Transport and storage | 7 |
| Information and communication | 7 |
| Water supply; sewerage, waste management and remediation activities | 4 |
| Financial and insurance activities | 4 |
| Accommodation and food service activities | 3 |
| Other | 2 |
| Electricity, gas, steam and air conditioning supply | 1 |
| Real estate activities | 1 |
| Ofsted Overall Effectiveness | Distance | Establishment Type | Has Nursery Classes | Gender | More Info | |
|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|
| Wilstead Primary School Cotton End Road , Wilstead MK45 3BX | 3out of 4 | 236 yd | Foundation school | No | Mixed | More About School |
| Lakeview School School Lane , Off Brooklands Avenue MK42 6BH | 3out of 4 | 1,577 yd | Community school | Yes | Mixed | More About School |
| Wixams Tree Primary School Green Lane , Wixams MK42 6BA | - not rated | 1,609 yd | Free schools | Not Applicable | Mixed | More About School |
| Houghton Conquest Lower School High Street , Houghton Conquest MK45 3LL | 3out of 4 | 2,777 yd | Community school | No | Mixed | More About School |
| Cotton End Forest School High Road , MK45 3AG | 3out of 4 | 3,032 yd | Community school | Yes | Mixed | More About School |
| Ofsted Overall Effectiveness | Distance | Establishment Type | Has Nursery Classes | Gender | More Info | |
|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|
| Wixams Academy Green Lane , Wixams MK42 6BA | - not rated | 1,651 yd | Free schools | No | Mixed | More About School |
| Bedford Academy Mile Road , MK42 9TR | 3out of 4 | 4,734 yd | Academy sponsor led | Not Applicable | Mixed | More About School |
| Daubeney Academy Orchard Street , Kempston MK42 7PS | 3out of 4 | 4,890 yd | Academy converter | No | Mixed | More About School |
| Ofsted Overall Effectiveness | Distance | Establishment Type | Has Nursery Classes | Gender | More Info | |
|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|
| Marston Vale Middle School The Crescent , Stewartby MK43 9NH | 2out of 4 | 4,761 yd | Academy converter | No | Mixed | More About School |
School statistics for this postcode are based on Ofsted rankings.
| Business Name | Address | Food hygiene rating | Distance |
|---|---|---|---|
| Wilstead Bowls Club | Bowling Green Club House, Bedford Road | 338 yd |
| Business Name | Address | Food hygiene rating | Distance |
|---|---|---|---|
| Briar Social Club Ltd | Briar Bank, Hawthorne Drive | 663 yd |
| Business Name | Address | Food hygiene rating | Distance |
|---|---|---|---|
| Wilstead Tandoori | 2 Cross Roads Shops, Church Road | 190 yd | |
| 9th Kitchen | 3 Cross Roads Shops, Church Road | 190 yd |
| Facility Name | Sport Objects | Distance |
|---|---|---|
| Jubilee Playing Field THE SQUARE | grass pitches | 440 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% |
Broadband statistics are based on Ofcom's Communications Market Report (CMR) 2022.