Burford Area Guide

Town

Gateway to the Cotswolds with sweeping high street descending to the Windrush river. This guide covers everything you need to know about living in Burford — from property prices and crime statistics to school ratings and transport links. All data comes from official UK government sources and is updated regularly.

£420k

Median property price ↓ 0.5%

21

Crimes per 1,000 residents

4

Schools (2 Good/Outstanding)

Moderate

Transport rating · Charlbury

About Burford

Overview

Gateway to the Cotswolds with sweeping high street descending to the Windrush river. Located in South East, Burford has a population of approximately 1,501 residents, making it a compact town by UK standards. The primary postcode area is OX18.

Burford sits within South East and is well connected to neighbouring areas. The local property market is at the mid-range end of the spectrum, with a median price of £420k that is 4% below the South East average of £438k. The area has a very low crime rate compared to similar areas.

Key facts about Burford

Nearest station: Charlbury
Low crime area
Region: South East
Population: ~1,501
Median property price: £420k
Crime rate: 21 per 1,000
Ofsted: 50% schools Good/Outstanding

Property prices in Burford (2026)

Based on HM Land Registry Price Paid data, updated regularly.

£420k

Median price

↓ 0.5%

Year-on-year change

Property market analysis

The median property price in Burford currently stands at £420k, placing it in the mid-range segment of the South East market. This is 4% below the South East average of £438k. Over the past twelve months, prices in Burford have been broadly flat, with a year-on-year change of -0.5%.

The slight softening in prices may present an opportunity for buyers who have been waiting on the sidelines. Price corrections in desirable areas like Burford tend to be temporary, particularly where transport links and school quality remain strong.

For context, the most affordable areas in South East have median prices around £237k, while the most expensive areas reach £948k. Burford sits in the middle of this range.

What types of property are available? The market offers a mix of flats, terraced and semi-detached houses. First-time buyers may find entry-level flats within reach, while families typically look at terraced properties or ex-council stock.

Crime and safety in Burford

Crime data sourced from Police.uk, which records all crimes reported to police forces across England and Wales.

Low crime 21.3 crimes per 1,000 residents

Crime rate analysis

Burford has a very low crime rate of 21.3 offences per 1,000 residents per year. This is below the national average of 55 per 1,000. This low crime rate suggests the area is one of the safer locations in the region, which is often reflected in higher property valuations.

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 Burford. Our AI-generated analysis puts the numbers in plain English so you can make an informed decision.

Schools in Burford

School data from the Department for Education (DfE) and Ofsted.

4

Total schools

50%

Good or Outstanding

Schools analysis

Burford has 4 schools in the local area, of which 2 (50%) have been rated Good or Outstanding by Ofsted. This represents a reasonable 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. The smaller number of schools means catchment areas are important — check distances carefully before committing to a property.

Catchment areas and admissions: Most schools in Burford 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 Burford

Moderate transport Nearest station: Charlbury

Transport links analysis

Burford has moderate transport links. While services are available, a car may be useful for some journeys, particularly during off-peak hours. The nearest railway station is Charlbury, providing regular services to surrounding areas. Transport connectivity data is sourced from NaPTAN, the official UK database of public transport access points.

Commuters from Burford should factor in travel times carefully. Rail services may be less frequent than in larger centres, and a car is advisable for maximum flexibility.

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. Planned transport improvements could be a catalyst for future price growth in Burford.

Living in Burford — lifestyle and amenities

Burford is a compact town in South East with a population of around 1,501. The area has a community feel with local shops, cafes, and green spaces contributing to quality of life.

Who lives in Burford? The area attracts a mix of young professionals, growing families, and long-term residents. The property market is accessible to those with reasonable deposits or equity from previous homes.

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: While Burford may not have the range of a major city, local shops and eateries provide for daily needs, with larger centres accessible within a short drive or train ride.

Frequently asked questions about Burford

Is Burford a good place to live?

Burford is a compact town in South East with a population of approximately 1,501. It has moderate transport links, 4 schools (50% rated Good or Outstanding by Ofsted), and a median property price of £420k. The crime rate of 21 per 1,000 residents is very low. Whether it suits you depends on your priorities — use Check Local to compare it with similar areas.

What are property prices like in Burford?

The median property price in Burford is £420k, which is 4% below the South East average of £438k. Prices have been broadly flat over the past year, with a year-on-year change of -0.5%. This is based on HM Land Registry Price Paid data. Check Local's full report includes breakdowns by property type, historical trends, and new build analysis.

How safe is Burford?

Burford records approximately 21 crimes per 1,000 residents annually, which is classified as very low and is below the national average of 55 per 1,000. Crime data is sourced from Police.uk and covers all reported offences. The most common categories in urban areas typically include anti-social behaviour, violence, and shoplifting. Check Local provides a full breakdown by crime category with monthly trends.

What schools are in Burford?

There are 4 schools in and around Burford, of which 2 (50%) are rated Good or Outstanding by Ofsted. This is considered a reasonable performance. School data is sourced from the Department for Education (DfE) and Ofsted. Check Local provides detailed information including individual school ratings, Key Stage results, and proximity to your chosen address.

What is the transport like in Burford?

Burford has moderate transport links. The nearest station is Charlbury. Transport data is sourced from NaPTAN (the National Public Transport Access Nodes database). Check Local's full transport lens includes all nearby stations, bus stops, and service frequency data.

Where does this data come from?

All data in this Burford 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.