MK40 1AQ is an accessible, working-class neighbourhood located 0.7km from Queens Park in Bedford. Administratively it sits within Castle ward and the Bedford constituency.
An affordable area with active regeneration, MK40 1AQ is a diverse renting area with many ethnic minority families, mostly European-born. During the day, ethnically mixed workforce in transportation and storage. The community skews young professional (average age 33) — expect a mix of renters, sharers, and first-time buyers. 31% of homes are socially rented, reflecting the area's public housing provision and council presence. The area has a notably diverse population — 38% of residents identify as non-white, reflecting the multicultural character of this part of Bedford.
Safety: Crime is moderate at 74 incidents per 1,000 residents — broadly typical for this type of urban area. The Index of Multiple Deprivation places this area in the most deprived 20% nationally — this often means more affordable prices and active local authority investment, but also fewer amenities and higher benefit dependency.
Census 2021 statistics for MK40 1AQ are sourced from Output Area E00088201 (shared with 16 postcodes in this micro-neighbourhood). Property prices come from HM Land Registry.
MK40 1AQ House Prices & Local Information
Comprehensive demographic deep-dive and infrastructure audit for MK40 1AQ.
419
33
£ 47,300 /yr
50%
Neighbourhood Index
infoHow calculated?Score 1–10 — how this postcode ranks nationally (10 = top 10%)
Index Insight: MK40 1AQ falls into the lower 30% nationally for affluence, pointing to a more accessible but economically challenged demographic. Employment metrics are below the national average, which typically reflects either economic deprivation or a highly retired population.
Area Character
Economic hardship is measurable here. MK40 1AQ's IMD rank, 7% unemployment, and 31% social renting combine to signal above-average deprivation — though affordable prices and community resilience are noted strengths. Crime is moderate, better than deprivation indicators alone might suggest.
mapGeographic Location
Demographic Deep-Dive
The Census 2021 data below shows the full population breakdown for MK40 1AQ. The average age is 32.5. Figures are sourced from the Office for National Statistics and cover ethnicity, age, religion, education, occupation, housing tenure, and more.
Ethnicity Profile
Economic Activity
Area Vibe: Active but flexible. The area is largely populated by a middle-aged demographic that favors the flexibility of the rental market.
gavel Crime Overview 12 Months (up to 2026-02)
Crime around MK40 1AQ is moderate at 74 per 1,000 residents. The most reported categories are violence and sexual offences and anti-social behaviour. Commercial streets and transport hubs naturally generate more incidents than quiet residential roads.
school Local Schools
Priory Primary School
Livingstone Primary School
Queen's Park Academy
St Joseph's and St Gregory's Catholic Primary School
Westfield Primary School
Great Ouse Primary Academy
Edith Cavell Primary School
Bedford Free School
storefront Nearby Amenities
Retailers - Other
89 nearby- Gill Convenience1.0 km
- Hustlers Sports Bar0.7 km
- Roff Avenue Stores0.9 km
- Comfort Supermarket0.4 km
- Meat & More0.4 km
- + 84 more
Hotel, B&B, Guest House
5 nearby- Tennyson House Hotel0.5 km
- The Grafton0.5 km
- Verve Hotel0.6 km
- Premier Inn0.9 km
- Victoria Guest House1.0 km
Restaurant, Cafe
92 nearby- A Different Brew1.0 km
- Indian Summer0.7 km
- Dudu Bar Restaurant and Lounge0.2 km
- Man Do Chinese Restaurant0.5 km
- Cafe Harraway0.3 km
- + 87 more
Supermarkets
13 nearby- J Sainsbury Plc (Petrol station Shop)1.0 km
- Sainsbury's0.7 km
- Bedford Fruit and Vegetable Ltd0.5 km
- M-C-N Store Limited0.5 km
- J Sainsbury Plc (Main Store)1.0 km
- + 8 more
Takeaway Shop
57 nearby- Malabar0.6 km
- Best Kebab0.3 km
- Thirsty Records0.8 km
- Bala Sweet Centre0.5 km
- Acca Limited T/A Pizza Hut0.8 km
- + 52 more
Pub, NightClub
29 nearby- Esquires0.5 km
- Sport for Bedford Ltd0.9 km
- The Queen PH0.3 km
- Club Italia0.4 km
- Club Polska0.4 km
- + 24 more
train Transport Links
Train Stations
- Bedford Station0.3 km
- Bedford St Johns1.4 km
- Bedford1.4 km
Bus Stops
- Chaucer Road0.1 km
- Chaucer Road0.1 km
- Bedford Rail Station0.2 km
- Shakespeare Road0.2 km
- Bedford Railway Station0.2 km
Generated by PostcodeInfo.uk
Postcode Profile: MK401AQ · Data under Open Government Licence