MK40 1AY is an up-and-coming urban area located 1.2km from Cauldwell in Bedford. Administratively it sits within Castle ward and the Bedford constituency.
Day-to-day life in MK40 1AY has the character of a significant portion of adults hold a degree, but a notable number have also pursued apprenticeships in the past. employment is predominantly concentrated in caring, leisure and other service occupations, or in sales and customer services. individuals in this subgroup are slightly more likely to be uk-born, compared with the group average. the population displays a fairly balanced age distribution, apart from the smaller proportion of elderly retirees. the neighbourhoods show limited ethnic diversity, and the housing landscape primarily consists of terraced homes, with a mix of detached and semi-detached properties as well. it is not uncommon for residents to own multiple vehicles. The daytime character shifts — ethnically mixed workforce in transportation and storage. The 39 average age reflects a mixed, mid-career community — settling down but not yet slowing down. The area has a notably diverse population — 39% of residents identify as non-white, reflecting the multicultural character of this part of Bedford. Employment levels are high (48% in full-time work) — a well-connected, economically active community.
Safety: Crime rates are high (271 per 1,000 residents) — commercial zones and transport hubs in the vicinity contribute to these figures. 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 1AY are sourced from Output Area E00183588 (shared with 49 postcodes in this micro-neighbourhood). Property prices come from HM Land Registry.
MK40 1AY House Prices & Local Information
Comprehensive demographic deep-dive and infrastructure audit for MK40 1AY.
237
39
£ 47,300 /yr
62%
Neighbourhood Index
infoHow calculated?Score 1–10 — how this postcode ranks nationally (10 = top 10%)
Index Insight: MK40 1AY is ranked in the top 20% nationally for affluence, indicating a high-income demographic. The area also shows excellent employment metrics, indicating a highly economically active population.
Area Character
MK40 1AY is a mixed residential postcode — average age 39, 32% owner-occupied, spanning a wide range of household types and life stages. Crime rates in this specific area are higher than average.
mapGeographic Location
Demographic Deep-Dive
The Census 2021 data below shows the full population breakdown for MK40 1AY. The average age is 38.7. Figures are sourced from the Office for National Statistics and cover ethnicity, age, religion, education, occupation, housing tenure, and more.
Ethnicity Profile
Economic Activity
Age & Housing: A mid-life demographic with high rental density. The population consists largely of working adults in their thirties and forties renting their homes.
gavel Crime Overview 12 Months (up to 2026-02)
Crime rates near MK40 1AY are high at 271 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
Bedford Free School
Priory Primary School
Cauldwell School
Peter Pan Nursery School
Livingstone Primary School
Castle Newnham School
Cherry Trees Nursery School
Shackleton Primary School
storefront Nearby Amenities
Retailers - Other
109 nearby- Tavistock News0.8 km
- 7 Days Bedford Ltd0.4 km
- Adrian's Butcher Shop0.3 km
- Boots0.2 km
- Claire's Accessories0.1 km
- + 104 more
Hotel, B&B, Guest House
9 nearby- De Parys Guest House0.9 km
- De’Parys0.9 km
- Distinct Group Ltd at The Swan Hotel0.2 km
- Mercure0.2 km
- Premier Inn0.1 km
- + 4 more
Pub, NightClub
47 nearby- The Balloon1.0 km
- Wellington Arms PH0.7 km
- Kings Arms PH0.2 km
- Pilgrims Progress0.3 km
- Greyfriars Snooker Centre0.3 km
- + 42 more
Restaurant, Cafe
138 nearby- Fancy Bakery1.0 km
- Blue Monk Restaurant0.2 km
- Chicken & Spice0.4 km
- Green Earth Cafe0.1 km
- Howard Cafe & Restaurant0.2 km
- + 133 more
Takeaway Shop
69 nearby- Tasty Tuck0.8 km
- Adana Grill0.2 km
- Al Badar0.3 km
- Flying Pizza0.4 km
- Romans Pizza0.5 km
- + 64 more
Supermarkets
13 nearby- Farmfoods0.4 km
- Sainsbury's0.8 km
- Essential Supermarket0.4 km
- Wm Morrison Supermarkets Limited1.0 km
- Bedford Fruit and Vegetable Ltd0.4 km
- + 8 more
train Transport Links
Train Stations
- Bedford0.5 km
- Bedford St Johns0.6 km
- Bedford Station0.8 km
Bus Stops
- St Paul's Square0.1 km
- St Paul's Square0.1 km
- Pilgrims House0.1 km
- St Paul's Square0.1 km
- St Paul's Square0.1 km
Generated by PostcodeInfo.uk
Postcode Profile: MK401AY · Data under Open Government Licence