MK42 0DS is an accessible, working-class neighbourhood on Barford Avenue, 0.7km from Fenlake in Bedford. Administratively it sits within Kingsbrook ward and the Bedford constituency.
An affordable area with active regeneration, MK42 0DS is a mixed area of service workers, students and families in semi-detached housing. By day, the area transitions to a metro suburban distribution industries character: ethnically mixed workforce in transportation and storage. With residents averaging 33 years old, this is a classic professional renter's neighbourhood — energetic, sociable, and career-focused. 54% of homes are socially rented, reflecting the area's public housing provision and council presence. The area has a notably diverse population — 33% of residents identify as non-white, reflecting the multicultural character of this part of Bedford.
Safety: Crime is moderate at 57 incidents per 1,000 residents — broadly typical for this type of urban area. Property: Average house prices are around £254k, up 25.7% year-on-year. 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 MK42 0DS are sourced from Output Area E00088453 (shared with 4 postcodes in this micro-neighbourhood). Property prices come from HM Land Registry.
BARFORD AVENUE, MK42 0DS House Prices & Local Information
Comprehensive demographic deep-dive and infrastructure audit for BARFORD AVENUE, MK42 0DS.
320
33
£ 42,800 /yr
47%
Neighbourhood Index
infoHow calculated?Score 1–10 — how this postcode ranks nationally (10 = top 10%)
Index Insight: MK42 0DS 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
With 54% social renting, MK42 0DS is shaped by council and housing association investment — strong rental availability at below-market rates. The 33-year average age reflects a younger, more transient social housing population. Property prices are trending up 25.7% year-on-year.
mapGeographic Location
Demographic Deep-Dive
The Census 2021 data below shows the full population breakdown for MK42 0DS. The average age is 33.4. 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.
home Property Prices by Type
Terraced
£ 207,000
7 sales · Mean £ 225,285
Semi-Detached
£ 194,997
8 sales · Mean £ 201,593
gavel Crime Overview 12 Months (up to 2026-02)
Crime around MK42 0DS is moderate at 57 per 1,000 residents. The most reported categories are violence and sexual offences and shoplifting. Commercial streets and transport hubs naturally generate more incidents than quiet residential roads.
school Local Schools
King's Oak Primary School
Shackleton Primary School
Cherry Trees Nursery School
Bedford Academy
Bedford Free School
Cauldwell School
Peter Pan Nursery School
Elstow School
storefront Nearby Amenities
Pub, NightClub
4 nearby- Gardeners Arms1.0 km
- Meltis Sports and Social Club0.8 km
- The Bull0.7 km
- Mile Road Club0.9 km
Retailers - Other
25 nearby- Alem-Cash & Carry Ltd0.6 km
- Ampthill Road Food & Wine0.9 km
- Avidlite0.7 km
- B&M Retail Ltd0.4 km
- Barnett Food & Wine0.9 km
- + 20 more
Restaurant, Cafe
18 nearby- Costa Ltd0.5 km
- Kids World0.8 km
- Lagos Lounge0.6 km
- London Peri Peri Grill0.4 km
- Mile Road Cafe0.9 km
- + 13 more
Takeaway Shop
14 nearby- Artis Food0.4 km
- Golden Fish Bar0.4 km
- Joyes Chicken0.8 km
- Pizza Hut0.4 km
- Wraps To Go0.4 km
- + 9 more
Supermarkets
2 nearby- Farmfoods0.9 km
- Tesco0.5 km
train Transport Links
Train Stations
- Bedford St Johns0.8 km
- Bedford1.2 km
- Bedford Station1.9 km
Bus Stops
- Paradine Road0.0 km
- Paradine Road0.1 km
- St Michael's Church0.1 km
- London Road Methodist Chapel0.2 km
- London Road Methodist Chapel0.2 km
Generated by PostcodeInfo.uk
Postcode Profile: MK420DS · Data under Open Government Licence