MK40 2SS is an up-and-coming urban area within the MK40 district of Bedford. Note: this is a large-user or commercial postcode — residential population data may be limited. Administratively it sits within Harpur ward and the Bedford constituency.
Within the MK40 district, this postcode is characterised by a diverse renting area with many ethnic minority families, mostly European-born. By day, the area transitions to a multiethnic urban high streets character: urban high streets with mixed ethnicity and businesses. With residents averaging 32 years old, this is a classic professional renter's neighbourhood — energetic, sociable, and career-focused. The area has a notably diverse population — 32% of residents identify as non-white, reflecting the multicultural character of this part of Bedford.
Safety: Crime rates are high (264 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 2SS are sourced from Output Area E00183502 (shared with 18 postcodes in this micro-neighbourhood). Property prices come from HM Land Registry.
MK40 2SS House Prices & Local Information
Comprehensive demographic deep-dive and infrastructure audit for MK40 2SS.
408
32
£ 41,800 /yr
36%
Neighbourhood Index
infoHow calculated?Score 1–10 — how this postcode ranks nationally (10 = top 10%)
Index Insight: MK40 2SS 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
At 92% private renter occupancy, MK40 2SS is a landlord-friendly investment zone — high demand, strong yields, and frequent turnover. High crime warrants careful street-level review despite the strong rental demand.
mapGeographic Location
Demographic Deep-Dive
The Census 2021 data below shows the full population breakdown for MK40 2SS. The average age is 31.5. Figures are sourced from the Office for National Statistics and cover ethnicity, age, religion, education, occupation, housing tenure, and more.
Ethnicity Profile
Economic Activity
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 2SS are high at 264 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
Bedford Free School
Castle Newnham School
Edith Cavell Primary School
Castle Newnham School
Peter Pan Nursery School
Cauldwell School
storefront Nearby Amenities
Retailers - Other
95 nearby- Gill Convenience0.5 km
- Hustlers Sports Bar0.3 km
- Roff Avenue Stores0.5 km
- Superdrug Stores Plc0.2 km
- Superdrug Stores Plc0.3 km
- + 90 more
Hotel, B&B, Guest House
10 nearby- De’Parys0.4 km
- Distinct Group Ltd at The Swan Hotel0.5 km
- Mercure0.6 km
- Premier Inn0.5 km
- De Parys Guest House0.4 km
- + 5 more
Pub, NightClub
50 nearby- Kent Arms0.8 km
- Barley Mow0.2 km
- Executive Snooker Club0.3 km
- The Cross Keys0.3 km
- The Flowerpot0.1 km
- + 45 more
Restaurant, Cafe
132 nearby- Indian Summer0.3 km
- Al Fairoz0.5 km
- Amici Restaurant0.2 km
- Boujee Bar & Grill Ltd0.2 km
- Bridges Espresso Bar0.4 km
- + 127 more
Supermarkets
11 nearby- Sainsbury's0.3 km
- Village Choice Ltd T/A Budgens0.7 km
- Liana International Market0.4 km
- Lidl Food Stores0.2 km
- Tesco0.3 km
- + 6 more
Takeaway Shop
62 nearby- Malabar0.4 km
- Al Jannat0.5 km
- Andreas Kebabs0.1 km
- BB Tea0.4 km
- Best Pizza0.5 km
- + 57 more
train Transport Links
Train Stations
- Bedford0.6 km
- Bedford Station0.8 km
- Bedford St Johns1.1 km
Bus Stops
- Harpur Street0.1 km
- The Broadway0.1 km
- The Broadway0.1 km
- St Peter's Street0.2 km
- St Peter's Street0.2 km
Generated by PostcodeInfo.uk
Postcode Profile: MK402SS · Data under Open Government Licence