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Forest of Dean

England / South West / Forest of Dean

About

The Forest of Dean is a district in Gloucestershire, South West England, known for its ancient woodland and rich industrial heritage. Covering an area of over 200 square miles, it is one of the few remaining large forests in England. The area is defined by its mix of dense woodland, open meadows, and winding rivers, including the Wye and Severn. Historically, it was a center for coal mining, ironworking, and forestry, with traces of these industries still visible today.

The district includes towns like Coleford, Cinderford, and Lydney, which serve as hubs for local communities. The Forest of Dean is a popular destination for outdoor activities, with trails for walking, cycling, and wildlife spotting. It also has cultural significance, with ties to folklore and literature, including connections to J.K. Rowling's Harry Potter series. The area balances its natural landscapes with a quiet, rural way of life.

Area overview

On average Forest of Dean has moderate deprivation and moderate crime levels, with around 62 crimes per 1,000 residents per year. Approximately 10.8% of homes in this area are social housing provided by a local council or housing association. The average income of residents in Forest of Dean is £44,340 per year. There are 56 schools in Forest of Dean: 46 primary (1 Outstanding and 37 Good) and 6 secondary (1 Outstanding and 4 Good).

Crime rate
5/10
Crimes per 1k residents
62
Deprivation level
5/10
Income level
4/10
Social housing
10.8%
Connectivity
N/A

Area Profile

Forest of Dean Population
87,004
Population density
165.4 per km²

Demographics

British
82,401
94.71%
Other White
1,988
2.28%
Other
316
0.36%
Irish
314
0.36%
White and Asian (mixed)
303
0.35%
Total population: 87,004

Housing

Owns outright
16,466
44.24%
Owns with a mortgage
10,552
28.35%
Private landlord or letting agency
4,072
10.94%
Other social rented
4,004
10.76%
Other forms of private rent
959
2.58%
Total households: 37,217

Property prices in Forest of Dean

Based on 994 recent sales, the median property price is £273,000 in Forest of Dean area, with individual transactions ranging from £68,600 up to £1,175,000.

Price per property type (last year)

Price per property type (last year)

TypeSalesMedian
Detached417£395,000
Flats46£113,000
Semi-Detached321£250,000
Terraced210£207,500

10 years price trend in Forest of Dean

All wards in Forest of Dean

Berry Hill

Bream

Cinderford East

Cinderford West

Coleford

Dymock

Hartpury & Redmarley

Longhope & Huntley

Lydbrook

Lydney East

Lydney North

Lydney West & Aylburton

Mitcheldean, Ruardean & Drybrook

Newent & Taynton

Newland & Sling

Newnham

Pillowell

Ruspidge

St. Briavels

Tidenham

Westbury-on-Severn

Data Sources

All data is sourced from official UK government agencies and public datasets. Last updated: 16/09/2025.