Is Telford Safe, Pros and cons of living in Telford

Telford, a post-war new town in Shropshire, England, offers a blend of modern infrastructure and historical surroundings. Designed to alleviate overcrowding in urban areas, it has grown into a significant economic and cultural hub. Its strategic location provides access to beautiful countryside and major urban centers.

This article explores the multifaceted aspects of living in Telford, covering safety, cost of living, employment opportunities, climate, education, and demographics. It aims to provide a comprehensive overview for individuals considering a move to this dynamic town.

Is it Safe to Live in Telford?

Telford presents a mixed picture regarding safety, with overall crime rates that are comparable to national averages but with specific areas experiencing higher incidences. The annual total crime rate in Telford and Wrekin is approximately 98.1 crimes per thousand residents, which is considered a medium crime level (as reported by Crystal Roof). Violent crime is a significant concern, making up 41.4% of all reported crimes in the Telford postcode area, with a rate that is 115% of the national average (as reported by Plumplot). Conversely, some wards within Telford and Wrekin exhibit low crime rates, such as Admaston & Bratton with a rate of 23.7 (as reported by Crystal Roof).

When comparing Telford to other areas, its crime rate is slightly higher than the West Midlands average but lower than some other regions (as reported by Plumplot). The most common crimes reported in Telford are violence and sexual offenses, with a slight increase noted from the previous year (as reported by Plumplot). Theft from the person is less common, though it has seen an increase in recorded offenses (as reported by Plumplot).

Housing Costs and Availability

The housing market in Telford is described as competitive, with a median sale price of $335,000 as of March 2026, showing a 4.7% increase compared to the previous year (as reported by Redfin). Homes in Telford are currently selling more slowly, with an average of 36 days on the market compared to 14 days last year (as reported by Redfin). The median sale price per square foot has seen a slight decrease of 14.6% year-over-year (as reported by Redfin).

Property prices in the Telford postcode area show an average of £254,000 and a median of £225,000, with a 1% decline over the past twelve months (as reported by Plumplot). The most affordable areas in Telford have an average price of £169,000, while the most expensive reach £462,000 (as reported by Plumplot). Renting in Telford and Wrekin has an average cost of £850 per month, with a two-bedroom apartment averaging £761 per month (as reported by LiveWhere).

Job Market and Economy

The average salary in Telford and Wrekin is approximately £41,700 per year, with a median salary of £36,500 (as reported by Plumplot). The average salary for jobs in Telford, United Kingdom, is reported as £36,311 per year, or £17 per hour (as reported by ERI SalaryExpert). The unemployment rate in Telford and Wrekin was 3.4% in the year ending December 2023, a decrease from the previous year’s rate of 4.3% (as reported by ONS). This rate is lower than the UK average unemployment rate of 4% in 2025 (as reported by Plumplot).

Major employers in Telford are diverse, with manufacturing businesses forming the largest sector (as reported by Telford And Wrekin Population). The employment rate for those aged 16 to 64 in Telford and Wrekin is 74.6%, though this has seen a slight decrease compared to the previous year (as reported by ONS). Economic inactivity has increased, affecting 22.5% of the population aged 16 to 64 in the year ending December 2023 (as reported by ONS).

Climate and Weather

Telford experiences a temperate maritime climate, characterized by mild winters and warm, comfortable summers with partly cloudy skies. Over the year, temperatures typically range from 34°F to 69°F, rarely dropping below 23°F or exceeding 78°F (as reported by Telford Climate). The warmest month is July, with average highs around 68°F and lows of 52°F, while January is the coldest, with highs of 44°F and lows of 34°F (as reported by Telford Climate).

The town receives a moderate amount of precipitation, averaging around 806 mm annually, with rainfall distributed relatively evenly throughout the year. October is typically the wettest month, with an average of 2.3 inches of rain, while March is the driest, with about 1.4 inches (as reported by Telford Climate). The drier season generally runs from early February to late May, with April seeing the fewest rainy days (as reported by Telford Climate).

Education and Schools

Telford offers a range of educational institutions, with several schools receiving high ratings. Thomas Telford School, Wrekin College, and Madeley Academy are among the top-performing schools in the area, according to School Guide (as reported by School Guide). Haberdashers’ Abraham Darby and Holy Trinity Academy are also recognized for their strong performance (as reported by School Guide).

In the United States, Telford, Pennsylvania, has one public school serving 507 students. This school, Vernfield Elementary School, is part of the Souderton Area School District and consistently outperforms district and state averages on standardized tests. It holds a 4-star rating from SchoolDigger and ranks highly among Pennsylvania elementary schools (as reported by SchoolDigger).

Demographics and Population

The population of Telford and Wrekin was estimated at 185,600 in the wider borough as of the 2021 census, an increase of 11.3% from 2011 (as reported by Telford and Wrekin Population). The town itself had a population of 156,896 in 2021, making it the most populous settlement in Shropshire (as reported by Wikipedia). The population density is approximately 4.6 people per football pitch-sized area (as reported by Office for National Statistics).

In terms of ethnic diversity, the Telford postcode area in the 2021 census reported 89.9% White, 4.6% Asian, and 2.4% Black residents (as reported by Plumplot). The median age in Telford and Wrekin was 39 years in 2021, an increase of one year from 2011 (as reported by Office for National Statistics). Telford is noted to have a younger than average population, with 15% of residents living in low-income households (as reported by Wikipedia).

Cost of Living

The cost of living in Telford, United Kingdom, is reported to be 0.8% cheaper than the UK overall. However, specific expenses such as childcare, entertainment, sports, transportation, and groceries are more expensive than the national average (as reported by MyLifeElsewhere.com). Conversely, expenses for clothing, housing, and dining out are lower in Telford compared to the UK average (as reported by MyLifeElsewhere.com).

In Telford, Pennsylvania, the cost of living is 13% higher than the national average (as reported by PayScale). Housing expenses are notably higher, being 44% above the national average, while utility prices are 9% higher (as reported by PayScale). Transportation costs are also elevated, with bus fares and gas prices being 4% higher than the national average (as reported by PayScale).