Bayston Hill - Demography

Demography

According to the 2001 census, there were 2,103 households containing a population of 5,247 which makes Bayston Hill the most populated village in Shropshire and larger than many of its market towns (such as Church Stretton or Much Wenlock). It is estimated from electoral registrations that since 2001 the village's population has probably grown to something over 5,500.

Only twenty-five percent of the village are aged 60 or over, which is significantly lower than the national average and only 466 individuals were recorded as being over the age of 75.

Of the 2,146 recorded households only 630 had dependent children. Half of the 1,905 owner-occupiers own their own homes outright with the remainder still having mortgages. Of the 2,919 residents in gainful employment, 264 work exclusively from home and of those who travel to places of work, 77 cycle, 132 walk, 170 take the bus and vast majority of 1,966 travel by motor vehicle.

A 2003 housing survey identified that ninety-six percent of village homes were owner occupied, compared to a borough and national average of only seventy-four percent. There is a current under-provision of social and housing association properties, particularly in the one-bed and two-bed market for new family starter and retirement housing. It is felt that building of new housing has to be balanced against a general desire amongst residents to keep the village at close to its current size and prevent further overspill towards Shrewsbury.