Crime Guide

Top 5 Lowest Crime Areas in Derbyshire

A data-driven look at the 5 postcode areas with the lowest crime rates in Derbyshire, comparing each area's violent, property, theft and public order figures against the Derbyshire and national averages.

Updated:

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Derbyshire offers a diverse range of living environments, shifting from the dense industrial landscapes of the east to the remote rural settlements of the Peak District. This geographic variety means that residents experience very different day-to-day lifestyles depending on their specific location. Choosing where to settle requires a careful look at local data, as crime rates directly influence personal peace of mind, the stability of family life and long-term property values. While no part of the county is entirely without incident, understanding these trends allows for a more informed decision when balancing lifestyle preferences with security.

This article provides a comparative analysis of the five postcode areas with the lowest recorded crime rates in the region. Each location is benchmarked against both the Derbyshire county average and the broader national average for England and Wales. The assessment covers a spectrum of activity, specifically focusing on violent crime, property crime, theft and public order offences. By examining these datasets in a consistent format, prospective residents can better weigh the relative safety of these communities as they consider their next move.

The 5 lowest-crime areas in Derbyshire at a glance

Rank Area Postcode Households Crime Index
1 High Peak, Derbyshire SK23 5,510 2.1%
2 Derby, Derbyshire DE3 6,720 2.8%
3 Derby, Derbyshire DE72 6,200 4.2%
4 Bakewell, Derbyshire DE45 2,452 4.7%
5 Dronfield, Derbyshire S18 6,502 4.8%

1. High Peak, Derbyshire [SK23]

High Peak is defined by its rural character, marked by gritstone hills, expansive valleys and a quiet pace of life. Many residents work in nearby cities such as Manchester or Sheffield, returning to a landscape dominated by agriculture and outdoor spaces like the Peak District National Park. The community consists of small villages and towns where local facilities, such as independent shops and village greens, form the focus of daily life.

The crime figures for this area are exceptionally low compared to wider averages. Recorded incidents of theft stand at 2.0 per 1,000 households, which is 93 percent below the county average and 94 percent below the national average. Property crime occurs at a rate of 3.8 per 1,000 households, sitting 86 percent below the county average and 89 percent below the national average. Violent crime is recorded at 16.9 per 1,000 households, representing figures 77 percent lower than the county and 79 percent lower than the national benchmarks. Public order offences remain minimal at 7.3 incidents per 1,000 households, while other incidents are recorded at 0.4 per 1,000 households.

These statistics suggest that High Peak offers a high level of security for those prioritising a peaceful residential environment. While no location is entirely free of risk, the extremely low rates of property and violent crime provide a clear sense of safety for households living within the region.

How High Peak, Derbyshire compares by category

Recorded incidents per 1,000 households, versus the Derbyshire and national averages.

Property Crime

89% below the national average.

Theft

94% below the national average.

Violent Crime

79% below the national average.

Public Order

87% below the national average.

Other

92% below the national average.

See full property, crime & traffic data for High Peak, Derbyshire →

2. Derby, Derbyshire [DE3]

Mickleover, situated on the western edge of Derby, retains a distinct village identity despite its proximity to the city centre. It is a popular choice for families who are attracted by the established primary schools and local amenities like the community centre and parish churches. The area features a mix of housing, from long-standing village properties to modern residential developments, creating a settled environment for those commuting into Derby or towards Burton upon Trent.

The local crime figures are consistently lower than regional and national benchmarks. Property crime stands at 8.3 incidents per 1,000 households, which is 68% below the county average and 76% below the national average. Similarly, theft remains low at 10.4 incidents per 1,000 households, performing 62% better than the county and 70% better than the national average. Violent crime is recorded at 26.9 incidents per 1,000 households, sitting 64% below the county average and 66% below the national average. Public order offences also remain significantly reduced at 20.7 incidents per 1,000 households, while other incidents occur at a rate of 0.9.

For residents, these statistics provide a clear sense of security. The low volume of property crime and theft suggests that households here face a much smaller risk of burglary or personal belongings being taken compared to most other areas in the country. While no location is entirely free of incidents, the data indicates that this part of Derby offers a predictable and quiet lifestyle.

How Derby, Derbyshire compares by category

Recorded incidents per 1,000 households, versus the Derbyshire and national averages.

Property Crime

76% below the national average.

Theft

70% below the national average.

Violent Crime

66% below the national average.

Public Order

63% below the national average.

Other

81% below the national average.

See full property, crime & traffic data for Derby, Derbyshire →

3. Derby, Derbyshire [DE72]

The DE72 area, covering villages such as Draycott and parts of the wider Erewash district, offers a largely rural setting situated between the city of Derby and the market town of Long Eaton. The landscape is defined by its proximity to the River Derwent and a housing stock dominated by owner occupied, semi-detached and detached homes. It appeals primarily to those seeking a quieter residential environment away from urban density, while maintaining easy access to local transport links.

The crime statistics for this area are consistently lower than regional and national benchmarks. Violent crime occurs at a rate of 39.2 incidents per 1,000 households, which is 47% below the county average and 51% below the national average. Property crime figures are similarly positive, recorded at 19.7 incidents per 1,000 households, sitting 25% below the county average and 43% below the national average. Theft is particularly infrequent, with a rate of 8.2 incidents per 1,000 households, performing 70% better than the county average and 76% better than the national average.

Public order incidents are recorded at 24.0 per 1,000 households, being 51% below the county average and 57% below the national average. Other incident categories remain low at 2.9 per 1,000 households. These figures provide residents with a strong degree of peace of mind, as the data indicates a markedly lower risk of crime compared to the wider region.

How Derby, Derbyshire compares by category

Recorded incidents per 1,000 households, versus the Derbyshire and national averages.

Property Crime

43% below the national average.

Theft

76% below the national average.

Violent Crime

51% below the national average.

Public Order

57% below the national average.

Other

38% below the national average.

See full property, crime & traffic data for Derby, Derbyshire →

4. Bakewell, Derbyshire [DE45]

Bakewell serves as the largest settlement within the Peak District National Park, functioning as a quintessential market town positioned along the River Wye. Its landscape is defined by historic stone architecture, ranging from the medieval parish church to traditional 17th-century country halls. The town attracts a mix of visitors and permanent residents who value the setting, including families drawn to local independent schools and professionals working within the national park authority or local health services.

Safety is a notable feature of life in this area, with recorded incident rates consistently sitting well below both county and national averages. Violent crime stands at 45.3 incidents per 1,000 households, which is 39% below the county average and 43% below the national average. Property crime occurs at a rate of 20.4 per 1,000, while theft sits at 20.8 per 1,000. These figures, representing 23% and 23% reductions respectively against the county, suggest a environment where the risk of becoming a victim of acquisitive crime is relatively low. Public order offences are also infrequent at 32.2 per 1,000, and other incidents are recorded at just 2.4 per 1,000. For residents, this creates a predictable, quiet atmosphere that supports a strong sense of peace of mind. While no town is entirely free of risk, the data points to a secure residential experience that compares favourably across all key metrics.

How Bakewell, Derbyshire compares by category

Recorded incidents per 1,000 households, versus the Derbyshire and national averages.

Property Crime

41% below the national average.

Theft

40% below the national average.

Violent Crime

43% below the national average.

Public Order

43% below the national average.

Other

48% below the national average.

See full property, crime & traffic data for Bakewell, Derbyshire →

5. Dronfield, Derbyshire [S18]

Dronfield is a well-established town located in the valley of the River Drone, positioned between the cities of Sheffield and Chesterfield. It functions largely as a residential community for those commuting to these nearby urban centres, while maintaining its own distinct identity. The area provides a suburban environment with a significant proportion of long-term residents and a higher percentage of people aged 65 or over compared to the national average. With its mix of historic sites, such as the town library in Dronfield Manor, and modern infrastructure like the railway station, the town appeals to families and professionals seeking a quieter alternative to city living.

Regarding crime, the area generally reports lower figures than both county and national averages across most categories. Violent crime stands at 45.2 incidents per 1,000 households, which is 39% below the county average and 43% below the national average. Public order offences are recorded at 28.3, sitting 43% below the county average and 50% below the national average. Property crime figures are 20.8 per 1,000 households, 21% lower than the county and 40% lower than the national figure, while other incidents remain low at 2.2. However, theft is higher, occurring at a rate of 38.1 incidents per 1,000 households, placing it 41% above the county average and 11% above the national average. Residents benefit from generally peaceful conditions, though it remains sensible to secure property against theft.

How Dronfield, Derbyshire compares by category

Recorded incidents per 1,000 households, versus the Derbyshire and national averages.

Property Crime

40% below the national average.

Theft

11% above the national average.

Violent Crime

44% below the national average.

Public Order

50% below the national average.

Other

54% below the national average.

See full property, crime & traffic data for Dronfield, Derbyshire →

Frequently asked questions

Which is the lowest-crime area in Derbyshire?

High Peak, Derbyshire has the lowest weighted crime rate of the Derbyshire postcode areas in this guide, based on police.uk recorded-crime data.

How is crime measured in this guide?

Each area's recorded offences are expressed per 1,000 households and split into violent crime, property crime, theft and public order, then benchmarked against the Derbyshire and England & Wales averages. Data is from police.uk and updated monthly.

When was this guide last updated?

The crime figures on this page were last refreshed on 2026-06-01.

Data sources

Crime data sourced from police.uk and updated monthly.

Contains OS data © Crown copyright and database right 2026. Contains Royal Mail data © Royal Mail copyright and database right 2026. Source: Office for National Statistics licensed under the Open Government Licence v3.0.

Map data © OpenStreetMap contributors.

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