Housing along the banks of The River Idle Retford in Retford
River Idle and the canal aqueduct in Retford
Albert Road Retford  in Retford
Once the CO OP now plumbing and heating supplies in Retford
Canal Bridge, Retford in Retford
Approaching the Level crossing at Thrumpton, Retford in Retford
The entrance to Jenkins Factory, Retford in Retford
Once Thrumpton School now new houses in Retford
Going into Town . London Road, Retford in Retford
Road Junction at Ordsall in Retford
Burnt out church after the fire in Retford
Fire damage St Albans church close up in Retford
100 photos from this area

Area Information

Retford is a small built-up area in England, covering 7.2 km² with a population of 1558 people. Its population density of 216 people per km² suggests a compact, close-knit community. The area’s character is shaped by its older demographic, with a median age of 70, reflecting a population that leans heavily towards retirees and long-term residents. Daily life here is likely defined by routine and familiarity, with local amenities and services catering to a mature audience. Retford’s proximity to transport links, including two railway stations and a nearby airport, offers practical connectivity for those who need it. While the town is small, it hosts a range of essential services, from retail outlets to primary schools, ensuring residents have access to necessities without long commutes. For buyers considering Retford, the area’s low crime risk and stable demographics may appeal to those seeking a quiet, secure place to live. The mix of home ownership and rental properties suggests a balance between long-term residents and those seeking more flexible housing options.

Area Type
Built Up Area 250
Area Size
7.2 km²
Population
1558
Population Density
216 people/km²

Retford’s lifestyle is shaped by its proximity to essential amenities within practical reach. The area includes five retail outlets, such as Asda East and Aldi Welham, offering grocery and household essentials. For transport, two railway stations provide links to nearby towns, while Retford Gamston Airport caters to those needing air travel. Although the data does not mention parks or leisure facilities, the presence of multiple schools and retail options suggests a focus on daily practicality over large-scale recreation. The compact nature of the area means residents can access services without long commutes, fostering a self-contained community. While the lack of specific details on parks or dining options limits a full picture, the available amenities indicate a functional, if modest, lifestyle for residents.

Amenities

Schools

Retford is served by several primary schools, including Hallcroft Infant and Nursery School, Ordsall Village Nursery and Infant School, Ordsall Junior School, Thrumpton Primary School, and Bracken Lane Primary and Nursery School. Hallcroft Infant and Nursery School holds an Ofsted rating of “good,” while the others are not rated in the data. The presence of multiple primary schools suggests the area is well-suited for families with young children, providing options for early education and care. However, the absence of secondary schools or further education institutions within the data means parents may need to look beyond Retford for comprehensive schooling. The mix of nursery, infant, and junior schools indicates a focus on early years education, which aligns with the area’s older population profile.

RankSchoolTypeEntry genderAges

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Demographics

Retford’s population is predominantly older, with a median age of 70, indicating a community where retirees and long-term residents form the majority. The most common age range is listed as “Total,” which suggests the data aggregates all age groups but does not specify a dominant demographic bracket. Home ownership in the area stands at 67%, meaning most residents live in properties they own rather than rent. This figure implies a stable housing market with a focus on owner-occupied homes. However, the data does not specify the types of households or accommodation, so it is unclear whether the area hosts single-person households, couples, or families. The predominant ethnic group and religion are listed as “Total,” meaning no breakdown is provided for diversity metrics. While the data does not include deprivation statistics, the low crime risk and access to basic amenities suggest a quality of life that is generally acceptable for residents.

Household Size

total
most common

Accommodation Type

total
most common

Tenure

67
majority

Ethnic Group

total
most common

Religion

total
most common

Household Composition

total
most common

Age

70
median
Age: Total
most common

Household Deprivation

N/A
with no deprivation

NS-SEC

29
in Lower managerial occupations

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Planning

Planning Constraints

  • Crime Risk
    Premium

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Frequently Asked Questions

What is the community feel like in Retford?
Retford has a compact, close-knit community with a median age of 70, suggesting a population of older residents and long-term locals. The area’s low crime risk and access to essential services create a stable, secure environment.
Who lives in Retford?
The population is predominantly older, with a median age of 70. Home ownership is at 67%, indicating a mix of long-term residents and those in owner-occupied properties.
Are there good schools in Retford?
Retford has five primary schools, including Hallcroft Infant and Nursery School (Ofsted rating: good). However, no secondary schools are listed in the data.
How connected is Retford in terms of transport and broadband?
Retford has excellent broadband (score 93) and good mobile coverage (score 82). Two railway stations and a nearby airport provide practical transport options.
Is Retford a safe place to live?
Retford has a low crime risk with a safety score of 67, indicating below-average crime rates and a generally secure environment for residents.

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