Test Valley

Accessible housing costs paired with lower tax burdens make Test Valley a pragmatic choice, though local earnings remain modest. A median house price of 8.8 times annual pay is the primary hurdle for prospective buyers, while rent consumes 34.9% of gross earnings. These figures sit below the South East median, offering a relative financial reprieve compared to much of the region. Residents benefit from a lower crime rate of 52.4 per 1,000, which is higher than only 17% of England authorities. While earnings at £795.30 a week lag behind the regional median, the lower Band D council tax of £2,306 helps balance the household budget. This location suits professionals who value safety and lower living costs over proximity to high-wage employment hubs.

Written from the indicators on this page, 2026-10 data.

Colour shows quintile position against 361 UK Local Authorities. Green is the best position for someone moving here; red is the worst. Direction is set per indicator — higher pay, lower rent, less crime, less deprivation are all green.