Bristol’s Deprivation Index Highlights Stark Inequality Gaps

The Government has released its latest deprivation index, revealing significant socio-economic disparities within Bristol for the first time in six years. The findings, published on November 17, 2025, show a persistent divide between affluent and deprived areas, with little improvement noted since the last assessment in 2019.

Bristol showcases a striking contrast in socio-economic status, with some of its neighbourhoods ranking among the wealthiest in England while others remain in the depths of poverty. The most affluent area, located in Henleaze, is in the top 0.3 percent of over 33,000 neighbourhoods across the country. In stark contrast, just under a mile away, a neighbourhood in Southmead ranks among the lowest three percent for deprivation.

The deprivation index evaluates various aspects of life, including income, employment, health, education, housing, crime, and the overall living environment. This comprehensive approach categorizes each of the city’s streets and homes into one of 33,755 neighbourhoods, with Bristol divided into 268 distinct areas. Each neighbourhood typically comprises around 1,500 residents, providing a detailed snapshot of local conditions.

The findings underscore the severity of inequality in Bristol, with six of the eight most deprived areas located in Hartcliffe. According to the Government’s **English Indices of Deprivation 2025**, the most deprived neighbourhood, referred to as ‘Bristol 053E’, includes parts of Hartcliffe from Fulford Road to the tower blocks on Bishport Avenue. This area has been designated as the 211th most deprived small neighbourhood nationally, ranking in the bottom 0.6 percent of all areas.

Additional neighbourhoods in Hartcliffe, such as those surrounding Morrisons and Crosscombe Drive, also fall within the one percent most deprived regions in England. Other areas, including Withywood, Knowle West, Barton Hill, and Easton, are similarly ranked among the bottom five percent for deprivation.

Interestingly, the most deprived neighbourhood in the broader Bristol area is not located within the city itself. Two neighbourhoods that make up the Bournville Estate in Weston-super-Mare are among the lowest one percent for deprivation, with one area south of Bournville Primary School ranking as the 86th most deprived in England.

Conversely, several neighbourhoods in Bristol are recognized for their affluence. The least deprived area in the city, situated around West Broadway in Henleaze, scores favorably across various metrics, including income, crime rates, employment, education, and health. Only 103 small areas in England are considered better off than this Henleaze neighbourhood, which is located just south of Southmead Hospital.

The stark disparities illustrated by this index highlight the ongoing challenges faced by many communities in Bristol. As the city continues to grapple with socio-economic inequality, the findings from the deprivation index serve as a crucial reminder of the work that remains to be done in addressing these deep-rooted issues.