Top 5 Safest Areas in Truro Based on Police Reports
Based on the latest Devon and Cornwall Police data, the five safest areas in Truro are Malpas (TR1), Highertown (TR1), Kenwyn (TR1), Threemilestone (TR3), and Trispen (TR4) — all reporting crime rates 30–55% below the Cornwall average, with strong community policing and low vacancy rates.
1. Real Cost of Living in Safe Areas
Living in Truro's safest neighbourhoods comes with a premium, but prices remain competitive compared to other UK cities of similar size. Below are average costs based on 2025 data from Zoopla, Rightmove, and local estate agents.
Average Property Prices (2025)
| Property Type | Malpas (TR1) | Highertown (TR1) | Kenwyn (TR1) | Threemilestone (TR3) | Trispen (TR4) |
|---|---|---|---|---|---|
| 1-bed flat | £195,000 | £180,000 | £175,000 | £165,000 | £155,000 |
| 2-bed house | £310,000 | £290,000 | £275,000 | £260,000 | £245,000 |
| 3-bed house | £485,000 | £450,000 | £430,000 | £395,000 | £370,000 |
| 4-bed detached | £720,000 | £680,000 | £650,000 | £590,000 | £550,000 |
Monthly Rent (2025)
| Property Type | Average Rent (all safe areas) |
|---|---|
| 1-bed flat | £750 – £1,100 |
| 2-bed house | £1,100 – £1,550 |
| 3-bed house | £1,400 – £2,000 |
| 4-bed detached | £1,900 – £2,800 |
2. Top 5 Safest Areas in Truro — Detailed Profiles
Ranked by crime rate per 1,000 residents (data source: Devon and Cornwall Police, 2024–2025).
① Malpas (TR1) — Crime Rate: 28.4/1,000
- Type: Riverside residential area with luxury homes.
- Police reports: Lowest burglary rate in Truro (2.1 per 1,000).
- Community: Active neighbourhood watch, high street lighting coverage.
- Average house price: £485,000 (3-bed).
- Source: Devon and Cornwall Police data.
② Highertown (TR1) — Crime Rate: 31.2/1,000
- Type: Family-friendly suburb near the city centre.
- Police reports: Very low vehicle crime (3.8 per 1,000).
- Community: Schools, parks, and regular police patrols.
- Average house price: £450,000 (3-bed).
- Source: Cornwall Council community safety reports.
③ Kenwyn (TR1) — Crime Rate: 33.9/1,000
- Type: Leafy, quiet residential area with historic charm.
- Police reports: Low anti-social behaviour (ASB) — 5.1 per 1,000.
- Community: Strong local council engagement, well-lit streets.
- Average house price: £430,000 (3-bed).
- Source: UK Crime Stats.
④ Threemilestone (TR3) — Crime Rate: 37.6/1,000
- Type: Modern suburban development with new builds.
- Police reports: Low criminal damage (2.9 per 1,000).
- Community: Family-oriented, with a community centre and sports facilities.
- Average house price: £395,000 (3-bed).
- Source: Devon and Cornwall Police neighbourhood data.
⑤ Trispen (TR4) — Crime Rate: 42.1/1,000
- Type: Rural village with a tight-knit community.
- Police reports: Very low violent crime (1.2 per 1,000).
- Community: Village watch scheme, low traffic volume.
- Average house price: £370,000 (3-bed).
- Source: UK Crime Stats / ONS data.
3. Step-by-Step Relocation Process
Follow these seven steps to secure accommodation in Truro's safest areas.
- Research crime data: Use police.uk and UK Crime Stats to compare ward-level crime rates.
- Set a budget: Include rent/mortgage, council tax (bands D–F in these areas), and utilities (£200–£350/month).
- Search for properties: Use Rightmove and Zoopla filtered by postcode TR1, TR3, or TR4.
- Contact local agents: Miller Countrywide, Laskowski & Co, and Kivells.
- Arrange viewings: Visit at different times of day to assess noise, lighting, and general safety.
- Check council tax bands: Verify with Cornwall Council — bands in safe areas typically range from D to G.
- Secure a police check: Some landlords require a basic DBS check — allow 7–14 days.
Typical timeline: 4–8 weeks from search to moving in. Source: Cornwall Council Housing Advice.
5. Safety Analysis & Crime Data
Detailed breakdown of crime types in Truro's safest areas compared to the national average (data: ONS and UK Crime Stats, 2024–2025).
Crime Type Comparison (per 1,000 residents)
| Crime Type | Malpas | Highertown | Kenwyn | Threemilestone | Trispen | UK Average |
|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|
| Violent crime | 3.1 | 3.8 | 4.2 | 5.0 | 1.2 | 12.4 |
| Burglary | 2.1 | 2.9 | 3.4 | 4.1 | 3.0 | 8.7 |
| Vehicle crime | 2.8 | 3.8 | 4.1 | 3.5 | 2.2 | 7.9 |
| Anti-social behaviour | 4.5 | 5.5 | 5.1 | 6.3 | 4.8 | 18.2 |
| Shoplifting | 0.6 | 1.0 | 0.9 | 1.8 | 0.3 | 5.5 |
All five areas show crime rates well below national averages. The most common crime across these areas is anti-social behaviour, but levels are low compared to urban centres. Source: UK Crime Stats and Police UK.
6. Commute & Waiting Times
Efficient travel connections make Truro's safe areas accessible for commuters and visitors.
Train Times from Truro Station
- Plymouth: 1 hour 10 minutes (direct) — £12–£18 single.
- Exeter St Davids: 1 hour 50 minutes (direct) — £18–£28 single.
- London Paddington: 4 hours 30 minutes (direct) — £45–£80 single.
- Bristol Temple Meads: 3 hours 10 minutes (direct) — £25–£45 single.
Road Travel Times (by car)
- Plymouth: 45 minutes via A390/A38.
- Exeter: 1 hour 15 minutes via A30.
- Newquay Airport: 25 minutes via A392.
- St Austell: 20 minutes via A390.
Waiting Times for Key Services
| Service | Average Waiting Time | Notes |
|---|---|---|
| Police response (emergency) | 8–12 minutes | Devon & Cornwall Police target |
| Police response (non-emergency) | 45–90 minutes | or by appointment |
| Council housing application | 6–10 weeks | Cornwall Council |
| GP appointment (routine) | 7–14 days | NHS Cornwall |
| DBS check (basic) | 7–10 days | Disclosure and Barring Service |
Source: Great Western Railway, Cornwall Council, and Devon & Cornwall Police.
7. Housing Vacancy Rate
Vacancy rates are a key indicator of housing demand and neighbourhood stability. Data below is from Cornwall Council's Housing Strategy 2025 and ONS.
| Area | Vacancy Rate (%) | Average Days on Market | Demand Level |
|---|---|---|---|
| Malpas (TR1) | 1.8% | 22 days | Very high |
| Highertown (TR1) | 2.1% | 26 days | High |
| Kenwyn (TR1) | 2.5% | 30 days | High |
| Threemilestone (TR3) | 2.8% | 34 days | Moderate–High |
| Trispen (TR4) | 3.0% | 38 days | Moderate |
| Truro overall | 3.2% | 35 days | High |
Low vacancy rates in safe areas mean competition is strong. Properties in Malpas and Highertown often sell within 3–4 weeks. Source: Cornwall Council Housing Strategy 2025.
8. Hospitals & Healthcare
Truro is well-served by healthcare facilities. Below are the main hospitals and clinics serving the safest areas.
| Hospital / Clinic | Address | Specialties | Distance from Malpas |
|---|---|---|---|
| Royal Cornwall Hospital (Treliske) | Treliske Road, Truro TR1 3LQ | A&E, surgery, maternity, oncology | 2.5 miles (7 min drive) |
| Royal Cornwall Hospital (City site) | Infirmary Hill, Truro TR1 2JA | Outpatients, minor injuries, X-ray | 1.8 miles (5 min drive) |
| Truro Health Park | Infirmary Hill, Truro TR1 2JA | GP, dental, mental health, physio | 1.8 miles (5 min drive) |
| Nightingale Surgery (GP) | Chapel Hill, Truro TR1 3BJ | General practice, vaccinations | 2.0 miles (6 min drive) |
Source: Royal Cornwall Hospitals NHS Trust.
9. Major Roads & Transport
Key road and transport links serving Truro's safest areas.
Main Roads
- A390: Connects Truro to St Austell and the A38 towards Plymouth.
- A39 (via A390): Links to Newquay and north Cornwall.
- A30 (via A390 or A39): Major route to Exeter and the rest of the UK.
- B3284: Runs through Threemilestone and connects to the A390.
- Malpas Road (B3289): Scenic route along the Truro River leading to Malpas village.
- Kenwyn Road: Connects Kenwyn to the city centre.
- Trispen Road: Rural road linking Trispen to the A39.
Bus Services
- Service T1/T2: Truro – Threemilestone – Trispen (every 30 minutes).
- Service 88: Truro – Malpas (hourly, limited on Sundays).
- Service 60: Truro – Highertown – Kenwyn (frequent daily).
Source: Cornwall Council Transport and First Bus Cornwall.
10. Fines & Local Regulations
Understanding local fines helps residents and visitors avoid penalties. Data from Cornwall Council and Devon & Cornwall Police.
| Violation | Fine Amount | Issuing Authority | Legal Basis |
|---|---|---|---|
| Parking in a restricted zone | £70 – £100 (reduced to £35–£50 if paid within 14 days) | Cornwall Council | Traffic Management Act 2004 |
| Speeding (exceed limit by 10–20 mph) | £100 – £300 + 3 penalty points | Devon & Cornwall Police | Road Traffic Offenders Act 1988 |
| Driving without insurance | £300 – £600 + 6–8 penalty points | Devon & Cornwall Police | Road Traffic Act 1988, s.143 |
| Littering / fly-tipping | £150 – £400 (fixed penalty) | Cornwall Council | Environmental Protection Act 1990 |
| Noise nuisance (after 11pm) | £100 – £500 (escalating fines) | Cornwall Council | Anti-social Behaviour Act 2003 |
| Breach of Public Space Protection Order | £100 – £1,000 | Cornwall Council / Police | Anti-social Behaviour, Crime and Policing Act 2014 |
Source: Cornwall Council Parking & Fines and Devon & Cornwall Police.
11. Real Case Studies
Actual examples of individuals and families who moved to Truro's safest areas, based on interviews and local news reports (names changed for privacy).
These cases reflect a consistent theme: low crime, strong community, and high satisfaction across all five areas.
Frequently Asked Questions
What are the safest areas in Truro?
A. According to Devon and Cornwall Police data, the top 5 safest areas in Truro are Malpas, Highertown, Kenwyn, Threemilestone, and Trispen. These areas consistently report the lowest crime rates per 1,000 residents, ranging from 28.4 to 42.1 compared to the Cornwall average of 72.9.
How much does it cost to live in a safe area in Truro?
A. Average property prices range from £155,000 (1-bed flat in Trispen) to £720,000 (4-bed detached in Malpas). Monthly rent for a 1-bed flat ranges from £750 to £1,100, while a 3-bed house costs between £1,400 and £2,000 per month. Prices are 8–15% higher than less safe areas but offer significantly lower crime rates.
What is the crime rate in Truro?
A. Truro's overall crime rate is approximately 62 crimes per 1,000 residents per year — 15% lower than the Cornwall average of 72.9. The safest areas like Malpas and Kenwyn report rates as low as 28–35 per 1,000. Violent crime in these areas is 3–5 per 1,000, well below the UK average of 12.4.
How do I find accommodation in a safe area of Truro?
A. Start by searching on Rightmove and Zoopla filtered by postcode sectors TR1 (Malpas, Highertown, Kenwyn) and TR3/TR4 (Threemilestone, Trispen). Contact local estate agents like Miller Countrywide, Laskowski & Co, or Kivells. Arrange viewings at different times of day and verify crime stats via UK Crime Stats or police.uk. Allow 4–8 weeks for the full process.
What hospitals are in Truro?
A. The main hospital is Royal Cornwall Hospital (Treliske) on Treliske Road, Truro TR1 3LQ — the largest acute hospital in Cornwall with A&E, surgery, maternity, and oncology. The Royal Cornwall Hospital (City site) on Infirmary Hill handles outpatients and minor injuries. Truro Health Park offers GP, dental, and mental health services.
What is the vacancy rate in Truro?
A. As of 2025, the residential vacancy rate in Truro is approximately 3.2% (below the UK average of 4.1%). In the safest areas, vacancy rates are even lower: Malpas 1.8%, Highertown 2.1%, Kenwyn 2.5%, Threemilestone 2.8%, and Trispen 3.0%. This indicates very high demand, especially in Malpas and Highertown.
How long does it take to commute from Truro to nearby cities?
A. By train: Plymouth 1h10m, Exeter 1h50m, London Paddington 4h30m. By car: Plymouth 45 min, Exeter 1h15m, Newquay 25 min, St Austell 20 min. Bus services connect all safe areas to Truro city centre and train station. Cycling is also popular, with dedicated paths in Highertown and Kenwyn.
What are the fines for traffic violations in Truro?
A. Common fines include: parking in restricted zones £70–£100 (£35–£50 early payment), speeding £100–£300 plus 3 penalty points, driving without insurance £300–£600 plus 6–8 points, and littering £150–£400. All fines are issued under UK traffic and environmental laws, enforced by Devon & Cornwall Police and Cornwall Council.
Official Resources
- Devon and Cornwall Police — Crime reports, neighbourhood policing, and safety advice.
- Cornwall Council — Housing, council tax, parking fines, and community safety.
- Police UK — Local crime data and police force information.
- UK Crime Stats — Detailed crime statistics by postcode and neighbourhood.
- Royal Cornwall Hospitals NHS Trust — Hospital services, waiting times, and patient information.
- Rightmove — Property listings and market data for Truro.
- Zoopla — Property values, rent estimates, and neighbourhood insights.
- Office for National Statistics (ONS) — Population, crime, and housing data.
The information provided on this page is for general informational and educational purposes only. While every effort has been made to ensure accuracy, crime data, property prices, and vacancy rates may change over time. Always verify current data with official sources such as Devon and Cornwall Police, Cornwall Council, and the Office for National Statistics. This guide does not constitute legal, financial, or real estate advice. References to specific areas, institutions, or case studies are based on publicly available data and may not reflect the most current circumstances. Under the Consumer Protection Act 1987 and the Data Protection Act 2018, readers are advised to conduct their own due diligence before making any relocation or property decisions. The authors and publisher disclaim any liability for loss or damage arising from reliance on this content.