Aerial view of Cardiff Bay, the Capital of Wales, on a clear sky summer day
Cardiff: Capital of Wales, historic castles, vibrant waterfront, thriving cultural scene, and warm Welsh hospitality. A city blending tradition with modernity.
Cardiff, Bridgend, Maesteg, Porthcawl, Pontypridd, Porth, Tonypandy, Pentre, Treorchy, Ferndale, Aberdare, Mountain Ash, Treharris, Merthyr Tydfil, Llantwit Major, Barry, Dinas Powys, Penarth, Cowbridge, Pontyclun, Bargoed, Hengoed, Caerphilly.
Discover everything you need to know about Cardiff with PostcodeArea. Scroll down to uncover demographics, property prices, crime stats, amenities and more.
Here are the top 10 most desirable postcode areas in Cardiff (CF), based on a unique scoring system that weighs key factors like safety, schools, diversity, and affordability.
Whether you're a renter, homebuyer, or property investor, this tool lets you customise the score to focus on what matters most to you, helping you make smarter, data-driven decisions.
Our custom algorithm calculates a unique "Desirability Score" for any UK postcode by analysing a range of factors - including Census 2021 data, third-party insights, and socio-economic knowledge, to provide a tailored rating.
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What makes Cardiff tick? Find out with this list of the four dominant industries shaping the business landscape in this area.
Cardiff has a strong presence of construction businesses, which usually means there's a lot of building going on - whether it's new homes, commercial spaces, or infrastructure. This can be a good sign that the Cardiff area is growing and attracting investment. It could also mean there's a strong local economy, with plenty of work available for builders and tradespeople. On the flip side, it might suggest there's a fair bit of property in need of repair or updating. Either way, it tells you the Cardiff area is pretty active and could be on the up.
Cardiff has a large proportion of professional and scientific businesses, which makes it a hub for specialised industries like law firms, consulting agencies, tech companies, or research labs. This suggests a high level of expertise and innovation, attracting professionals such as engineers, scientists, lawyers, and consultants. The Cardiff area might have a more polished, business-focused atmosphere, with modern offices and co-working spaces. It's often well-connected, with good transport links and amenities to support a skilled workforce. Property prices could be higher, as these areas tend to attract well-paid professionals. It might not be the most vibrant or social place, but it will have a reputation for being smart, efficient, and future-focused.
The prevalance of agricultural industries (including forestry and fishing) in Cardiff suggests this is a lively and creative postcode sector. These kinds of businesses tend to pop up in areas that are known for their cultural scene, where people value things like theatres, galleries, music venues, and independent cinemas. It could mean the area attracts a mix of creatives, young professionals, and tourists, making it a vibrant and potentially trendy spot. This could also be a sign of a more laid-back, community-focused vibe, with lots of local events and activities in and around Cardiff. It might push property prices up if the area becomes particularly popular, but it's also a good indicator of a strong local identity and a thriving social scene.
Cardiff area has a large quantity of retail businesses, making it a busy, commercial hub where people go to shop and socialise. High streets, shopping centres, and independent boutiques often thrive in these areas, making it a convenient place for residents and visitors alike. The presence of retail businesses can indicate that the local economy is fairly strong, with plenty of footfall and a demand for goods and services. This kind of area tends to have good transport links and a lively atmosphere, but it can also mean a bit more hustle and bustle, especially during weekends and sales events. If you're living in Cardiff, it's handy for convenience, but it could also bring a lot of traffic and noise during peak shopping hours.
Major employers and businesses in the CF postcode area include:
Energy & Utilities, Cardiff
A leading energy provider offering gas and electricity services to homes and businesses, with a large office in Cardiff.
Postcode Location: CF10
Financial Services, Cardiff
The largest building society in Wales, offering mortgages, savings, and financial services.
Postcode Location: CF10
Entertainment & Leisure, Cardiff
A large multi-purpose venue hosting concerts, exhibitions, and events in the heart of Cardiff.
Postcode Location: CF10
Financial Services, Cardiff
A major financial services provider offering insurance, pensions, and investment services, with a significant office in Cardiff.
Postcode Location: CF10
Higher Education, Cardiff
One of the leading research universities in the UK, offering a range of undergraduate and postgraduate programmes.
Postcode Location: CF10
Insurance, Cardiff
One of the UK's largest insurance providers, specialising in car, home, and travel insurance, headquartered in Cardiff.
Postcode Location: CF10
Data showing the activity, size and location is from the Inter Departmental Business Register 2024, produced by the ONS.
Cardiff CF, part of the ceremonial county of Glamorgan in Wales, presents a substantial geographical area with 35 outward codes (the first half of a postcode, e.g. CF 1AA). Its population stands at 1,035,653 individuals, reflecting a density of 2,318 people per square kilometre. The average household income here is £39,494 , which is 12.8% higher than the average UK median household income (£35,000), indicating a stable economic profile within the region.
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Aerial view of Cardiff Bay, the Capital of Wales, on a clear sky summer day
Adobe Stock
The CF postcode area covers the vibrant city of Cardiff. In CF10 and CF11, you'll find the bustling city centre with its historic castle, lively shopping districts, and scenic waterfront.
Cardiff's demographics feature a dynamic mix of students, professionals, and families, creating a diverse and energetic community.
Located in South Wales, Cardiff offers excellent transport links, including direct trains to London and easy access to major roads. Cardiff's rich cultural scene and welcoming atmosphere make it an exciting place to visit and live.
This page contains a list of postcode districts for Cardiff area. Select a postcode to see the map location, demographics, house prices, local information, tourist guides and statistics:
Cardiff CF postcode area contains 35 postcode districts within its boundary.
Click on an outward postal code (the first half of a postcode, i.e. CF*) to explore information about the area.
The ONS (Office for National Statistics) regularly tracks and records average house prices and rents in this area (W06000015). Note that these estimates are based on local authority rather than postcode area. For more information about current house prices, choose an individual postcode below.
Glamorgan is a former administrative county of Wales and one of the thirteen historic Welsh counties. The original administrative county was made up of the Vale of Glamorgan, the industrial valleys and the Gower Peninsula and was bounded by Carmarthenshire, the Bristol Channel, Monmouthshire and Brecknockshire. However the county boroughs of Glamorgan and the administrative county were broken up and abolished on 1 April 1974; three new counties were established: South Glamorgan, Mid Glamorgan and West Glamorgan. In addition the name is still used in the county borough of Vale of Glamorgan.
Historically, Glamorgan has changed hands a number of times. Originally known as Glywysing it was fought over by Welsh princes and Norman lords before being taken over by the Normans and becoming Glamorgan. Because there was so much conflict the landscape is peppered with a wonderful concentration of old castles and ruins. By the 17th century the region had become an important part of the industrial revolution, known as 'the crucible of the Industrial Revolution,' and exploited its natural resources to the full, including a rich vein of coal. By the 18th century it had also become a tourism destination for English gentlemen on their 'grand tour' and it has been attracting visitors ever since, particularly the coastal towns of Mumbles, Aberavon, Porthcawl and Barry Island.
Read more about GlamorganThe CF postal area, centred around Cardiff, offers a well-rounded transport network ideal for movers prioritising accessibility. The area is well-served by rail, with Cardiff Central and Cardiff Queen Street stations providing frequent services to London, Manchester, and Bristol, as well as local destinations. If air travel is important, Cardiff Airport is just a short drive away, offering flights to numerous UK and international destinations.
Commuting by car is straightforward with access to key motorways like the M4, connecting you to the rest of Wales and England. Bus services within the CF area are comprehensive, operated by several providers such as Cardiff Bus and Stagecoach, ensuring convenient travel across the city and surrounding regions.
The following railway stations are within the CF postcode region:
Local Authorities are government organisations responsible for providing local services and facilities such as education, housing, and social services within a specific area. The CF postcode area includes the following local authorities:
Bridgend County Borough Council focuses on promoting economic growth, community development, and providing high-quality public services to enhance residents' quality of life.
Caerphilly County Borough Council is committed to urban renewal, economic development, and providing comprehensive public services to support a diverse and vibrant community.
Cardiff City Council manages the capital city, focusing on cultural enrichment, economic development, and providing extensive public services to support its diverse population.
GDP (Gross Domestic Product) measures the total economic output of a country, region, or Local Authority. It tells us how much money is being made within a particular area. This includes everything from a business selling cars or consumers getting their hair cut.
This list of the Local Authorities within the Cardiff (CF) postcode town gives us a snapshot of how much money is being generated at current market prices, based on what people are spending and earning. It's an important way to understand the economic health and activity levels across the UK.
For comparison purposes, we've included the top and bottom two local authorities across the UK in terms of GDP.
The graph below shows the total GDP values for all Local Authorities within the Cardiff (CF) area:
When we talk about GDP at current market prices, we're looking at the total value of all goods and services produced in an area, but the key bit here is "current market prices." This means it includes the value of goods and services as they're bought and sold right now, without adjusting for inflation or changes in prices over time.
So, for example a figure of £1,044 GDP means that, on average, each person within an area contributes this amount to the UK economy each year.
Republished from the ONS regional gross domestic product: local authorities under the Open Government Licence v3.0. Latest available data: April 2022.
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