What it's like to live in Cannock

Social renting makes up 16.2% of homes across the Cannock Chase council area, just under the England figure of 17.1%, split between 11.3% council and 4.9% housing association. Two thirds of homes are owned outright or on a mortgage, and 15.8% are privately rented.

Cannock Chase District Council is by far the biggest social landlord with around 5,014 homes. Midland Heart, Walsall Housing Group, Bromford and Platform Housing each hold a few hundred more, so most swaps here will involve the council.

Rents are modest. Average weekly social rents in the council area for 2024/25 were about £83 for a one bed, £98 for a two bed and £104 for a three bed. Check the exact rent and landlord on any property before you commit to a swap.

There is a decent spread of primaries close to the centre. Sherbrook Primary School and Saint Mary's Catholic Primary School are both about a third of a mile away, with St Luke's CE(C) Primary School, Longford Primary Academy and Bridgtown Primary School all within a mile.

For older children, Cannock Chase High School is half a mile out and Staffordshire University Academy under two miles. Great Oaks College, Hednesford Valley High School and Chaselea Alternative Provision Academy cover specialist and alternative provision nearby, which matters if your child needs something different. Always check current admissions and places directly with the schools.

Across the wider Cannock Chase council area, 17.9% of residents are under 16, close to the England average of 18.6%, so this is a normal family town rather than a retirement one.

Cannock has its own train station, about half a mile from the centre, with Hednesford station just under two miles away and Landywood around two and a half. That gives you a rail option without needing to drive first.

The bus station is right in the town centre, a couple of minutes' walk from the shops, and there are stops dotted about including on Pye Green Road, by the Asda store and near Longford Primary School. If you do not drive, the town is set up to work for you.

On foot, the centre is easy. Shops, library, pharmacies, the cinema and the bus station are all clustered within a few hundred metres. Drivers have the usual advantage for reaching the Chase, the outlet complex and work further afield, but you will not be stranded without a car.

Green space is the big draw. Cannock Park and Backcrofts Park are both a couple of minutes from the centre, Mill Green and Hawks Green Valley Nature Reserve is half a mile out, and Shoal Hill Common is about a mile away. Free days out, near enough to use on a whim.

For indoor life there is the Electric Palace Picture House cinema, Chase Leisure Centre, Foundry Gym, Serenity Yoga and Pilates, The Ultimate Training Centre and Stephaneta School of Dancing, plus Cannock Library and four more libraries within about two miles.

Shopping is a genuine local strength thanks to McArthurGlen Designer Outlet West Midlands, under a mile away. Evenings out centre on pubs and bars like The Linford Arms, The New Hall Arms, Bar Sport and The Fixes Bar & Restaurant. Community centres including St Lukes and The Longford Centre run local activities.

Work levels in the Cannock Chase council area look healthy. Around 59.3% of adults are in work, above the England figure of 57.4%, and unemployment sits at 3% against 3.5% nationally. Benefit claims tied to unemployment were 3.1% of 16 to 64 year olds in August 2026, below the England rate of 4%.

Locally, the hospital, the shopping centre, the outlet complex and the supermarkets are visible sources of jobs in and around the town centre.

The train station and bus station also make commuting out realistic, which widens your options if the right job is not on your doorstep. Age-wise the area skews slightly older than England, with 27.7% aged 45 to 64 and 19.5% over 65.