This area covers the south of the County Borough, bordered to the south and west by Gwynedd County and to the east by Denbighshire. It is a rural area with a significant proportion of its population outside of main settlements. Key villages include Llanrwst, Betws y Coed, Llangernyw, Eglwysbach, Dolgarrog, Trefriw and Cerrigydrudion.
Population characteristics – older age structure than Wales and GB, with noticeably small proportion in all age groups under 45. Slight decline in population totals in past 10 years. Population density very low. Ethnicity & religion significantly less diverse than national averages. Proportion of Welsh speakers much higher than Welsh average – highest sub area in Conwy CB.
Health – limiting long term illness above England & Wales average but well below Conwy CB levels. High levels of hypertension, compared to Wales average.
Housing and living arrangements – pensioner only households much higher than national average, but below Conwy CB average. High levels of owner occupation & low levels of social renting. House prices above Welsh average.
Community safety – crime rates very low.
Economy and employment – employment in manufacturing, communications/finance/property, and professional/technical/scientific industries comparatively low. Comparatively high employment in agriculture, construction, accommodation & food services (tourism), and education. Unemployed claimant rate is low. People aged 50+ make up a larger proportion of unemployed claimants than average.
Income and benefits – household income levels below national average, but higher than Wales or Conwy CB level. Relatively low proportion of people claiming benefits.
Poverty and deprivation – though overall levels are low compared to national figures, the balance of children in families receiving Working Tax Credits is more skewed towards in-work families than the national average, suggesting wages are particularly low in the area. Higher than average levels of deprivation in the access to services and physical environment domains of the Welsh Index of Multiple Deprivation. 7 out of 9 of LSOAs are amongst the 10% most deprived in Wales for access to services.