Chicksands on the map

Chicksands built-up area

Built-up area0.5 km² (0.2 sq mi)

Location in BedfordshireChicksands sits where the marker shows within the county.

15,208
Population
4,859
Households
7 / 10
Deprivation decile
Around average
12
Schools nearby
£69,722
Avg. household income
630
Businesses
341
People per km²
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About Chicksands

Chicksands is a small village located in Bedfordshire, in the east of England. It lies within the SG17 postcode area and is situated near the A1 road, making it accessible from nearby towns and cities. The village has a rural character, with open countryside surrounding it and a mix of residential properties and agricultural land. Chicksands is known for its proximity to the former RAF Chicksands, a former military airfield that played a role in communications during the Cold War. The site is now used for various civilian purposes, including a training facility. The village itself remains quiet and peaceful, with a sense of community and a connection to its historical roots. It offers a calm environment for those seeking a quieter lifestyle in the English countryside.

School Ratings in Chicksands

Chicksands is served by 26 schools. A further 5 schools hold a Good rating.

House Prices in Chicksands

Property prices average £420K across the area, and detached homes are the most common property type, typically selling for £530K.

Crime and Anti-Social Behaviour in Chicksands

Local crime rates sit higher than national averages. Vehicle crime accounts for the highest share in Chicksands, with 33 incidents logged in April 2026.

Deprivation and Employment in Chicksands

Based on the 2025 Index of Multiple Deprivation, Chicksands falls within the mid-range nationally for overall deprivation. The area benefits from strong employment, with few residents involuntarily out of work. Income levels locally sit close to the national average.

Healthcare in Chicksands

There are 3 GP surgeries within three miles of Chicksands, the nearest being Chicksands Medical Centre (0.2 miles away).

Property Prices 2,528 sales

Average Price £420K
£500 , £13.2M
Detached £530K 1,092
Semi £361K 596
Terraced £296K 508
Flat £187K 220

Household Income in Chicksands ONS 2023

The average total household income in Chicksands is approximately £69,722 a year before tax, 26% above the national average of £55,302. After tax and benefits, the average disposable (net) household income is around £48,958. These are modelled estimates from the Office for National Statistics for the financial year ending 2023.

Chicksands £69,722
England & Wales avg. £55,302

Net (after tax) household income averages £48,958.

Businesses in Chicksands ONS 2025

There are approximately 630 active businesses based in Chicksands, around 41 for every 1,000 residents. The local economy is dominated by small firms: about 92% are micro-businesses employing fewer than 10 people, while 10 are larger employers with 50 or more staff. Figures are from the Office for National Statistics UK Business Counts.

630 Total businesses
41 Per 1,000 residents
Micro, 0-9 92%
Small, 10-49 7%
Medium, 50-249 1%
Large, 250+ 0%

Deprivation and Employment in Chicksands IMD 2025

The 2025 Index of Multiple Deprivation places Chicksands in the mid-range nationally. Employment and income levels are close to the England average, with a mix of opportunities across sectors. Overall living conditions are comparable to similar areas across the country.

Overall Deprivation
7/10
Income
7/10
Employment
8/10
Education
6/10
Health
8/10
Housing
4/10
Living Environment
7/10
Children 0-15 20%
Working age 62%
Older 65+ 18%
3,058 Children (0-15) 20%
9,469 Working Age 62%
2,674 Older (65+) 18%
Average Child Poverty (IDACI) 23.2% of children in income-deprived families
Average Older Person Poverty (IDAOPI) 10.3% of over-60s in income-deprived households
Data from English Indices of Deprivation 2025 · Contains public sector information licensed under the Open Government Licence v3.0

Crime in Chicksands 123 crimes · April 2026

High Crime Area

Reported crime in Chicksands is above the national average when measured per capita. Vehicle crime dominates the figures, a trend mirrored in many urban centres. Local policing teams work actively in the area, and community initiatives continue to address key concerns.

Vehicle Crime 33
Violence & Sexual Offences 30
Anti-Social Behaviour 17
Shoplifting 15
Public Order 9
Criminal Damage & Arson 8
Weapons 3
Other Theft 2
Other Crime 2
Bicycle Theft 1
Burglary 1
Drugs 1
Robbery 1
Local Policing
Bedfordshire Biggleswade, Sandy, Potton and Shefford Visit force website →
Data from data.police.uk · Contains public sector information licensed under the Open Government Licence v3.0
Crime figures depend on reporting by individual police forces and may not reflect the full picture in all areas.

Nearest Train Stations 6 stations

Arlesey Train Station 4.2 miles
Biggleswade Train Station 5.1 miles
Flitwick Train Station 6.4 miles
Kempston Hardwick Train Station 6.5 miles
Sandy Train Station 6.6 miles
Letchworth Garden City Train Station 7.1 miles

Location

Local Government

District Central Bedfordshire
Ward Shefford
Constituency Mid Bedfordshire
Parish Shefford
Region East of England

Home Ownership in Chicksands

Of the 6,005 households in and around Chicksands, 73% are owned, 14% are socially rented and 13% are privately rented. Home ownership here is higher than the England and Wales average of 63%.

Owned 73% Social rented 14% Private rented 13%

Tenure from the 2021 Census (ONS), for the postcode districts covering Chicksands.

Frequently Asked Questions about Chicksands

What is the population of Chicksands?
Chicksands has a population of approximately 15,208 residents, based on the latest census figures for the surrounding postcode area.
What is the average house price in Chicksands?
The average property in and around Chicksands sold for about £419,701, based on HM Land Registry Price Paid records. That is around 20% above the England and Wales average of £349,091.
Is Chicksands a deprived area?
Chicksands sits around the national average for deprivation, with an Index of Multiple Deprivation decile of 7 out of 10, where 1 is the most deprived and 10 the least deprived.
What postcodes cover Chicksands?
Chicksands is covered by the SG17 postcode district.
How many schools are there in Chicksands?
There are 12 schools within easy reach of Chicksands, spanning primary, secondary and other phases.
Where is the nearest train station to Chicksands?
The nearest railway station to Chicksands is Arlesey Train Station, about 4.2 miles away.