Cold Ash on the map

Cold Ash built-up area

Built-up area1.9 km² (0.7 sq mi)

Location in BerkshireCold Ash sits where the marker shows within the county.

19,379
Population
7,220
Households
8 / 10
Deprivation decile
Among least deprived
12
Schools nearby
£72,512
Avg. household income
674
Businesses
305
People per km²
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About Cold Ash

Cold Ash is a village located in Berkshire, England, within the RG18 postcode area. It is situated to the north of Newbury and is surrounded by a mix of countryside and residential areas. The village features a number of local amenities, including a primary school and a few shops, catering to the needs of its residents. The nearby countryside offers opportunities for walking and enjoying the natural landscape.

The community in Cold Ash is close-knit, with various local events and activities that foster a sense of belonging among residents. The village is well-connected to nearby towns, making it convenient for those who commute for work or leisure. With its blend of rural charm and accessibility, Cold Ash serves as a pleasant place for families and individuals alike.

School Ratings in Cold Ash

Cold Ash is served by 51 schools. Priors Court School is rated Outstanding by Ofsted. A further 7 schools hold a Good rating.

House Prices in Cold Ash

Property prices average £474K across the area, and detached homes are the most common property type, typically selling for £637K.

Crime and Anti-Social Behaviour in Cold Ash

Local crime rates sit lower than national averages. Anti-social behaviour accounts for the highest share in Cold Ash, with 13 incidents logged in May 2026.

Deprivation and Employment in Cold Ash

Cold Ash falls within the least deprived areas nationally, based on the 2025 Index of Multiple 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 Cold Ash

There are 7 GP surgeries within three miles of Cold Ash, the nearest being Thatcham Health Centre (1.3 miles away).

Property Prices 2,116 sales

Average Price £474K
£5K , £12.5M
Detached £637K 873
Semi £371K 636
Terraced £320K 363
Flat £205K 189

Household Income in Cold Ash ONS 2023

The average total household income in Cold Ash is approximately £72,512 a year before tax, 31% above the national average of £55,302. After tax and benefits, the average disposable (net) household income is around £50,237. These are modelled estimates from the Office for National Statistics for the financial year ending 2023.

Cold Ash £72,512
England & Wales avg. £55,302

Net (after tax) household income averages £50,237.

Businesses in Cold Ash ONS 2025

There are approximately 674 active businesses based in Cold Ash, around 35 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.

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

Deprivation and Employment in Cold Ash IMD 2025

The 2025 Index of Multiple Deprivation ranks Cold Ash among the least deprived parts of England. Residents generally enjoy good access to employment and higher than average household incomes. Education and health outcomes in the area also compare favourably with the rest of the country.

Overall Deprivation
8/10
Income
7/10
Employment
8/10
Education
6/10
Health
8/10
Housing
5/10
Living Environment
7/10
Children 0-15 21%
Working age 62%
Older 65+ 17%
4,092 Children (0-15) 21%
12,027 Working Age 62%
3,265 Older (65+) 17%
Above Average Child Poverty (IDACI) 19.3% of children in income-deprived families
Average Older Person Poverty (IDAOPI) 11.8% 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 Cold Ash 38 crimes · May 2026

Low Crime Area

Reported crime in Cold Ash falls below the national average, suggesting a comparatively safe environment. Anti-social behaviour tops the list of recorded incidents, but figures are low overall. Residents and visitors alike tend to find this a quiet and reassuring small town.

Anti-Social Behaviour 13
Violence & Sexual Offences 13
Criminal Damage & Arson 4
Drugs 2
Public Order 2
Other Theft 1
Shoplifting 1
Vehicle Crime 1
Other Crime 1
Local Policing
Thames Valley Bucklebury and Downlands 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

Thatcham Train Station 2.1 miles
Newbury Racecourse Train Station 2.7 miles
Newbury Train Station 3.1 miles
Midgham Train Station 4 miles
Aldermaston Train Station 5.1 miles
Theale Train Station 8 miles

Location

Local Government

District West Berkshire
Ward Ridgeway
Constituency Newbury
Parish Hampstead Norreys
Region South East

Home Ownership in Cold Ash

Of the 7,314 households in and around Cold Ash, 71% are owned, 15% are socially rented and 15% are privately rented. Home ownership here is higher than the England and Wales average of 63%.

Owned 71% Social rented 15% Private rented 15%

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

Frequently Asked Questions about Cold Ash

What is the population of Cold Ash?
Cold Ash has a population of approximately 19,379 residents, based on the latest census figures for the surrounding postcode area.
What is the average house price in Cold Ash?
The average property in and around Cold Ash sold for about £473,730, based on HM Land Registry Price Paid records. That is around 36% above the England and Wales average of £349,091.
Is Cold Ash a deprived area?
Cold Ash sits among the least deprived areas in England, with an Index of Multiple Deprivation decile of 8 out of 10, where 1 is the most deprived and 10 the least deprived.
What postcodes cover Cold Ash?
Cold Ash is covered by the RG18 postcode district.
How many schools are there in Cold Ash?
There are 12 schools within easy reach of Cold Ash, spanning primary, secondary and other phases.
Where is the nearest train station to Cold Ash?
The nearest railway station to Cold Ash is Thatcham Train Station, about 2.1 miles away.