Chesham on the map
Built-up area5.6 km² (2.2 sq mi)
Location in BuckinghamshireChesham sits where the marker shows within the county.
About Chesham
Chesham is a market town in Buckinghamshire, located in south-east England. It lies within the HP5 postcode area and is situated near the border with Hertfordshire. The town has a long history as a centre for market trade, with a traditional market square that remains a focal point. Chesham is well connected by rail, with a station on the Chiltern Main Line providing regular services to London Marylebone. The town centre features a mix of independent shops, cafes, and public buildings, including the historic Chesham Town Hall. It is surrounded by rolling countryside and is close to the Chiltern Hills, offering opportunities for walking and outdoor activities. Chesham is known for its strong community spirit and local events, including an annual agricultural show.
School Ratings in Chesham
Chesham is served by 66 schools. Brushwood Junior School is rated Outstanding by Ofsted. A further 5 schools hold a Good rating.
House Prices in Chesham
Property prices average £517K across the area, and terraced houses are the most common property type, typically selling for £398K.
Crime and Anti-Social Behaviour in Chesham
Local crime rates sit broadly in line with national averages. Anti-social behaviour accounts for the highest share in Chesham, with 27 incidents logged in May 2026.
Deprivation and Employment in Chesham
Based on the 2025 Index of Multiple Deprivation, Chesham falls within the mid-range nationally for overall deprivation. Working-age employment is around the national average for the area. Income levels locally sit close to the national average.
Healthcare in Chesham
There are 11 GP surgeries within three miles of Chesham, the nearest being Water Meadow Surgery (0.4 miles away).
Local Data for Chesham
Dig deeper into the area around Chesham with our free postcode tools.
Property Prices 3,274 sales
Schools & Education 12 nearby View all schools
Ofsted ratings for schools in the HP5 postcode area.
Household Income in Chesham ONS 2023
The average total household income in Chesham is approximately £65,533 a year before tax, 19% above the national average of £55,302. After tax and benefits, the average disposable (net) household income is around £47,918. These are modelled estimates from the Office for National Statistics for the financial year ending 2023.
Net (after tax) household income averages £47,918.
Businesses in Chesham ONS 2025
There are approximately 1,516 active businesses based in Chesham, around 55 for every 1,000 residents. The local economy is dominated by small firms: about 92% are micro-businesses employing fewer than 10 people, while 13 are larger employers with 50 or more staff. Figures are from the Office for National Statistics UK Business Counts.
Deprivation and Employment in Chesham IMD 2025
The 2025 Index of Multiple Deprivation places Chesham 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.
Crime in Chesham 165 crimes · May 2026
Chesham experiences crime rates that are roughly comparable to the national picture. Violence & sexual offences is the most reported category, consistent with broader patterns across similar communities. Day-to-day life here reflects the usual mix of challenges found in any established town.
Crime figures depend on reporting by individual police forces and may not reflect the full picture in all areas.
Nearest Train Stations 6 stations
Location
Nearby Towns & Villages 12 found
Local Government
Home Ownership in Chesham
Of the 11,233 households in and around Chesham, 68% are owned, 19% are socially rented and 14% are privately rented. Home ownership here is higher than the England and Wales average of 63%.
Tenure from the 2021 Census (ONS), for the postcode districts covering Chesham.