Balsham on the map

Balsham built-up area

Built-up area0.7 km² (0.3 sq mi)

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

16,675
Population
6,282
Households
8 / 10
Deprivation decile
Among least deprived
10
Schools nearby
£70,850
Avg. household income
815
Businesses
103
People per km²
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About Balsham

Balsham is a small village located in Cambridgeshire, within the CB21 postcode area of England. It lies to the west of the town of Ely and is situated on the edge of the Fens, a flat and fertile region known for its agricultural productivity. The village has a long history, with records indicating its existence in the Domesday Book of 1086. Balsham is centred around a church, St Mary's, which dates back to the 12th century and features Norman architectural elements. The surrounding landscape is predominantly rural, with open fields and quiet lanes typical of the Cambridgeshire countryside. The village has a modest population and retains a sense of community, with local events and gatherings taking place throughout the year. Its proximity to Ely provides access to larger amenities while maintaining a peaceful, countryside atmosphere.

School Ratings in Balsham

There are 10 schools in and around Balsham. Pilgrim Pathways School is rated Outstanding by Ofsted. A further 6 schools hold a Good rating.

House Prices in Balsham

The average property price is £564K, with detached homes making up the majority of the housing stock at around £639K.

Crime and Anti-Social Behaviour in Balsham

Recorded crime levels are lower than the national average. Other crime is prevalent across Balsham, with 1 recorded incidents in May 2026.

Deprivation and Employment in Balsham

According to the 2025 Index of Multiple Deprivation, Balsham ranks among the least deprived areas in England. Employment levels are strong, with low rates of working-age exclusion from the labour market. Household incomes are generally above the national average.

Property Prices 1,885 sales

Average Price £564K
£675 , £20.08M
Detached £639K 877
Semi £400K 543
Terraced £330K 288
Flat £212K 43

Household Income in Balsham ONS 2023

The average total household income in Balsham is approximately £70,850 a year before tax, 28% above the national average of £55,302. After tax and benefits, the average disposable (net) household income is around £50,068. These are modelled estimates from the Office for National Statistics for the financial year ending 2023.

Balsham £70,850
England & Wales avg. £55,302

Net (after tax) household income averages £50,068.

Businesses in Balsham ONS 2025

There are approximately 815 active businesses based in Balsham, around 49 for every 1,000 residents. The local economy is dominated by small firms: about 89% are micro-businesses employing fewer than 10 people, while 19 are larger employers with 50 or more staff. Figures are from the Office for National Statistics UK Business Counts.

815 Total businesses
49 Per 1,000 residents
Micro, 0-9 89%
Small, 10-49 10%
Medium, 50-249 2%
Large, 250+ 0%

Deprivation and Employment in Balsham IMD 2025

Balsham is one of the least deprived areas in England according to the 2025 Index of Multiple Deprivation. Employment opportunities are widely accessible and household incomes tend to sit comfortably above the national average. The area benefits from strong local services and a settled, established community.

Overall Deprivation
8/10
Income
8/10
Employment
9/10
Education
9/10
Health
9/10
Housing
4/10
Living Environment
6/10
Children 0-15 18%
Working age 58%
Older 65+ 24%
2,968 Children (0-15) 18%
9,723 Working Age 58%
3,989 Older (65+) 24%
Above Average Child Poverty (IDACI) 16.5% of children in income-deprived families
Above Average Older Person Poverty (IDAOPI) 8.8% 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 Balsham 1 crimes · May 2026

Low Crime Area

Balsham records relatively low levels of reported crime compared to national averages. Other crime is the most commonly logged offence type, though overall numbers remain modest. The area is generally considered a safe and settled small town with a strong sense of community.

Other Crime 1
Local Policing
Cambridgeshire South Cambridgeshire 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 4 stations

Whittlesford Parkway Train Station 6.6 miles
Great Chesterford Train Station 7 miles
Shelford (Cambs) Train Station 7.5 miles
Newmarket Train Station 8.5 miles

Location

Local Government

District South Cambridgeshire
County Cambridgeshire
Ward Linton
Constituency South East Cambridgeshire
Parish Linton
Region East of England

Home Ownership in Balsham

Of the 7,097 households in and around Balsham, 71% are owned, 15% are socially rented and 13% are privately rented. Home ownership here is higher than the England and Wales average of 63%.

Owned 71% Social rented 15% Private rented 13%

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

Frequently Asked Questions about Balsham

What is the population of Balsham?
Balsham has a population of approximately 16,675 residents, based on the latest census figures for the surrounding postcode area.
What is the average house price in Balsham?
The average property in and around Balsham sold for about £564,400, based on HM Land Registry Price Paid records. That is around 62% above the England and Wales average of £349,091.
Is Balsham a deprived area?
Balsham 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 Balsham?
Balsham is covered by the CB21 postcode district.
How many schools are there in Balsham?
There are 10 schools within easy reach of Balsham, spanning primary, secondary and other phases.
Where is the nearest train station to Balsham?
The nearest railway station to Balsham is Whittlesford Parkway Train Station, about 6.6 miles away.