Cottenham on the map

Cottenham built-up area

Built-up area2.1 km² (0.8 sq mi)

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

34,673
Population
13,378
Households
8 / 10
Deprivation decile
Among least deprived
12
Schools nearby
£71,894
Avg. household income
1,668
Businesses
259
People per km²
Create a free area profile for CottenhamDownload or embed an infographic of these statistics

About Cottenham

Cottenham is a village located in Cambridgeshire, England, within the postcode area CB24. It lies approximately six miles north of Cambridge, making it a convenient location for those who wish to access the city while enjoying a more rural setting. The village has a mix of residential areas and local amenities, including shops, schools, and community facilities, which cater to the needs of its residents.

The surrounding countryside offers opportunities for walking and cycling, with various paths and lanes available for exploration. Cottenham is also known for its active community, with numerous events and activities organised throughout the year. The village's architecture reflects its long-standing presence in the region, with several buildings of historical interest that contribute to its character.

School Ratings in Cottenham

There are 44 schools in and around Cottenham. Histon and Impington Park Primary School, The Cavendish School and Swavesey Village College are each rated Outstanding by Ofsted. A further 13 schools hold a Good rating.

House Prices in Cottenham

The average property price is £439K, with detached homes making up the majority of the housing stock at around £510K.

Crime and Anti-Social Behaviour in Cottenham

Recorded crime levels are lower than the national average. Anti-social behaviour is prevalent across Cottenham, with 16 recorded incidents in May 2026.

Deprivation and Employment in Cottenham

According to the 2025 Index of Multiple Deprivation, Cottenham 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.

Healthcare in Cottenham

There are 4 GP surgeries within three miles of Cottenham, the nearest being Waterbeach (2.5 miles away).

Property Prices 5,912 sales

Average Price £439K
£1K , £39.81M
Detached £510K 2,506
Semi £368K 1,681
Terraced £300K 1,062
Flat £217K 387

Household Income in Cottenham ONS 2023

The average total household income in Cottenham is approximately £71,894 a year before tax, 30% above the national average of £55,302. After tax and benefits, the average disposable (net) household income is around £49,520. These are modelled estimates from the Office for National Statistics for the financial year ending 2023.

Cottenham £71,894
England & Wales avg. £55,302

Net (after tax) household income averages £49,520.

Businesses in Cottenham ONS 2025

There are approximately 1,668 active businesses based in Cottenham, around 48 for every 1,000 residents. The local economy is dominated by small firms: about 88% are micro-businesses employing fewer than 10 people, while 56 are larger employers with 50 or more staff. Figures are from the Office for National Statistics UK Business Counts.

1,668 Total businesses
48 Per 1,000 residents
Micro, 0-9 88%
Small, 10-49 10%
Medium, 50-249 2%
Large, 250+ 0%

Deprivation and Employment in Cottenham IMD 2025

Cottenham 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
8/10
Education
9/10
Health
9/10
Housing
4/10
Living Environment
8/10
Children 0-15 19%
Working age 61%
Older 65+ 20%
6,748 Children (0-15) 19%
21,114 Working Age 61%
6,820 Older (65+) 20%
Above Average Child Poverty (IDACI) 19.4% of children in income-deprived families
Average Older Person Poverty (IDAOPI) 9.8% 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 Cottenham 68 crimes · May 2026

Low Crime Area

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

Violence & Sexual Offences 29
Anti-Social Behaviour 16
Criminal Damage & Arson 11
Bicycle Theft 5
Other Theft 3
Public Order 2
Vehicle Crime 2
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 3 stations

Waterbeach Train Station 3.1 miles
Soham Train Station 9.2 miles
Shelford (Cambs) Train Station 9.6 miles

Location

Local Government

District South Cambridgeshire
County Cambridgeshire
Ward Longstanton
Constituency South Cambridgeshire
Parish Northstowe
Region East of England

Home Ownership in Cottenham

Of the 14,499 households in and around Cottenham, 75% are owned, 12% are socially rented and 13% are privately rented. Home ownership here is higher than the England and Wales average of 63%.

Owned 75% Social rented 12% Private rented 13%

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

Frequently Asked Questions about Cottenham

What is the population of Cottenham?
Cottenham has a population of approximately 34,673 residents, based on the latest census figures for the surrounding postcode area.
What is the average house price in Cottenham?
The average property in and around Cottenham sold for about £438,744, based on HM Land Registry Price Paid records. That is around 26% above the England and Wales average of £349,091.
Is Cottenham a deprived area?
Cottenham 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 Cottenham?
Cottenham is covered by the CB24 postcode district.
How many schools are there in Cottenham?
There are 12 schools within easy reach of Cottenham, spanning primary, secondary and other phases.
Where is the nearest train station to Cottenham?
The nearest railway station to Cottenham is Waterbeach Train Station, about 3.1 miles away.