Waterbeach on the map

Waterbeach built-up area

Built-up area3.3 km² (1.3 sq mi)

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

16,602
Population
7,299
Households
8 / 10
Deprivation decile
Among least deprived
12
Schools nearby
£66,216
Avg. household income
1,035
Businesses
137
People per km²
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About Waterbeach

Waterbeach is a village located in Cambridgeshire, England, within the postcode area CB25. It lies approximately four miles north of Cambridge, making it a convenient location for those commuting to the city. The village has a mix of residential homes and local amenities, including a primary school, shops, and a pub. The River Cam runs nearby, providing opportunities for walking and cycling along its banks.

The area is served by Waterbeach railway station, which connects residents to Cambridge and other destinations. Waterbeach also has a rich agricultural landscape, with fields surrounding the village. The community hosts various events throughout the year, fostering a sense of togetherness among residents. Overall, Waterbeach offers a blend of rural living with easy access to urban facilities.

School Ratings in Waterbeach

Waterbeach is served by 50 schools. A further 4 schools hold a Good rating.

House Prices in Waterbeach

Property prices average £421K across the area, and detached homes are the most common property type, typically selling for £519K.

Crime and Anti-Social Behaviour in Waterbeach

Local crime rates sit lower than national averages. Anti-social behaviour accounts for the highest share in Waterbeach, with 1 incidents logged in April 2026.

Deprivation and Employment in Waterbeach

Waterbeach 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 across the area tend to be higher than the national average.

Healthcare in Waterbeach

There are 4 GP surgeries within three miles of Waterbeach, the nearest being Waterbeach And Cottenham Surgeries (0.3 miles away).

Property Prices 2,393 sales

Average Price £421K
£675 , £15M
Detached £519K 974
Semi £353K 604
Terraced £311K 544
Flat £186K 134

Household Income in Waterbeach ONS 2023

The average total household income in Waterbeach is approximately £66,216 a year before tax, 20% above the national average of £55,302. After tax and benefits, the average disposable (net) household income is around £47,506. These are modelled estimates from the Office for National Statistics for the financial year ending 2023.

Waterbeach £66,216
England & Wales avg. £55,302

Net (after tax) household income averages £47,506.

Businesses in Waterbeach ONS 2025

There are approximately 1,035 active businesses based in Waterbeach, around 62 for every 1,000 residents. The local economy is dominated by small firms: about 87% are micro-businesses employing fewer than 10 people, while 30 are larger employers with 50 or more staff. Figures are from the Office for National Statistics UK Business Counts.

1,035 Total businesses
62 Per 1,000 residents
Micro, 0-9 87%
Small, 10-49 9%
Medium, 50-249 2%
Large, 250+ 2%

Deprivation and Employment in Waterbeach IMD 2025

The 2025 Index of Multiple Deprivation ranks Waterbeach 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
8/10
Employment
8/10
Education
8/10
Health
9/10
Housing
3/10
Living Environment
6/10
Children 0-15 18%
Working age 61%
Older 65+ 21%
3,052 Children (0-15) 18%
10,075 Working Age 61%
3,483 Older (65+) 21%
Above Average Child Poverty (IDACI) 18.6% of children in income-deprived families
Average Older Person Poverty (IDAOPI) 9.4% 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 Waterbeach 4 crimes · April 2026

Low Crime Area

Reported crime in Waterbeach falls below the national average, suggesting a comparatively safe environment. Violence & sexual offences 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.

Violence & Sexual Offences 3
Anti-Social Behaviour 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

Waterbeach Train Station 0.3 miles
Soham Train Station 7.8 miles
Shelford (Cambs) Train Station 8.5 miles
Newmarket Train Station 9.4 miles

Location

Local Government

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

Home Ownership in Waterbeach

Of the 7,046 households in and around Waterbeach, 71% are owned, 15% are socially rented and 14% are privately rented. Home ownership here is higher than the England and Wales average of 63%.

Owned 71% Social rented 15% Private rented 14%

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

Frequently Asked Questions about Waterbeach

What is the population of Waterbeach?
Waterbeach has a population of approximately 16,602 residents, based on the latest census figures for the surrounding postcode area.
What is the average house price in Waterbeach?
The average property in and around Waterbeach sold for about £420,861, based on HM Land Registry Price Paid records. That is around 21% above the England and Wales average of £349,091.
Is Waterbeach a deprived area?
Waterbeach 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 Waterbeach?
Waterbeach is covered by the CB25 postcode district.
How many schools are there in Waterbeach?
There are 12 schools within easy reach of Waterbeach, spanning primary, secondary and other phases.
Where is the nearest train station to Waterbeach?
The nearest railway station to Waterbeach is Waterbeach Train Station, about 0.3 miles away.