Bell Common on the map

Location in EssexBell Common sits where the marker shows within the county.

24,815
Population
9,398
Households
7 / 10
Deprivation decile
Around average
12
Schools nearby
£66,670
Avg. household income
1,428
Businesses
458
People per km²
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About Bell Common

Bell Common is a residential area located in the county of Essex, within the country of England. It falls within the CM16 postcode area and is situated near the town of Chelmsford. The area is primarily made up of housing developments, with a mix of semi-detached and detached homes, and is well-connected to local amenities. It is a convenient location for those working in Chelmsford, with regular bus services and easy access to the A120 and A12 roads. The community is served by local schools, shops, and recreational facilities, including a nearby park that provides space for walking and outdoor activities. Bell Common is part of the wider Chelmsford district and offers a peaceful environment while remaining close to urban conveniences.

The area has developed significantly over the past few decades, with new housing estates contributing to its growth. It is known for its family-friendly atmosphere and proximity to the city centre, making it a practical choice for commuters. Residents benefit from good transport links and access to local services, including healthcare and leisure facilities. The community is diverse and well-integrated, with a range of local events and activities throughout the year. Overall, Bell Common provides a comfortable and accessible living environment within the Essex countryside.

School Ratings in Bell Common

There are 65 schools in and around Bell Common. The Tower School is rated Outstanding by Ofsted. A further 6 schools hold a Good rating.

House Prices in Bell Common

The average property price is £650K, with semi-detached homes making up the majority of the housing stock at around £619K.

Crime and Anti-Social Behaviour in Bell Common

Recorded crime levels are lower than the national average. Anti-social behaviour is prevalent across Bell Common, with 10 recorded incidents in April 2026.

Deprivation and Employment in Bell Common

Bell Common sits around the middle of the national deprivation scale, according to the 2025 Index of Multiple Deprivation. Employment levels are broadly typical for the area, sitting close to the national average. Household incomes are broadly in line with the national average.

Healthcare in Bell Common

There are 18 GP surgeries within three miles of Bell Common, the nearest being Care Adhd (1.1 miles away).

Property Prices 3,102 sales

Average Price £650K
£1K , £11.65M
Detached £966K 699
Semi £619K 975
Terraced £508K 704
Flat £362K 577

Household Income in Bell Common ONS 2023

The average total household income in Bell Common is approximately £66,670 a year before tax, 21% above the national average of £55,302. After tax and benefits, the average disposable (net) household income is around £48,579. These are modelled estimates from the Office for National Statistics for the financial year ending 2023.

Bell Common £66,670
England & Wales avg. £55,302

Net (after tax) household income averages £48,579.

Businesses in Bell Common ONS 2025

There are approximately 1,428 active businesses based in Bell Common, around 58 for every 1,000 residents. The local economy is dominated by small firms: about 90% are micro-businesses employing fewer than 10 people, while 26 are larger employers with 50 or more staff. Figures are from the Office for National Statistics UK Business Counts.

1,428 Total businesses
58 Per 1,000 residents
Micro, 0-9 90%
Small, 10-49 8%
Medium, 50-249 1%
Large, 250+ 1%

Deprivation and Employment in Bell Common IMD 2025

Bell Common sits around the national average for deprivation according to the 2025 Index of Multiple Deprivation. Employment and income levels are broadly typical, reflecting a mixed local economy. The area offers a balance of residential and commercial activity common to most parts of England.

Overall Deprivation
7/10
Income
7/10
Employment
7/10
Education
6/10
Health
9/10
Housing
5/10
Living Environment
5/10
Children 0-15 18%
Working age 60%
Older 65+ 22%
4,425 Children (0-15) 18%
14,893 Working Age 60%
5,499 Older (65+) 22%
Above Average Child Poverty (IDACI) 19.7% of children in income-deprived families
Average Older Person Poverty (IDAOPI) 13% 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 Bell Common 82 crimes · April 2026

Low Crime Area

Bell Common 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 28
Anti-Social Behaviour 10
Criminal Damage & Arson 8
Other Theft 8
Vehicle Crime 8
Public Order 6
Shoplifting 5
Drugs 4
Burglary 3
Robbery 1
Other Crime 1
Local Policing
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

Cheshunt Train Station 4.9 miles
Waltham Cross Train Station 5 miles
Enfield Lock Train Station 5.2 miles
Theobalds Grove Train Station 5.4 miles
Chingford Train Station 5.4 miles
Broxbourne Train Station 5.7 miles

Location

Local Government

District Epping Forest
County Essex
Ward Epping Hemnall
Constituency Epping Forest
Parish Epping
Region East of England

Home Ownership in Bell Common

Of the 10,206 households in and around Bell Common, 73% are owned, 14% are socially rented and 13% are privately rented. Home ownership here is higher than the England and Wales average of 63%.

Owned 73% Social rented 14% Private rented 13%

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

Frequently Asked Questions about Bell Common

What is the population of Bell Common?
Bell Common has a population of approximately 24,815 residents, based on the latest census figures for the surrounding postcode area.
What is the average house price in Bell Common?
The average property in and around Bell Common sold for about £649,979, based on HM Land Registry Price Paid records. That is around 86% above the England and Wales average of £349,091.
Is Bell Common a deprived area?
Bell Common sits around the national average for deprivation, with an Index of Multiple Deprivation decile of 7 out of 10, where 1 is the most deprived and 10 the least deprived.
What postcodes cover Bell Common?
Bell Common is covered by the CM16 postcode district.
How many schools are there in Bell Common?
There are 12 schools within easy reach of Bell Common, spanning primary, secondary and other phases.
Where is the nearest train station to Bell Common?
The nearest railway station to Bell Common is Cheshunt Train Station, about 4.9 miles away.