Birch on the map
Location in EssexBirch sits where the marker shows within the county.
About Birch
Birch is a small settlement located in the county of Essex, in the east of England. It lies within the CO2 postcode area, situated near the border with Suffolk. The village is primarily residential, with a mix of traditional and modern housing. There are a few local amenities, including a village hall and a small shop, which serve the community. The surrounding area is largely rural, with open fields and scattered woodland contributing to a peaceful atmosphere. Birch is well-connected by road, with the A120 providing access to nearby towns and cities. The village has a long history, with records indicating its existence in the medieval period. While not a large settlement, Birch offers a quiet, countryside lifestyle within easy reach of larger centres.
School Ratings in Birch
Birch is served by 56 schools. A further 14 schools hold a Good rating.
House Prices in Birch
Property prices average £278K across the area, and terraced houses are the most common property type, typically selling for £255K.
Crime and Anti-Social Behaviour in Birch
Local crime rates sit higher than national averages. Anti-social behaviour accounts for the highest share in Birch, with 91 incidents logged in May 2026.
Deprivation and Employment in Birch
Based on the 2025 Index of Multiple Deprivation, Birch 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.
Local Data for Birch
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Property Prices 5,485 sales
Schools & Education 56 within 5 miles View all schools
Ofsted ratings for schools in the CO2 postcode area.
Household Income in Birch ONS 2023
The average total household income in Birch is approximately £58,488 a year before tax, 6% above the national average of £55,302. After tax and benefits, the average disposable (net) household income is around £42,753. These are modelled estimates from the Office for National Statistics for the financial year ending 2023.
Net (after tax) household income averages £42,753.
Businesses in Birch ONS 2025
There are approximately 1,061 active businesses based in Birch, around 26 for every 1,000 residents. The local economy is dominated by small firms: about 90% are micro-businesses employing fewer than 10 people, while 18 are larger employers with 50 or more staff. Figures are from the Office for National Statistics UK Business Counts.
Deprivation and Employment in Birch IMD 2025
The 2025 Index of Multiple Deprivation places Birch 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 Birch 714 crimes · May 2026
Reported crime in Birch is above the national average when measured per capita. Violence & sexual offences dominates the figures, a trend mirrored in many urban centres. Local policing teams work actively in the area, and community initiatives continue to address key concerns.
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 Birch
Of the 16,457 households in and around Birch, 55% are owned, 18% are socially rented and 27% are privately rented. Home ownership here is lower than the England and Wales average of 63%.
Tenure from the 2021 Census (ONS), for the postcode districts covering Birch.