Downham on the map

Downham built-up area

Built-up area0.3 km² (0.1 sq mi)

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

19,574
Population
7,539
Households
8 / 10
Deprivation decile
Among least deprived
12
Schools nearby
£73,426
Avg. household income
913
Businesses
569
People per km²
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About Downham

Downham is a village located in Essex, England, within the CM11 postcode area. It is part of the civil parish of Downham and is situated near the larger town of Billericay. The village features a mix of residential homes and open spaces, providing a peaceful environment for its residents. Local amenities include a few shops and a primary school, catering to the needs of the community.

The surrounding countryside offers opportunities for walking and enjoying nature. Downham is well-connected by road, making it accessible for those commuting to nearby towns and cities. The village's location allows for easy exploration of the Essex landscape, with various parks and green areas in close proximity. Overall, Downham presents a simple village atmosphere with essential services and access to the wider region.

School Ratings in Downham

There are 73 schools in and around Downham. St Peter's Catholic Primary School is rated Outstanding by Ofsted. A further 3 schools hold a Good rating.

House Prices in Downham

The average property price is £560K, with detached homes making up the majority of the housing stock at around £791K.

Crime and Anti-Social Behaviour in Downham

Recorded crime levels are broadly in line with the national average. Shoplifting is prevalent across Downham, with 25 recorded incidents in May 2026.

Deprivation and Employment in Downham

According to the 2025 Index of Multiple Deprivation, Downham 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 Downham

There are 14 GP surgeries within three miles of Downham, the nearest being Swanwood Partnership (1.8 miles away).

Property Prices 2,410 sales

Average Price £560K
£1K , £6.06M
Detached £791K 892
Semi £438K 873
Terraced £366K 422
Flat £226K 153

Household Income in Downham ONS 2023

The average total household income in Downham is approximately £73,426 a year before tax, 33% above the national average of £55,302. After tax and benefits, the average disposable (net) household income is around £49,724. These are modelled estimates from the Office for National Statistics for the financial year ending 2023.

Downham £73,426
England & Wales avg. £55,302

Net (after tax) household income averages £49,724.

Businesses in Downham ONS 2025

There are approximately 913 active businesses based in Downham, around 47 for every 1,000 residents. The local economy is dominated by small firms: about 91% are micro-businesses employing fewer than 10 people, while 11 are larger employers with 50 or more staff. Figures are from the Office for National Statistics UK Business Counts.

913 Total businesses
47 Per 1,000 residents
Micro, 0-9 91%
Small, 10-49 8%
Medium, 50-249 1%
Large, 250+ 0%

Deprivation and Employment in Downham IMD 2025

Downham 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
7/10
Health
9/10
Housing
5/10
Living Environment
8/10
Children 0-15 19%
Working age 60%
Older 65+ 21%
3,719 Children (0-15) 19%
11,754 Working Age 60%
4,108 Older (65+) 21%
Above Average Child Poverty (IDACI) 16.9% of children in income-deprived families
Above Average Older Person Poverty (IDAOPI) 6.6% 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 Downham 141 crimes · May 2026

Average Crime Area

Reported crime levels in Downham sit broadly in line with national averages for a small town of this size. Violence & sexual offences accounts for the largest share of recorded offences. The profile is typical of a well-populated area with a mix of residential and commercial activity.

Violence & Sexual Offences 60
Shoplifting 25
Anti-Social Behaviour 14
Criminal Damage & Arson 10
Public Order 8
Burglary 6
Vehicle Crime 5
Drugs 4
Other Theft 4
Weapons 2
Other Crime 2
Theft from Person 1
Local Policing
Essex Chelmsford South 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 6 stations

Wickford Train Station 1.7 miles
Billericay Train Station 3.1 miles
Battlesbridge Train Station 3.6 miles
Basildon Train Station 4.6 miles
Pitsea Train Station 5 miles
South Woodham Ferrers Train Station 5.1 miles

Location

Local Government

District Basildon
County Essex
Ward Billericay East
Constituency Basildon and Billericay
Parish Billericay
Region East of England

Home Ownership in Downham

Of the 7,858 households in and around Downham, 82% are owned, 8% are socially rented and 10% are privately rented. Home ownership here is higher than the England and Wales average of 63%.

Owned 82% Social rented 8% Private rented 10%

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

Frequently Asked Questions about Downham

What is the population of Downham?
Downham has a population of approximately 19,574 residents, based on the latest census figures for the surrounding postcode area.
What is the average house price in Downham?
The average property in and around Downham sold for about £560,162, based on HM Land Registry Price Paid records. That is around 60% above the England and Wales average of £349,091.
Is Downham a deprived area?
Downham 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 Downham?
Downham is covered by the CM11 postcode district.
How many schools are there in Downham?
There are 12 schools within easy reach of Downham, spanning primary, secondary and other phases.
Where is the nearest train station to Downham?
The nearest railway station to Downham is Wickford Train Station, about 1.7 miles away.