Fairstead on the map

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

55,296
Population
21,548
Households
7 / 10
Deprivation decile
Around average
12
Schools nearby
£68,867
Avg. household income
3,040
Businesses
227
People per km²
Create a free area profile for FairsteadDownload or embed an infographic of these statistics

About Fairstead

Fairstead is a small village located in Essex, England, within the CM3 postcode area. It is primarily a residential community, offering a peaceful environment for its inhabitants. The village is surrounded by farmland, providing a rural backdrop that reflects the agricultural heritage of the region.

Local amenities are limited, but nearby towns offer a wider range of services and facilities. Fairstead is well-connected to surrounding areas, making it accessible for those who wish to explore the broader Essex countryside. The village is a suitable choice for individuals seeking a quiet lifestyle while still being able to reach larger urban centres when needed.

School Ratings in Fairstead

Fairstead is served by 46 schools. A further 18 schools hold a Good rating.

House Prices in Fairstead

Property prices average £499K across the area, and detached homes are the most common property type, typically selling for £599K.

Crime and Anti-Social Behaviour in Fairstead

Local crime rates sit lower than national averages. Criminal damage & arson accounts for the highest share in Fairstead, with 3 incidents logged in May 2026.

Deprivation and Employment in Fairstead

Based on the 2025 Index of Multiple Deprivation, Fairstead falls within the mid-range nationally for overall deprivation. The area benefits from strong employment, with few residents involuntarily out of work. Income levels locally sit close to the national average.

Healthcare in Fairstead

There is 1 GP surgery within three miles of Fairstead, the nearest being Douglas Grove Surgery (2.9 miles away).

Property Prices 7,489 sales

Average Price £499K
£700 , £33.95M
Detached £599K 3,681
Semi £389K 1,773
Terraced £311K 1,081
Flat £203K 624

Household Income in Fairstead ONS 2023

The average total household income in Fairstead is approximately £68,867 a year before tax, 25% above the national average of £55,302. After tax and benefits, the average disposable (net) household income is around £48,289. These are modelled estimates from the Office for National Statistics for the financial year ending 2023.

Fairstead £68,867
England & Wales avg. £55,302

Net (after tax) household income averages £48,289.

Businesses in Fairstead ONS 2025

There are approximately 3,040 active businesses based in Fairstead, around 55 for every 1,000 residents. The local economy is dominated by small firms: about 90% are micro-businesses employing fewer than 10 people, while 31 are larger employers with 50 or more staff. Figures are from the Office for National Statistics UK Business Counts.

3,040 Total businesses
55 Per 1,000 residents
Micro, 0-9 90%
Small, 10-49 9%
Medium, 50-249 1%
Large, 250+ 0%

Deprivation and Employment in Fairstead IMD 2025

The 2025 Index of Multiple Deprivation places Fairstead 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.

Overall Deprivation
7/10
Income
7/10
Employment
8/10
Education
6/10
Health
8/10
Housing
2/10
Living Environment
6/10
Children 0-15 18%
Working age 59%
Older 65+ 23%
9,935 Children (0-15) 18%
33,664 Working Age 59%
13,090 Older (65+) 23%
Average Child Poverty (IDACI) 21% of children in income-deprived families
Above Average Older Person Poverty (IDAOPI) 9.7% 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 Fairstead 58 crimes · May 2026

Low Crime Area

Reported crime in Fairstead 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 town.

Violence & Sexual Offences 46
Criminal Damage & Arson 3
Burglary 2
Drugs 2
Anti-Social Behaviour 1
Bicycle Theft 1
Other Theft 1
Shoplifting 1
Vehicle Crime 1
Local Policing
Essex Witham 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

White Notley Train Station 2.1 miles
Cressing (Essex) Train Station 2.5 miles
Hatfield Peverel Train Station 3.1 miles
Witham Train Station 3.5 miles
Braintree Freeport Train Station 3.5 miles
Braintree Train Station 3.9 miles

Location

Local Government

District Chelmsford
County Essex
Ward Broomfield and The Walthams
Constituency Saffron Walden
Parish Little Waltham
Region East of England

Home Ownership in Fairstead

Of the 22,583 households in and around Fairstead, 78% are owned, 10% are socially rented and 12% are privately rented. Home ownership here is higher than the England and Wales average of 63%.

Owned 78% Social rented 10% Private rented 12%

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

Frequently Asked Questions about Fairstead

What is the population of Fairstead?
Fairstead has a population of approximately 55,296 residents, based on the latest census figures for the surrounding postcode area.
What is the average house price in Fairstead?
The average property in and around Fairstead sold for about £498,764, based on HM Land Registry Price Paid records. That is around 43% above the England and Wales average of £349,091.
Is Fairstead a deprived area?
Fairstead 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 Fairstead?
Fairstead is covered by the CM3 postcode district.
How many schools are there in Fairstead?
There are 12 schools within easy reach of Fairstead, spanning primary, secondary and other phases.
Where is the nearest train station to Fairstead?
The nearest railway station to Fairstead is White Notley Train Station, about 2.1 miles away.