Fordham Heath on the map

Location in EssexFordham Heath sits where the marker shows within the county.

34,854
Population
12,063
Households
7 / 10
Deprivation decile
Around average
12
Schools nearby
£67,192
Avg. household income
1,230
Businesses
1,004
People per km²
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About Fordham Heath

Fordham Heath is a village located in Essex, England, within the CO3 postcode area. It lies approximately three miles to the north of Colchester, making it a convenient spot for those wishing to explore the surrounding areas. The village features a mix of residential properties and green spaces, providing a pleasant environment for its residents and visitors alike.

The local amenities include a primary school and a few small shops, catering to the daily needs of the community. Fordham Heath is also well-connected by road, with easy access to the A12, which links to larger towns and cities in the region. The nearby countryside offers opportunities for walking and enjoying the outdoors, making it an appealing location for those who appreciate rural life while still being close to urban conveniences.

School Ratings in Fordham Heath

Families in Fordham Heath have access to 65 local schools. Lakelands Primary School and Colchester County High School for Girls are each rated Outstanding by Ofsted. A further 9 schools hold a Good rating.

House Prices in Fordham Heath

Homes sell for an average of £363K locally. Most of the housing is made up of detached homes, averaging £461K.

Crime and Anti-Social Behaviour in Fordham Heath

Crime in the area is higher than the national average. Anti-social behaviour is the leading concern across Fordham Heath, with 44 incidents recorded in May 2026.

Deprivation and Employment in Fordham Heath

The 2025 Index of Multiple Deprivation places Fordham Heath around the national average for deprivation. Employment rates locally are in line with what is seen across England. Average incomes in the area are typical for England.

Healthcare in Fordham Heath

There are 3 GP surgeries within three miles of Fordham Heath, the nearest being Tollgate Health Centre (1.4 miles away).

Property Prices 5,624 sales

Average Price £363K
£499 , £13.1M
Detached £461K 2,032
Semi £340K 1,769
Terraced £286K 826
Flat £180K 857

Household Income in Fordham Heath ONS 2023

The average total household income in Fordham Heath is approximately £67,192 a year before tax, 22% above the national average of £55,302. After tax and benefits, the average disposable (net) household income is around £47,891. These are modelled estimates from the Office for National Statistics for the financial year ending 2023.

Fordham Heath £67,192
England & Wales avg. £55,302

Net (after tax) household income averages £47,891.

Businesses in Fordham Heath ONS 2025

There are approximately 1,230 active businesses based in Fordham Heath, around 35 for every 1,000 residents. The local economy is dominated by small firms: about 90% are micro-businesses employing fewer than 10 people, while 21 are larger employers with 50 or more staff. Figures are from the Office for National Statistics UK Business Counts.

1,230 Total businesses
35 Per 1,000 residents
Micro, 0-9 90%
Small, 10-49 9%
Medium, 50-249 2%
Large, 250+ 0%

Deprivation and Employment in Fordham Heath IMD 2025

Deprivation levels in Fordham Heath are around the national average based on the 2025 Index of Multiple Deprivation. Employment is accessible for most residents and household incomes reflect the broader national picture. The area maintains a steady balance between affordability and quality of life.

Overall Deprivation
7/10
Income
7/10
Employment
7/10
Education
7/10
Health
6/10
Housing
7/10
Living Environment
7/10
Children 0-15 19%
Working age 60%
Older 65+ 21%
6,714 Children (0-15) 19%
21,055 Working Age 60%
7,087 Older (65+) 20%
Average Child Poverty (IDACI) 24.3% of children in income-deprived families
Average Older Person Poverty (IDAOPI) 12% 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 Fordham Heath 322 crimes · May 2026

High Crime Area

Crime figures for Fordham Heath are higher than the England and Wales average, with violence & sexual offences the most prevalent offence recorded. Urban density and footfall contribute to elevated reporting in areas like this. Ongoing investment in policing and community safety programmes aims to improve the picture.

Violence & Sexual Offences 115
Anti-Social Behaviour 44
Shoplifting 39
Other Theft 26
Criminal Damage & Arson 25
Public Order 23
Vehicle Crime 11
Burglary 8
Drugs 7
Other Crime 7
Bicycle Theft 6
Weapons 6
Robbery 4
Theft from Person 1
Local Policing
Essex Colchester Rural North 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

Marks Tey Train Station 2.1 miles
Chappel And Wakes Colne Train Station 2.8 miles
Colchester Train Station 3.5 miles
Colchester Town Train Station 4.1 miles
Hythe (Essex) Train Station 5.1 miles
Kelvedon Train Station 6.3 miles

Location

Local Government

District Colchester
County Essex
Ward Stanway
Constituency Witham
Parish Stanway
Region East of England

Home Ownership in Fordham Heath

Of the 14,560 households in and around Fordham Heath, 75% are owned, 9% are socially rented and 16% are privately rented. Home ownership here is higher than the England and Wales average of 63%.

Owned 75% Social rented 9% Private rented 16%

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

Frequently Asked Questions about Fordham Heath

What is the population of Fordham Heath?
Fordham Heath has a population of approximately 34,854 residents, based on the latest census figures for the surrounding postcode area.
What is the average house price in Fordham Heath?
The average property in and around Fordham Heath sold for about £362,567, based on HM Land Registry Price Paid records. That is around 4% above the England and Wales average of £349,091.
Is Fordham Heath a deprived area?
Fordham Heath 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 Fordham Heath?
Fordham Heath is covered by the CO3 postcode district.
How many schools are there in Fordham Heath?
There are 12 schools within easy reach of Fordham Heath, spanning primary, secondary and other phases.
Where is the nearest train station to Fordham Heath?
The nearest railway station to Fordham Heath is Marks Tey Train Station, about 2.1 miles away.