Gay Bowers on the map

Gay Bowers built-up area

Built-up area0.3 km² (0.1 sq mi)

Location in EssexGay Bowers 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
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About Gay Bowers

Gay Bowers is a small village located in Essex, England, within the CM3 postcode area. The village offers a peaceful rural setting, surrounded by the natural beauty of the Essex countryside. It is primarily residential, with a few local amenities catering to the needs of its residents. The area is characterised by its open fields and greenery, making it a pleasant spot for those who appreciate outdoor activities.

Access to Gay Bowers is convenient, with nearby roads connecting it to larger towns in the region. The village is not far from Chelmsford, which provides additional services, shopping, and entertainment options. For those interested in exploring the local area, there are various walking paths and opportunities to enjoy the surrounding landscape. Overall, Gay Bowers serves as a quiet retreat for those looking to escape the busier urban environments.

School Ratings in Gay Bowers

Families in Gay Bowers have access to 42 local schools. A further 18 schools hold a Good rating.

House Prices in Gay Bowers

Homes sell for an average of £499K locally. Most of the housing is made up of detached homes, averaging £599K.

Crime and Anti-Social Behaviour in Gay Bowers

Crime in the area is lower than the national average. Criminal damage & arson is the leading concern across Gay Bowers, with 3 incidents recorded in May 2026.

Deprivation and Employment in Gay Bowers

The 2025 Index of Multiple Deprivation places Gay Bowers around the national average for deprivation. Working-age employment in the area is well above the national average. Average incomes in the area are typical for England.

Healthcare in Gay Bowers

There are 2 GP surgeries within three miles of Gay Bowers, the nearest being Beacon Health Group-danbury Medical Ctr (0.6 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 Gay Bowers ONS 2023

The average total household income in Gay Bowers 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.

Gay Bowers £68,867
England & Wales avg. £55,302

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

Businesses in Gay Bowers ONS 2025

There are approximately 3,040 active businesses based in Gay Bowers, 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 Gay Bowers IMD 2025

Deprivation levels in Gay Bowers 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
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 Gay Bowers 58 crimes · May 2026

Low Crime Area

Crime levels in Gay Bowers are lower than the England and Wales average. While violence & sexual offences is the most frequently recorded category, the overall picture is one of a settled and secure town where serious incidents remain uncommon.

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 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

South Woodham Ferrers Train Station 4.2 miles
North Fambridge Train Station 4.6 miles
Hatfield Peverel Train Station 4.8 miles
Chelmsford Train Station 5.7 miles
Battlesbridge Train Station 5.9 miles
Witham Train Station 6.9 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 Gay Bowers

Of the 22,583 households in and around Gay Bowers, 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 Gay Bowers.

Frequently Asked Questions about Gay Bowers

What is the population of Gay Bowers?
Gay Bowers 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 Gay Bowers?
The average property in and around Gay Bowers 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 Gay Bowers a deprived area?
Gay Bowers 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 Gay Bowers?
Gay Bowers is covered by the CM3 postcode district.
How many schools are there in Gay Bowers?
There are 12 schools within easy reach of Gay Bowers, spanning primary, secondary and other phases.
Where is the nearest train station to Gay Bowers?
The nearest railway station to Gay Bowers is South Woodham Ferrers Train Station, about 4.2 miles away.