Highwood on the map

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

69,980
Population
26,010
Households
7 / 10
Deprivation decile
Around average
12
Schools nearby
£66,403
Avg. household income
2,876
Businesses
636
People per km²
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About Highwood

Highwood is a small village located in Essex, England, within the CM1 postcode area. It is situated to the north of Chelmsford and is primarily residential, offering a quiet environment for its inhabitants. The village is surrounded by green fields and countryside, providing opportunities for outdoor activities and walks in the nearby areas.

The local amenities include a few shops and a community centre, which serves as a hub for various events and gatherings. Highwood is well-connected by road, making it easy to access larger towns and cities in the region. The village has a close-knit community, and while it may not have extensive facilities, it offers a peaceful setting for those looking to escape the hustle and bustle of urban life.

School Ratings in Highwood

Highwood is served by 54 schools. Tanglewood Nursery School, Chelmsford Hospital School, Chelmsford County High School for Girls and King Edward VI Grammar School, Chelmsford are each rated Outstanding by Ofsted. A further 18 schools hold a Good rating.

House Prices in Highwood

Property prices average £440K across the area, and semi-detached homes are the most common property type, typically selling for £412K.

Crime and Anti-Social Behaviour in Highwood

Local crime rates sit higher than national averages. Anti-social behaviour accounts for the highest share in Highwood, with 105 incidents logged in May 2026.

Deprivation and Employment in Highwood

Based on the 2025 Index of Multiple Deprivation, Highwood 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.

Healthcare in Highwood

There are 2 GP surgeries within three miles of Highwood, the nearest being The New Folly Surgery (2.5 miles away).

Property Prices 9,542 sales

Average Price £440K
£100 , £38.76M
Detached £619K 2,264
Semi £412K 2,534
Terraced £356K 1,967
Flat £230K 2,482

Household Income in Highwood ONS 2023

The average total household income in Highwood is approximately £66,403 a year before tax, 20% above the national average of £55,302. After tax and benefits, the average disposable (net) household income is around £47,428. These are modelled estimates from the Office for National Statistics for the financial year ending 2023.

Highwood £66,403
England & Wales avg. £55,302

Net (after tax) household income averages £47,428.

Businesses in Highwood ONS 2025

There are approximately 2,876 active businesses based in Highwood, around 41 for every 1,000 residents. The local economy is dominated by small firms: about 90% are micro-businesses employing fewer than 10 people, while 48 are larger employers with 50 or more staff. Figures are from the Office for National Statistics UK Business Counts.

2,876 Total businesses
41 Per 1,000 residents
Micro, 0-9 90%
Small, 10-49 8%
Medium, 50-249 1%
Large, 250+ 1%

Deprivation and Employment in Highwood IMD 2025

The 2025 Index of Multiple Deprivation places Highwood 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
7/10
Education
7/10
Health
7/10
Housing
6/10
Living Environment
6/10
Children 0-15 19%
Working age 64%
Older 65+ 17%
13,389 Children (0-15) 19%
44,564 Working Age 64%
12,039 Older (65+) 17%
Average Child Poverty (IDACI) 25.8% of children in income-deprived families
Average Older Person Poverty (IDAOPI) 14.7% 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 Highwood 799 crimes · May 2026

High Crime Area

Reported crime in Highwood 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.

Violence & Sexual Offences 333
Anti-Social Behaviour 105
Shoplifting 85
Public Order 61
Drugs 51
Other Theft 38
Criminal Damage & Arson 30
Other Crime 24
Burglary 19
Vehicle Crime 18
Robbery 13
Weapons 11
Bicycle Theft 6
Theft from Person 5
Local Policing
Essex Chelmsford West 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

Ingatestone Train Station 2.8 miles
Chelmsford Train Station 4.4 miles
Billericay Train Station 5.6 miles
Shenfield Train Station 5.7 miles
Brentwood Train Station 7.2 miles
Wickford Train Station 8.7 miles

Location

Local Government

District Chelmsford
County Essex
Ward Waterhouse Farm
Constituency Chelmsford
Parish Chelmsford, unparished area
Region East of England

Home Ownership in Highwood

Of the 29,018 households in and around Highwood, 65% are owned, 18% are socially rented and 18% are privately rented. Home ownership here is in line with the England and Wales average of 63%.

Owned 65% Social rented 18% Private rented 18%

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

Frequently Asked Questions about Highwood

What is the population of Highwood?
Highwood has a population of approximately 69,980 residents, based on the latest census figures for the surrounding postcode area.
What is the average house price in Highwood?
The average property in and around Highwood sold for about £440,074, based on HM Land Registry Price Paid records. That is around 26% above the England and Wales average of £349,091.
Is Highwood a deprived area?
Highwood 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 Highwood?
Highwood is covered by the CM1 postcode district.
How many schools are there in Highwood?
There are 12 schools within easy reach of Highwood, spanning primary, secondary and other phases.
Where is the nearest train station to Highwood?
The nearest railway station to Highwood is Ingatestone Train Station, about 2.8 miles away.