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 52 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 £454K across the area, and semi-detached homes are the most common property type, typically selling for £404K.

Crime and Anti-Social Behaviour in Highwood

Local crime rates sit higher than national averages. Shoplifting accounts for the highest share in Highwood, with 91 incidents logged in January 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.

Broadband and Mobile Internet in Highwood

Most properties in Highwood can access superfast or ultrafast broadband. 4G coverage is extensive and 5G is increasingly available across the area. For the latest speed predictions, visit Ofcom's broadband checker.

Property Prices 9,633 sales

Average Price £454K
£100 £38.76M
Detached £621K 2,367
Semi £404K 2,589
Terraced £351K 2,030
Flat £228K 2,344

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
18,344 Children (0-15) 19%
61,070 Working Age 63%
21,857 Older (60+) 23%
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 709 crimes · January 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.

311 Violence & Sexual Offences
91 Shoplifting
62 Anti-Social Behaviour
50 Public Order
47 Other Theft
39 Criminal Damage & Arson
32 Drugs
19 Burglary
17 Vehicle Crime
16 Other Crime
11 Robbery
8 Bicycle Theft
3 Weapons
3 Theft from Person
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