Old Heath on the map

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

40,954
Population
13,601
Households
5 / 10
Deprivation decile
Around average
12
Schools nearby
£58,488
Avg. household income
1,061
Businesses
854
People per km²
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About Old Heath

Old Heath is a suburb located in Essex, England, falling within the postcode area CO2. It is situated to the east of Colchester, which is one of the oldest recorded towns in Britain. The area features a mix of residential properties and local amenities, including shops and schools, catering to the needs of its residents.

The suburb is well-connected by public transport, with bus services providing access to Colchester and surrounding areas. Old Heath also offers green spaces for outdoor activities, making it suitable for families and individuals alike. The proximity to Colchester allows for additional cultural and recreational opportunities, including museums, parks, and dining options.

School Ratings in Old Heath

Families in Old Heath have access to 79 local schools. A further 14 schools hold a Good rating.

House Prices in Old Heath

Homes sell for an average of £278K locally. Most of the housing is made up of terraced houses, averaging £255K.

Crime and Anti-Social Behaviour in Old Heath

Crime in the area is higher than the national average. Anti-social behaviour is the leading concern across Old Heath, with 91 incidents recorded in May 2026.

Deprivation and Employment in Old Heath

The 2025 Index of Multiple Deprivation places Old 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 Old Heath

There are 35 GP surgeries within three miles of Old Heath, the nearest being Gp Primary Care Choice North East Essex (0.9 miles away).

Property Prices 5,485 sales

Average Price £278K
£1K , £6.01M
Detached £425K 838
Semi £291K 1,331
Terraced £255K 1,627
Flat £178K 1,494

Household Income in Old Heath ONS 2023

The average total household income in Old Heath is approximately £58,488 a year before tax, 6% above the national average of £55,302. After tax and benefits, the average disposable (net) household income is around £42,753. These are modelled estimates from the Office for National Statistics for the financial year ending 2023.

Old Heath £58,488
England & Wales avg. £55,302

Net (after tax) household income averages £42,753.

Businesses in Old Heath ONS 2025

There are approximately 1,061 active businesses based in Old Heath, around 26 for every 1,000 residents. The local economy is dominated by small firms: about 90% are micro-businesses employing fewer than 10 people, while 18 are larger employers with 50 or more staff. Figures are from the Office for National Statistics UK Business Counts.

1,061 Total businesses
26 Per 1,000 residents
Micro, 0-9 90%
Small, 10-49 9%
Medium, 50-249 2%
Large, 250+ 0%

Deprivation and Employment in Old Heath IMD 2025

Deprivation levels in Old 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
5/10
Income
5/10
Employment
5/10
Education
5/10
Health
4/10
Housing
5/10
Living Environment
7/10
Children 0-15 21%
Working age 66%
Older 65+ 13%
8,716 Children (0-15) 21%
26,960 Working Age 66%
5,287 Older (65+) 13%
Average Child Poverty (IDACI) 38.1% of children in income-deprived families
Average Older Person Poverty (IDAOPI) 25.3% 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 Old Heath 714 crimes · May 2026

High Crime Area

Crime figures for Old 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 317
Anti-Social Behaviour 91
Shoplifting 77
Public Order 59
Other Theft 43
Criminal Damage & Arson 31
Vehicle Crime 21
Drugs 16
Other Crime 16
Weapons 12
Burglary 10
Robbery 10
Bicycle Theft 7
Theft from Person 4
Local Policing
Essex Colchester Town 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

Hythe (Essex) Train Station 0.6 miles
Colchester Town Train Station 1.3 miles
Wivenhoe Train Station 1.7 miles
Colchester Train Station 2.3 miles
Alresford (Essex) Train Station 3.4 miles
Great Bentley Train Station 6.1 miles

Location

Local Government

District Colchester
County Essex
Ward Berechurch
Constituency Colchester
Parish Colchester, unparished area
Region East of England

Home Ownership in Old Heath

Of the 16,457 households in and around Old Heath, 55% are owned, 18% are socially rented and 27% are privately rented. Home ownership here is lower than the England and Wales average of 63%.

Owned 55% Social rented 18% Private rented 27%

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

Frequently Asked Questions about Old Heath

What is the population of Old Heath?
Old Heath has a population of approximately 40,954 residents, based on the latest census figures for the surrounding postcode area.
What is the average house price in Old Heath?
The average property in and around Old Heath sold for about £277,682, based on HM Land Registry Price Paid records. That is around 20% below the England and Wales average of £349,091.
Is Old Heath a deprived area?
Old Heath sits around the national average for deprivation, with an Index of Multiple Deprivation decile of 5 out of 10, where 1 is the most deprived and 10 the least deprived.
What postcodes cover Old Heath?
Old Heath is covered by the CO2 postcode district.
How many schools are there in Old Heath?
There are 12 schools within easy reach of Old Heath, spanning primary, secondary and other phases.
Where is the nearest train station to Old Heath?
The nearest railway station to Old Heath is Hythe (Essex) Train Station, about 0.6 miles away.