Saffron Walden on the map

Saffron Walden built-up area

Built-up area4.1 km² (1.6 sq mi)

Location in EssexSaffron Walden sits where the marker shows within the county.

35,381
Population
12,672
Households
9 / 10
Deprivation decile
Among least deprived
12
Schools nearby
£70,968
Avg. household income
1,944
Businesses
146
People per km²
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About Saffron Walden

Saffron Walden is a market town located in Essex, England, within the CB11 postcode area. The town is known for its historical buildings and a variety of shops and eateries. The market square is a focal point, where local produce and goods are sold on certain days of the week. Visitors can explore the medieval architecture, including the impressive St. Mary’s Church, which features a notable tower.

The town is also home to the Audley End House, a grand country house with beautiful gardens that can be explored. Saffron Walden has a number of parks and open spaces, providing areas for relaxation and recreation. The town's location makes it easily accessible for those travelling from London and other nearby areas, making it a convenient destination for a day out.

School Ratings in Saffron Walden

There are 14 schools in and around Saffron Walden. R A Butler Junior School and Saffron Walden County High School are each rated Outstanding by Ofsted. A further 7 schools hold a Good rating.

House Prices in Saffron Walden

The average property price is £542K, with detached homes making up the majority of the housing stock at around £698K.

Crime and Anti-Social Behaviour in Saffron Walden

Recorded crime levels are lower than the national average. Other theft is prevalent across Saffron Walden, with 11 recorded incidents in April 2026.

Deprivation and Employment in Saffron Walden

According to the 2025 Index of Multiple Deprivation, Saffron Walden ranks among the least deprived areas in England. Employment levels are strong, with low rates of working-age exclusion from the labour market. Household incomes are generally above the national average.

Healthcare in Saffron Walden

There are 4 GP surgeries within three miles of Saffron Walden, the nearest being Crocus Medical Practice (0.3 miles away).

Property Prices 4,800 sales

Average Price £542K
£215 , £40.34M
Detached £698K 1,819
Semi £458K 1,150
Terraced £370K 894
Flat £237K 608

Household Income in Saffron Walden ONS 2023

The average total household income in Saffron Walden is approximately £70,968 a year before tax, 28% above the national average of £55,302. After tax and benefits, the average disposable (net) household income is around £49,511. These are modelled estimates from the Office for National Statistics for the financial year ending 2023.

Saffron Walden £70,968
England & Wales avg. £55,302

Net (after tax) household income averages £49,511.

Businesses in Saffron Walden ONS 2025

There are approximately 1,944 active businesses based in Saffron Walden, 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 30 are larger employers with 50 or more staff. Figures are from the Office for National Statistics UK Business Counts.

1,944 Total businesses
55 Per 1,000 residents
Micro, 0-9 90%
Small, 10-49 8%
Medium, 50-249 1%
Large, 250+ 1%

Deprivation and Employment in Saffron Walden IMD 2025

Saffron Walden is one of the least deprived areas in England according to the 2025 Index of Multiple Deprivation. Employment opportunities are widely accessible and household incomes tend to sit comfortably above the national average. The area benefits from strong local services and a settled, established community.

Overall Deprivation
9/10
Income
8/10
Employment
9/10
Education
9/10
Health
10/10
Housing
5/10
Living Environment
6/10
Children 0-15 19%
Working age 59%
Older 65+ 22%
6,737 Children (0-15) 19%
20,991 Working Age 59%
7,660 Older (65+) 22%
Above Average Child Poverty (IDACI) 14.6% of children in income-deprived families
Above Average Older Person Poverty (IDAOPI) 8.8% 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 Saffron Walden 69 crimes · April 2026

Low Crime Area

Saffron Walden records relatively low levels of reported crime compared to national averages. Violence & sexual offences is the most commonly logged offence type, though overall numbers remain modest. The area is generally considered a safe and settled town with a strong sense of community.

Violence & Sexual Offences 12
Other Theft 11
Anti-Social Behaviour 10
Vehicle Crime 10
Burglary 6
Public Order 6
Criminal Damage & Arson 5
Shoplifting 4
Bicycle Theft 2
Theft from Person 2
Drugs 1
Local Policing
Essex Saffron Walden 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 5 stations

Newport (Essex) Train Station 3.4 miles
Great Chesterford Train Station 3.5 miles
Whittlesford Parkway Train Station 6.7 miles
Stansted Mountfitchet Train Station 8.7 miles
Shelford (Cambs) Train Station 9.8 miles

Location

Local Government

District Uttlesford
County Essex
Ward Saffron Walden Shire
Constituency Saffron Walden
Parish Saffron Walden
Region East of England

Home Ownership in Saffron Walden

Of the 14,789 households in and around Saffron Walden, 70% are owned, 14% are socially rented and 16% are privately rented. Home ownership here is higher than the England and Wales average of 63%.

Owned 70% Social rented 14% Private rented 16%

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

Frequently Asked Questions about Saffron Walden

What is the population of Saffron Walden?
Saffron Walden has a population of approximately 35,381 residents, based on the latest census figures for the surrounding postcode area.
What is the average house price in Saffron Walden?
The average property in and around Saffron Walden sold for about £542,354, based on HM Land Registry Price Paid records. That is around 55% above the England and Wales average of £349,091.
Is Saffron Walden a deprived area?
Saffron Walden sits among the least deprived areas in England, with an Index of Multiple Deprivation decile of 9 out of 10, where 1 is the most deprived and 10 the least deprived.
What postcodes cover Saffron Walden?
Saffron Walden is covered by the CB10, CB11 postcode districts.
How many schools are there in Saffron Walden?
There are 12 schools within easy reach of Saffron Walden, spanning primary, secondary and other phases.
Where is the nearest train station to Saffron Walden?
The nearest railway station to Saffron Walden is Newport (Essex) Train Station, about 3.4 miles away.