Cheam on the map
Location in Greater LondonCheam sits where the marker shows within the county.
About Cheam
Cheam is a residential area located in the London Borough of Sutton, within Greater London. It lies to the south of the River Wandle and is easily accessible via the A217 and the M25 motorway. The area is known for its mix of Victorian and Edwardian homes, many set back from the roads behind small gardens. Cheam has a range of local shops, cafes, and a weekly market on the High Street, offering a variety of goods and fresh produce. The town centre is centred around Cheam Village, where the historic St Mary’s Church stands, a notable landmark with origins dating back to the 12th century. Public transport is convenient, with Cheam railway station providing regular services to central London. The area is also home to several schools and green spaces, including Cheam Park, which offers walking paths and recreational facilities.
School Ratings in Cheam
Families in Cheam have access to 290 local schools. Avenue Primary Academy and Harris Academy Sutton are each rated Outstanding by Ofsted. A further 2 schools hold a Good rating.
House Prices in Cheam
Homes sell for an average of £533K locally. Most of the housing is made up of flats, averaging £291K.
Crime and Anti-Social Behaviour in Cheam
Crime in the area is higher than the national average. Anti-social behaviour is the leading concern across Cheam, with 150 incidents recorded in April 2026.
Deprivation and Employment in Cheam
The 2025 Index of Multiple Deprivation places Cheam among the least deprived neighbourhoods in England. Working-age employment in the area is well above the national average. Residents in the area generally earn above the national average.
Healthcare in Cheam
There are 52 GP surgeries within three miles of Cheam, the nearest being Kirkby Pharmacy (0.6 miles away).
Local Data for Cheam
Dig deeper into the area around Cheam with our free postcode tools.
Property Prices 3,610 sales
Schools & Education 12 nearby View all schools
Ofsted ratings for schools in the SM2 postcode area.
Household Income in Cheam ONS 2023
The average total household income in Cheam is approximately £88,861 a year before tax, 61% above the national average of £55,302. After tax and benefits, the average disposable (net) household income is around £56,910. These are modelled estimates from the Office for National Statistics for the financial year ending 2023.
Net (after tax) household income averages £56,910.
Businesses in Cheam ONS 2025
There are approximately 1,158 active businesses based in Cheam, around 37 for every 1,000 residents. The local economy is dominated by small firms: about 93% are micro-businesses employing fewer than 10 people, while 16 are larger employers with 50 or more staff. Figures are from the Office for National Statistics UK Business Counts.
Deprivation and Employment in Cheam IMD 2025
According to the 2025 Index of Multiple Deprivation, Cheam experiences very low levels of deprivation. The local economy supports strong employment and incomes are above the national average. Access to services, education and healthcare in the area is generally good.
Crime in Cheam 700 crimes · April 2026
Crime figures for Cheam 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.
Crime figures depend on reporting by individual police forces and may not reflect the full picture in all areas.
Nearest Train Stations 6 stations
Location
Nearby Towns & Villages 12 found
Local Government
Home Ownership in Cheam
Of the 12,962 households in and around Cheam, 60% are owned, 9% are socially rented and 30% are privately rented. Home ownership here is lower than the England and Wales average of 63%.
Tenure from the 2021 Census (ONS), for the postcode districts covering Cheam.