About Bishop's Stortford

Bishop's Stortford is a market town in Hertfordshire, England, located in the CM23 postcode area. It lies on the River Stort, which flows through the town and provides a pleasant setting for walking and boating. The town has a historic market square with a clock tower and several shops, cafes, and pubs, offering a traditional English atmosphere. The nearby Stort Valley Way is a popular route for walkers and cyclists, following the river through the surrounding countryside. Bishop's Stortford is well connected by rail, with a station on the West Anglia Main Line, making it accessible for commuters and visitors alike. The town has a mix of residential areas and commercial developments, with a strong sense of community and local heritage.

School Ratings in Bishop's Stortford

Bishop's Stortford is served by 50 schools. Windhill21, The Bishop's Stortford High School and The Hertfordshire & Essex High School and Science College are each rated Outstanding by Ofsted. A further 16 schools hold a Good rating.

House Prices in Bishop's Stortford

Property prices average £518K across the area, and detached homes are the most common property type, typically selling for £669K.

Crime and Anti-Social Behaviour in Bishop's Stortford

Local crime rates sit lower than national averages. Anti-social behaviour accounts for the highest share in Bishop's Stortford, with 34 incidents logged in January 2026.

Deprivation and Employment in Bishop's Stortford

Bishop's Stortford falls within the least deprived areas nationally, based on the 2025 Index of Multiple Deprivation. The area benefits from strong employment, with few residents involuntarily out of work. Income levels across the area tend to be higher than the national average.

Broadband and Mobile Internet in Bishop's Stortford

Most properties in Bishop's Stortford 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 9,118 sales

Average Price £518K
£500 £123.97M
Detached £669K 3,211
Semi £449K 2,333
Terraced £373K 1,860
Flat £262K 1,397

Deprivation and Employment in Bishop's Stortford IMD 2025

The 2025 Index of Multiple Deprivation ranks Bishop's Stortford among the least deprived parts of England. Residents generally enjoy good access to employment and higher than average household incomes. Education and health outcomes in the area also compare favourably with the rest of the country.

Overall Deprivation
8/10
Income
8/10
Employment
8/10
Education
8/10
Health
9/10
Housing
7/10
Living Environment
7/10
11,784 Children (0-15) 20%
37,846 Working Age 63%
13,255 Older (60+) 22%
Above Average Child Poverty (IDACI) 18.4% of children in income-deprived families
Average Older Person Poverty (IDAOPI) 11.7% 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 Bishop's Stortford 204 crimes · January 2026

Low Crime Area

Reported crime in Bishop's Stortford falls below the national average, suggesting a comparatively safe environment. Violence & sexual offences tops the list of recorded incidents, but figures are low overall. Residents and visitors alike tend to find this a quiet and reassuring town.

94 Violence & Sexual Offences
34 Anti-Social Behaviour
14 Shoplifting
11 Vehicle Crime
10 Drugs
8 Criminal Damage & Arson
7 Public Order
6 Other Theft
5 Weapons
5 Robbery
4 Burglary
3 Other Crime
2 Bicycle Theft
1 Theft from Person
Local Policing
Hertfordshire Bishops Stortford and Sawbridgeworth 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

Bishops Stortford Train Station 0.5 miles
Stansted Mountfitchet Train Station 2.4 miles
Sawbridgeworth Train Station 4.1 miles
Newport (Essex) Train Station 7.7 miles
Roydon Train Station 8.8 miles
St Margarets (Herts) Train Station 9.3 miles

Location

Local Government

District Uttlesford
County Essex
Ward Stort Valley
Constituency Saffron Walden
Parish Manuden
Region East of England

Notable & Famous People from Bishop's Stortford 8 people

Ben Clarke
Rugby union player
English rugby union footballer
Bernard Horsfall
Stage actor
British actor (1930–2013)
Caroline Spelman
Politician
British politician (born 1958)
Guy Hunt
Golfer
professional golfer
Martin Caton
Politician
British politician (born 1951)
Michael Wright
Sport cyclist
cyclist
Minette Walters
Writer
British crime writer
Robert Kirby
Composer
British musician (1948-2009)