Chells on the map

Location in HertfordshireChells sits where the marker shows within the county.

43,039
Population
17,121
Households
6 / 10
Deprivation decile
Around average
12
Schools nearby
£63,154
Avg. household income
1,190
Businesses
867
People per km²
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About Chells

Chells is a small village located in Hertfordshire, within the SG2 postcode area of England. It lies to the south of the town of Hertford, close to the border with Essex. The village is primarily residential, with a mix of traditional and modern housing. There are several local amenities, including a village hall, a primary school, and a few small shops and cafes. The area is well served by public transport, with regular bus services connecting Chells to nearby towns and cities. The surrounding countryside offers pleasant walking routes, and the village is near the River Stort, which provides opportunities for fishing and riverside strolls. Chells has a quiet, community-focused atmosphere, with local events and activities often taking place at the village hall. It is a convenient location for those working in London, with good rail links to the capital.

School Ratings in Chells

Families in Chells have access to 78 local schools. S6 Broadwater Family Centre and Stevenage Education Support Centre are each rated Outstanding by Ofsted. A further 13 schools hold a Good rating.

House Prices in Chells

Homes sell for an average of £357K locally. Most of the housing is made up of terraced houses, averaging £308K.

Crime and Anti-Social Behaviour in Chells

Crime in the area is higher than the national average. Anti-social behaviour is the leading concern across Chells, with 92 incidents recorded in April 2026.

Deprivation and Employment in Chells

The 2025 Index of Multiple Deprivation places Chells 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 Chells

There are 11 GP surgeries within three miles of Chells, the nearest being Stevenage Pharmacy (0.2 miles away).

Property Prices 4,565 sales

Average Price £357K
£1K , £7M
Detached £568K 701
Semi £378K 842
Terraced £308K 2,526
Flat £200K 383

Household Income in Chells ONS 2023

The average total household income in Chells is approximately £63,154 a year before tax, 14% above the national average of £55,302. After tax and benefits, the average disposable (net) household income is around £45,116. These are modelled estimates from the Office for National Statistics for the financial year ending 2023.

Chells £63,154
England & Wales avg. £55,302

Net (after tax) household income averages £45,116.

Businesses in Chells ONS 2025

There are approximately 1,190 active businesses based in Chells, around 28 for every 1,000 residents. The local economy is dominated by small firms: about 93% are micro-businesses employing fewer than 10 people, while 10 are larger employers with 50 or more staff. Figures are from the Office for National Statistics UK Business Counts.

1,190 Total businesses
28 Per 1,000 residents
Micro, 0-9 93%
Small, 10-49 6%
Medium, 50-249 1%
Large, 250+ 0%

Deprivation and Employment in Chells IMD 2025

Deprivation levels in Chells 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
6/10
Income
5/10
Employment
6/10
Education
5/10
Health
6/10
Housing
5/10
Living Environment
8/10
Children 0-15 20%
Working age 64%
Older 65+ 16%
8,623 Children (0-15) 20%
27,351 Working Age 64%
7,064 Older (65+) 16%
Average Child Poverty (IDACI) 32.1% of children in income-deprived families
Average Older Person Poverty (IDAOPI) 16.6% 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 Chells 574 crimes · April 2026

High Crime Area

Crime figures for Chells 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 215
Anti-Social Behaviour 92
Shoplifting 81
Vehicle Crime 36
Criminal Damage & Arson 33
Other Theft 28
Public Order 22
Drugs 17
Burglary 14
Other Crime 11
Robbery 8
Bicycle Theft 7
Weapons 7
Theft from Person 3
Local Policing
Hertfordshire Stevenage South 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

Stevenage Train Station 2.1 miles
Knebworth Train Station 3.4 miles
Watton-At-Stone Train Station 4.4 miles
Hitchin Train Station 5.1 miles
Letchworth Garden City Train Station 5.4 miles
Baldock Train Station 5.6 miles

Location

Local Government

District Stevenage
County Hertfordshire
Ward Chells
Constituency Stevenage
Parish Stevenage, unparished area
Region East of England

Home Ownership in Chells

Of the 17,298 households in and around Chells, 65% are owned, 23% are socially rented and 12% are privately rented. Home ownership here is in line with the England and Wales average of 63%.

Owned 65% Social rented 23% Private rented 12%

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

Frequently Asked Questions about Chells

What is the population of Chells?
Chells has a population of approximately 43,039 residents, based on the latest census figures for the surrounding postcode area.
What is the average house price in Chells?
The average property in and around Chells sold for about £357,103, based on HM Land Registry Price Paid records. That is close to the England and Wales average of £349,091.
Is Chells a deprived area?
Chells sits around the national average for deprivation, with an Index of Multiple Deprivation decile of 6 out of 10, where 1 is the most deprived and 10 the least deprived.
What postcodes cover Chells?
Chells is covered by the SG2 postcode district.
How many schools are there in Chells?
There are 12 schools within easy reach of Chells, spanning primary, secondary and other phases.
Where is the nearest train station to Chells?
The nearest railway station to Chells is Stevenage Train Station, about 2.1 miles away.