Bale on the map
Location in NorfolkBale sits where the marker shows within the county.
About Bale
Bale is a small village located in the county of Norfolk, in the east of England. It lies within the NR21 postcode area, situated near the border with Suffolk. The village is primarily residential, with a mix of traditional and modern homes. It is surrounded by open countryside, typical of the Norfolk landscape, with fields and hedgerows visible from the village centre. The local area is quiet and rural, with a strong sense of community. There are a few local amenities, including a village hall and a small shop, which serve the needs of residents. The village is close to the A140 road, providing access to nearby towns such as Fakenham and King's Lynn. Bale is part of the civil parish of Bale and Wainford, and the surrounding area is known for its agricultural activity and peaceful environment.
School Ratings in Bale
Bale is served by 8 schools. Fakenham Gateway Surestart Children's Centre is rated Outstanding by Ofsted. A further 7 schools hold a Good rating.
House Prices in Bale
Property prices average £316K across the area, and detached homes are the most common property type, typically selling for £399K.
Crime and Anti-Social Behaviour in Bale
Local crime rates sit broadly in line with national averages. Shoplifting accounts for the highest share in Bale, with 10 incidents logged in April 2026.
Deprivation and Employment in Bale
Based on the 2025 Index of Multiple Deprivation, Bale falls within the mid-range nationally for overall deprivation. Working-age employment is around the national average for the area. Income levels locally sit close to the national average.
Local Data for Bale
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Property Prices 2,582 sales
Schools & Education 8 nearby View all schools
Ofsted ratings for schools in the NR21 postcode area.
Household Income in Bale ONS 2023
The average total household income in Bale is approximately £46,236 a year before tax, 16% below the national average of £55,302. After tax and benefits, the average disposable (net) household income is around £35,812. These are modelled estimates from the Office for National Statistics for the financial year ending 2023.
Net (after tax) household income averages £35,812.
Businesses in Bale ONS 2025
There are approximately 762 active businesses based in Bale, around 53 for every 1,000 residents. The local economy is dominated by small firms: about 89% are micro-businesses employing fewer than 10 people, while 11 are larger employers with 50 or more staff. Figures are from the Office for National Statistics UK Business Counts.
Deprivation and Employment in Bale IMD 2025
The 2025 Index of Multiple Deprivation places Bale in the mid-range nationally. Employment and income levels are close to the England average, with a mix of opportunities across sectors. Overall living conditions are comparable to similar areas across the country.
Crime in Bale 65 crimes · April 2026
Bale experiences crime rates that are roughly comparable to the national picture. Violence & sexual offences is the most reported category, consistent with broader patterns across similar communities. Day-to-day life here reflects the usual mix of challenges found in any established small town.
Crime figures depend on reporting by individual police forces and may not reflect the full picture in all areas.
Nearest Train Stations 1 stations
Location
Nearby Towns & Villages 12 found
Local Government
Home Ownership in Bale
Of the 6,623 households in and around Bale, 67% are owned, 15% are socially rented and 18% are privately rented. Home ownership here is higher than the England and Wales average of 63%.
Tenure from the 2021 Census (ONS), for the postcode districts covering Bale.