Harleston on the map

Harleston built-up area

Built-up area1.5 km² (0.6 sq mi)

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

7,802
Population
3,535
Households
6 / 10
Deprivation decile
Around average
6
Schools nearby
£48,170
Avg. household income
379
Businesses
102
People per km²
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About Harleston

Harleston is a small town located in the county of Norfolk, England, within the postcode area IP20. It lies on the border with Suffolk and offers a mix of local shops, cafés, and amenities that cater to residents and visitors alike. The town's layout features a main street that runs through its centre, providing easy access to various services and facilities.

The surrounding countryside offers opportunities for walking and enjoying the natural landscape. Harleston is also known for its community events, which take place throughout the year, fostering a sense of togetherness among locals. The town is well-connected by road, making it a convenient stop for those exploring the wider region.

School Ratings in Harleston

There are 6 schools in and around Harleston.

House Prices in Harleston

The average property price is £346K, with detached homes making up the majority of the housing stock at around £394K.

Crime and Anti-Social Behaviour in Harleston

Recorded crime levels are lower than the national average. Anti-social behaviour is prevalent across Harleston, with 4 recorded incidents in May 2026.

Deprivation and Employment in Harleston

Harleston sits around the middle of the national deprivation scale, according to the 2025 Index of Multiple Deprivation. Employment levels are broadly typical for the area, sitting close to the national average. Household incomes are broadly in line with the national average.

Healthcare in Harleston

There is 1 GP surgery within three miles of Harleston, the nearest being Harleston Medical Practice (71 yards away).

Property Prices 1,246 sales

Average Price £346K
£35K , £27.9M
Detached £394K 557
Semi £253K 325
Terraced £211K 208
Flat £172K 76

Household Income in Harleston ONS 2023

The average total household income in Harleston is approximately £48,170 a year before tax, 13% below the national average of £55,302. After tax and benefits, the average disposable (net) household income is around £36,769. These are modelled estimates from the Office for National Statistics for the financial year ending 2023.

Harleston £48,170
England & Wales avg. £55,302

Net (after tax) household income averages £36,769.

Businesses in Harleston ONS 2025

There are approximately 379 active businesses based in Harleston, around 49 for every 1,000 residents. The local economy is dominated by small firms: about 90% are micro-businesses employing fewer than 10 people, while 5 are larger employers with 50 or more staff. Figures are from the Office for National Statistics UK Business Counts.

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

Deprivation and Employment in Harleston IMD 2025

Harleston sits around the national average for deprivation according to the 2025 Index of Multiple Deprivation. Employment and income levels are broadly typical, reflecting a mixed local economy. The area offers a balance of residential and commercial activity common to most parts of England.

Overall Deprivation
6/10
Income
7/10
Employment
6/10
Education
5/10
Health
8/10
Housing
2/10
Living Environment
4/10
Children 0-15 16%
Working age 54%
Older 65+ 30%
1,278 Children (0-15) 16%
4,239 Working Age 54%
2,285 Older (65+) 29%
Average Child Poverty (IDACI) 23.3% of children in income-deprived families
Above Average Older Person Poverty (IDAOPI) 9.6% 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 Harleston 26 crimes · May 2026

Low Crime Area

Harleston 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 small town with a strong sense of community.

Violence & Sexual Offences 14
Anti-Social Behaviour 4
Other Theft 2
Burglary 1
Drugs 1
Weapons 1
Public Order 1
Theft from Person 1
Vehicle Crime 1
Local Policing
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 2 stations

Diss Train Station 7.7 miles
Halesworth Train Station 9.6 miles

Location

Local Government

District South Norfolk
County Norfolk
Ward Ditchingham & Earsham
Constituency South Norfolk
Parish Denton
Region East of England

Home Ownership in Harleston

Of the 3,527 households in and around Harleston, 71% are owned, 14% are socially rented and 15% are privately rented. Home ownership here is higher than the England and Wales average of 63%.

Owned 71% Social rented 14% Private rented 15%

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

Frequently Asked Questions about Harleston

What is the population of Harleston?
Harleston has a population of approximately 7,802 residents, based on the latest census figures for the surrounding postcode area.
What is the average house price in Harleston?
The average property in and around Harleston sold for about £345,706, based on HM Land Registry Price Paid records. That is close to the England and Wales average of £349,091.
Is Harleston a deprived area?
Harleston 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 Harleston?
Harleston is covered by the IP20 postcode district.
How many schools are there in Harleston?
There are 6 schools within easy reach of Harleston, spanning primary, secondary and other phases.
Where is the nearest train station to Harleston?
The nearest railway station to Harleston is Diss Train Station, about 7.7 miles away.