Hilgay on the map

Hilgay built-up area

Built-up area0.4 km² (0.2 sq mi)

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

16,899
Population
6,603
Households
5 / 10
Deprivation decile
Around average
10
Schools nearby
£44,540
Avg. household income
529
Businesses
184
People per km²
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About Hilgay

Hilgay is a small village located in Norfolk, England, within the PE38 postcode area. It is situated near the River Wissey, which adds to the village's rural character. The local community is primarily residential, with a mix of traditional and modern housing. The village has a few essential amenities, including a primary school and a local pub, which serve the needs of its residents.

Surrounding Hilgay are agricultural fields and open countryside, making it a suitable location for those who appreciate rural living. The village is well-connected by road, providing easy access to nearby towns such as Downham Market and King's Lynn. Visitors can enjoy the natural landscape and the quiet atmosphere that characterises this part of Norfolk.

School Ratings in Hilgay

Hilgay is served by 10 schools. A further 5 schools hold a Good rating.

House Prices in Hilgay

Property prices average £267K across the area, and detached homes are the most common property type, typically selling for £308K.

Crime and Anti-Social Behaviour in Hilgay

Local crime rates sit lower than national averages. Other theft accounts for the highest share in Hilgay, with 9 incidents logged in April 2026.

Deprivation and Employment in Hilgay

Based on the 2025 Index of Multiple Deprivation, Hilgay 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.

Healthcare in Hilgay

There is 1 GP surgery within three miles of Hilgay, the nearest being Howdale Surgery (2.9 miles away).

Property Prices 2,718 sales

Average Price £267K
£200 , £18.48M
Detached £308K 1,350
Semi £220K 588
Terraced £196K 473
Flat £129K 165

Household Income in Hilgay ONS 2023

The average total household income in Hilgay is approximately £44,540 a year before tax, 19% below the national average of £55,302. After tax and benefits, the average disposable (net) household income is around £35,438. These are modelled estimates from the Office for National Statistics for the financial year ending 2023.

Hilgay £44,540
England & Wales avg. £55,302

Net (after tax) household income averages £35,438.

Businesses in Hilgay ONS 2025

There are approximately 529 active businesses based in Hilgay, around 31 for every 1,000 residents. The local economy is dominated by small firms: about 91% are micro-businesses employing fewer than 10 people, while 7 are larger employers with 50 or more staff. Figures are from the Office for National Statistics UK Business Counts.

529 Total businesses
31 Per 1,000 residents
Micro, 0-9 91%
Small, 10-49 8%
Medium, 50-249 1%
Large, 250+ 0%

Deprivation and Employment in Hilgay IMD 2025

The 2025 Index of Multiple Deprivation places Hilgay 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.

Overall Deprivation
5/10
Income
6/10
Employment
5/10
Education
4/10
Health
4/10
Housing
4/10
Living Environment
6/10
Children 0-15 16%
Working age 56%
Older 65+ 28%
2,723 Children (0-15) 16%
9,485 Working Age 56%
4,687 Older (65+) 28%
Average Child Poverty (IDACI) 30% of children in income-deprived families
Average Older Person Poverty (IDAOPI) 13.4% 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 Hilgay 60 crimes · April 2026

Low Crime Area

Reported crime in Hilgay 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 small town.

Violence & Sexual Offences 28
Other Theft 9
Shoplifting 6
Anti-Social Behaviour 5
Criminal Damage & Arson 3
Public Order 3
Burglary 2
Drugs 2
Bicycle Theft 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 5 stations

Downham Market Train Station 3.3 miles
Littleport Train Station 7.5 miles
Watlington Train Station 7.9 miles
Shippea Hill Train Station 9.2 miles
Lakenheath Train Station 9.7 miles

Location

Local Government

District East Cambridgeshire
County Cambridgeshire
Ward Littleport
Constituency North East Cambridgeshire
Parish Littleport
Region East of England

Home Ownership in Hilgay

Of the 7,640 households in and around Hilgay, 68% are owned, 11% are socially rented and 20% are privately rented. Home ownership here is higher than the England and Wales average of 63%.

Owned 68% Social rented 11% Private rented 20%

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

Frequently Asked Questions about Hilgay

What is the population of Hilgay?
Hilgay has a population of approximately 16,899 residents, based on the latest census figures for the surrounding postcode area.
What is the average house price in Hilgay?
The average property in and around Hilgay sold for about £267,248, based on HM Land Registry Price Paid records. That is around 23% below the England and Wales average of £349,091.
Is Hilgay a deprived area?
Hilgay sits around the national average for deprivation, with an Index of Multiple Deprivation decile of 5 out of 10, where 1 is the most deprived and 10 the least deprived.
What postcodes cover Hilgay?
Hilgay is covered by the PE38 postcode district.
How many schools are there in Hilgay?
There are 10 schools within easy reach of Hilgay, spanning primary, secondary and other phases.
Where is the nearest train station to Hilgay?
The nearest railway station to Hilgay is Downham Market Train Station, about 3.3 miles away.