Needham on the map

Needham built-up area

Built-up area0.3 km² (0.1 sq mi)

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

7,802
Population
3,535
Households
6 / 10
Deprivation decile
Around average
11
Schools nearby
£48,170
Avg. household income
379
Businesses
102
People per km²
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About Needham

Needham is a small village located in Norfolk, England, within the IP20 postcode area. It is situated approximately five miles south of the market town of Harleston and is surrounded by the picturesque countryside typical of this part of East Anglia. The village features a mix of residential homes and agricultural land, reflecting its rural character.

Local amenities include a few shops and a community hall, which serves as a hub for various activities and events. The area is also known for its walking paths, allowing residents and visitors to explore the surrounding fields and countryside. Needham offers a quiet lifestyle, making it suitable for those who appreciate a slower pace of life while still being within reach of larger towns for additional services and entertainment.

School Ratings in Needham

Needham is served by 11 schools.

House Prices in Needham

Property prices average £346K across the area, and detached homes are the most common property type, typically selling for £394K.

Crime and Anti-Social Behaviour in Needham

Local crime rates sit lower than national averages. Criminal damage & arson accounts for the highest share in Needham, with 3 incidents logged in April 2026.

Deprivation and Employment in Needham

Based on the 2025 Index of Multiple Deprivation, Needham 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 Needham

There is 1 GP surgery within three miles of Needham, the nearest being Harleston Medical Practice (1.8 miles 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 Needham ONS 2023

The average total household income in Needham 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.

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

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

Businesses in Needham ONS 2025

There are approximately 379 active businesses based in Needham, 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 Needham IMD 2025

The 2025 Index of Multiple Deprivation places Needham 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
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 Needham 16 crimes · April 2026

Low Crime Area

Reported crime in Needham 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 8
Criminal Damage & Arson 3
Anti-Social Behaviour 2
Burglary 1
Other Theft 1
Public Order 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 1 stations

Diss Train Station 6.2 miles

Location

Local Government

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

Home Ownership in Needham

Of the 3,527 households in and around Needham, 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 Needham.

Frequently Asked Questions about Needham

What is the population of Needham?
Needham 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 Needham?
The average property in and around Needham 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 Needham a deprived area?
Needham 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 Needham?
Needham is covered by the IP20 postcode district.
How many schools are there in Needham?
There are 11 schools within easy reach of Needham, spanning primary, secondary and other phases.
Where is the nearest train station to Needham?
The nearest railway station to Needham is Diss Train Station, about 6.2 miles away.