Swaffham on the map

Swaffham built-up area

Built-up area3.0 km² (1.2 sq mi)

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

12,810
Population
4,609
Households
4 / 10
Deprivation decile
Around average
11
Schools nearby
£47,097
Avg. household income
364
Businesses
139
People per km²
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About Swaffham

Swaffham is a market town located in the county of Norfolk, England, with the postcode area PE37. The town is known for its weekly market, which takes place every Wednesday, offering a variety of goods from local vendors. Swaffham's market square is a focal point for the community, where residents and visitors alike gather to shop and socialise.

In addition to the market, Swaffham features several historical buildings, including St. Peter and St. Paul's Church, which dates back to the 14th century. The town also has a selection of shops, cafes, and pubs, providing ample opportunities for dining and leisure. Swaffham serves as a convenient base for exploring the surrounding Norfolk countryside, making it a practical stop for those travelling through the area.

School Ratings in Swaffham

Swaffham is served by 11 schools. A further 5 schools hold a Good rating.

House Prices in Swaffham

Property prices average £283K across the area, and detached homes are the most common property type, typically selling for £308K.

Crime and Anti-Social Behaviour in Swaffham

Local crime rates sit broadly in line with national averages. Anti-social behaviour accounts for the highest share in Swaffham, with 16 incidents logged in May 2026.

Deprivation and Employment in Swaffham

Based on the 2025 Index of Multiple Deprivation, Swaffham 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 Swaffham

There are 3 GP surgeries within three miles of Swaffham, the nearest being Plowright Medical Centre (0.3 miles away).

Property Prices 2,300 sales

Average Price £283K
£40K , £16.6M
Detached £308K 1,186
Semi £216K 612
Terraced £177K 335
Flat £111K 59

Household Income in Swaffham ONS 2023

The average total household income in Swaffham is approximately £47,097 a year before tax, 15% below the national average of £55,302. After tax and benefits, the average disposable (net) household income is around £36,178. These are modelled estimates from the Office for National Statistics for the financial year ending 2023.

Swaffham £47,097
England & Wales avg. £55,302

Net (after tax) household income averages £36,178.

Businesses in Swaffham ONS 2025

There are approximately 364 active businesses based in Swaffham, around 28 for every 1,000 residents. The local economy is dominated by small firms: about 89% are micro-businesses employing fewer than 10 people, while 6 are larger employers with 50 or more staff. Figures are from the Office for National Statistics UK Business Counts.

364 Total businesses
28 Per 1,000 residents
Micro, 0-9 89%
Small, 10-49 10%
Medium, 50-249 2%
Large, 250+ 0%

Deprivation and Employment in Swaffham IMD 2025

The 2025 Index of Multiple Deprivation places Swaffham 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
4/10
Income
5/10
Employment
4/10
Education
3/10
Health
5/10
Housing
4/10
Living Environment
7/10
Children 0-15 15%
Working age 53%
Older 65+ 32%
1,885 Children (0-15) 15%
6,764 Working Age 53%
4,158 Older (65+) 32%
Average Child Poverty (IDACI) 38.8% of children in income-deprived families
Average Older Person Poverty (IDAOPI) 13.5% 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 Swaffham 63 crimes · May 2026

Average Crime Area

Swaffham 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.

Violence & Sexual Offences 21
Anti-Social Behaviour 16
Other Theft 8
Criminal Damage & Arson 5
Drugs 4
Weapons 2
Public Order 2
Shoplifting 2
Other Crime 2
Burglary 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.

Location

Local Government

District Breckland
County Norfolk
Ward Swaffham
Constituency South West Norfolk
Parish Swaffham
Region East of England

Home Ownership in Swaffham

Of the 5,873 households in and around Swaffham, 67% are owned, 17% are socially rented and 16% are privately rented. Home ownership here is higher than the England and Wales average of 63%.

Owned 67% Social rented 17% Private rented 16%

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

Frequently Asked Questions about Swaffham

What is the population of Swaffham?
Swaffham has a population of approximately 12,810 residents, based on the latest census figures for the surrounding postcode area.
What is the average house price in Swaffham?
The average property in and around Swaffham sold for about £282,958, based on HM Land Registry Price Paid records. That is around 19% below the England and Wales average of £349,091.
Is Swaffham a deprived area?
Swaffham sits around the national average for deprivation, with an Index of Multiple Deprivation decile of 4 out of 10, where 1 is the most deprived and 10 the least deprived.
What postcodes cover Swaffham?
Swaffham is covered by the PE37 postcode district.
How many schools are there in Swaffham?
There are 11 schools within easy reach of Swaffham, spanning primary, secondary and other phases.