The Smeeth on the map

Location in NorfolkThe Smeeth sits where the marker shows within the county.

24,650
Population
8,598
Households
3 / 10
Deprivation decile
More deprived
12
Schools nearby
£45,470
Avg. household income
1,033
Businesses
94
People per km²
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About The Smeeth

The Smeeth is a small village located in Norfolk, England, within the PE14 postcode area. This rural community offers a peaceful environment, surrounded by the natural beauty of the English countryside. The village features a mix of traditional and modern homes, reflecting the area's development over the years. Local amenities are limited, but nearby towns provide essential services and shops.

The surrounding landscape is characterised by open fields and agricultural land, making it an ideal spot for those who enjoy walking and exploring nature. The village is well-connected to larger towns in the region, allowing for easy access to more extensive facilities and attractions. Visitors can appreciate the simplicity of village life while being close to the amenities of urban areas.

School Ratings in The Smeeth

The Smeeth is served by 31 schools. Emneth Nursery School is rated Outstanding by Ofsted. A further 15 schools hold a Good rating.

House Prices in The Smeeth

Property prices average £302K across the area, and detached homes are the most common property type, typically selling for £313K.

Crime and Anti-Social Behaviour in The Smeeth

Local crime rates sit lower than national averages. Anti-social behaviour accounts for the highest share in The Smeeth, with 15 incidents logged in April 2026.

Deprivation and Employment in The Smeeth

Based on the 2025 Index of Multiple Deprivation, The Smeeth is among the more deprived areas nationally. Working-age employment is around the national average for the area. Income levels locally sit close to the national average.

Healthcare in The Smeeth

There is 1 GP surgery within three miles of The Smeeth, the nearest being St John's Surgery (2.6 miles away).

Property Prices 3,245 sales

Average Price £302K
£800 , £29.65M
Detached £313K 1,948
Semi £200K 785
Terraced £158K 206
Flat £87K 12

Household Income in The Smeeth ONS 2023

The average total household income in The Smeeth is approximately £45,470 a year before tax, 18% below the national average of £55,302. After tax and benefits, the average disposable (net) household income is around £35,588. These are modelled estimates from the Office for National Statistics for the financial year ending 2023.

The Smeeth £45,470
England & Wales avg. £55,302

Net (after tax) household income averages £35,588.

Businesses in The Smeeth ONS 2025

There are approximately 1,033 active businesses based in The Smeeth, around 42 for every 1,000 residents. The local economy is dominated by small firms: about 90% are micro-businesses employing fewer than 10 people, while 13 are larger employers with 50 or more staff. Figures are from the Office for National Statistics UK Business Counts.

1,033 Total businesses
42 Per 1,000 residents
Micro, 0-9 90%
Small, 10-49 8%
Medium, 50-249 1%
Large, 250+ 1%

Deprivation and Employment in The Smeeth IMD 2025

The 2025 Index of Multiple Deprivation identifies The Smeeth as one of the more deprived areas nationally. Residents face greater challenges around employment and income, though ongoing investment in infrastructure and services is helping to address these issues over time.

Overall Deprivation
3/10
Income
5/10
Employment
4/10
Education
2/10
Health
4/10
Housing
2/10
Living Environment
5/10
Children 0-15 16%
Working age 59%
Older 65+ 25%
4,050 Children (0-15) 16%
14,509 Working Age 59%
6,095 Older (65+) 25%
Average Child Poverty (IDACI) 36.5% of children in income-deprived families
Average Older Person Poverty (IDAOPI) 16.9% 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 The Smeeth 49 crimes · April 2026

Low Crime Area

Reported crime in The Smeeth falls below the national average, suggesting a comparatively safe environment. Anti-social behaviour tops the list of recorded incidents, but figures are low overall. Residents and visitors alike tend to find this a quiet and reassuring town.

Anti-Social Behaviour 15
Violence & Sexual Offences 10
Criminal Damage & Arson 9
Other Theft 5
Burglary 3
Drugs 2
Vehicle Crime 2
Robbery 1
Shoplifting 1
Other 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 3 stations

Watlington Train Station 5.6 miles
Downham Market Train Station 6.5 miles
Kings Lynn Train Station 8.5 miles

Location

Local Government

District Fenland
County Cambridgeshire
Ward Elm & Christchurch
Constituency North East Cambridgeshire
Parish Elm
Region East of England

Home Ownership in The Smeeth

Of the 10,289 households in and around The Smeeth, 75% are owned, 11% are socially rented and 14% are privately rented. Home ownership here is higher than the England and Wales average of 63%.

Owned 75% Social rented 11% Private rented 14%

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

Frequently Asked Questions about The Smeeth

What is the population of The Smeeth?
The Smeeth has a population of approximately 24,650 residents, based on the latest census figures for the surrounding postcode area.
What is the average house price in The Smeeth?
The average property in and around The Smeeth sold for about £301,593, based on HM Land Registry Price Paid records. That is around 14% below the England and Wales average of £349,091.
Is The Smeeth a deprived area?
The Smeeth sits among the more deprived areas in England, with an Index of Multiple Deprivation decile of 3 out of 10, where 1 is the most deprived and 10 the least deprived.
What postcodes cover The Smeeth?
The Smeeth is covered by the PE14 postcode district.
How many schools are there in The Smeeth?
There are 12 schools within easy reach of The Smeeth, spanning primary, secondary and other phases.
Where is the nearest train station to The Smeeth?
The nearest railway station to The Smeeth is Watlington Train Station, about 5.6 miles away.