Waterheath on the map

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

22,019
Population
9,831
Households
5 / 10
Deprivation decile
Around average
12
Schools nearby
£50,569
Avg. household income
882
Businesses
134
People per km²
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About Waterheath

Waterheath is a small village located in Norfolk, England, within the NR34 postcode area. This rural community is characterised by its agricultural surroundings and offers a glimpse into traditional English village life. The area is primarily residential, with a mix of local homes and farmland, providing a peaceful atmosphere for its inhabitants.

The village is conveniently situated near larger towns, allowing residents and visitors to access a variety of amenities and services. Local transport links make it easy to explore the surrounding countryside and nearby attractions. Waterheath serves as a quiet retreat for those looking to experience the simplicity of village life while remaining connected to the broader region.

School Ratings in Waterheath

Families in Waterheath have access to 23 local schools. A further 8 schools hold a Good rating.

House Prices in Waterheath

Homes sell for an average of £312K locally. Most of the housing is made up of detached homes, averaging £382K.

Crime and Anti-Social Behaviour in Waterheath

Crime in the area is lower than the national average. Criminal damage & arson is the leading concern across Waterheath, with 5 incidents recorded in April 2026.

Deprivation and Employment in Waterheath

The 2025 Index of Multiple Deprivation places Waterheath around the national average for deprivation. Employment rates locally are in line with what is seen across England. Average incomes in the area are typical for England.

Healthcare in Waterheath

There is 1 GP surgery within three miles of Waterheath, the nearest being Nhs Gyw Continence Service (2.6 miles away).

Property Prices 3,175 sales

Average Price £312K
£833 , £5.1M
Detached £382K 1,306
Semi £263K 771
Terraced £215K 755
Flat £183K 126

Household Income in Waterheath ONS 2023

The average total household income in Waterheath is approximately £50,569 a year before tax, 9% below the national average of £55,302. After tax and benefits, the average disposable (net) household income is around £38,409. These are modelled estimates from the Office for National Statistics for the financial year ending 2023.

Waterheath £50,569
England & Wales avg. £55,302

Net (after tax) household income averages £38,409.

Businesses in Waterheath ONS 2025

There are approximately 882 active businesses based in Waterheath, around 40 for every 1,000 residents. The local economy is dominated by small firms: about 88% are micro-businesses employing fewer than 10 people, while 17 are larger employers with 50 or more staff. Figures are from the Office for National Statistics UK Business Counts.

882 Total businesses
40 Per 1,000 residents
Micro, 0-9 88%
Small, 10-49 10%
Medium, 50-249 2%
Large, 250+ 0%

Deprivation and Employment in Waterheath IMD 2025

Deprivation levels in Waterheath are around the national average based on the 2025 Index of Multiple Deprivation. Employment is accessible for most residents and household incomes reflect the broader national picture. The area maintains a steady balance between affordability and quality of life.

Overall Deprivation
5/10
Income
6/10
Employment
6/10
Education
5/10
Health
7/10
Housing
4/10
Living Environment
5/10
Children 0-15 15%
Working age 56%
Older 65+ 29%
3,286 Children (0-15) 15%
12,379 Working Age 56%
6,357 Older (65+) 29%
Average Child Poverty (IDACI) 30.1% of children in income-deprived families
Average Older Person Poverty (IDAOPI) 11.4% 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 Waterheath 46 crimes · April 2026

Low Crime Area

Crime levels in Waterheath are lower than the England and Wales average. While violence & sexual offences is the most frequently recorded category, the overall picture is one of a settled and secure town where serious incidents remain uncommon.

Violence & Sexual Offences 26
Criminal Damage & Arson 5
Other Theft 4
Burglary 3
Public Order 3
Shoplifting 3
Anti-Social Behaviour 1
Weapons 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 6 stations

Somerleyton Train Station 2.5 miles
Haddiscoe Train Station 2.6 miles
Beccles Train Station 2.8 miles
Oulton Broad South Train Station 4.8 miles
Oulton Broad North Train Station 4.9 miles
Reedham (Norfolk) Train Station 5.2 miles

Location

Local Government

District South Norfolk
County Norfolk
Ward Thurlton
Constituency South Norfolk
Parish Burgh St. Peter
Region East of England

Home Ownership in Waterheath

Of the 10,004 households in and around Waterheath, 70% are owned, 13% are socially rented and 17% are privately rented. Home ownership here is higher than the England and Wales average of 63%.

Owned 70% Social rented 13% Private rented 17%

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

Frequently Asked Questions about Waterheath

What is the population of Waterheath?
Waterheath has a population of approximately 22,019 residents, based on the latest census figures for the surrounding postcode area.
What is the average house price in Waterheath?
The average property in and around Waterheath sold for about £312,254, based on HM Land Registry Price Paid records. That is around 11% below the England and Wales average of £349,091.
Is Waterheath a deprived area?
Waterheath 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 Waterheath?
Waterheath is covered by the NR34 postcode district.
How many schools are there in Waterheath?
There are 12 schools within easy reach of Waterheath, spanning primary, secondary and other phases.
Where is the nearest train station to Waterheath?
The nearest railway station to Waterheath is Somerleyton Train Station, about 2.5 miles away.