California on the map

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

38,259
Population
15,636
Households
7 / 10
Deprivation decile
Around average
12
Schools nearby
£58,631
Avg. household income
1,254
Businesses
2,124
People per km²
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About California

California is a small village located in the county of Suffolk, in eastern England. It lies within the IP4 postcode area and is situated near the town of Bury St Edmunds. The village is part of the wider rural landscape of Suffolk, known for its open fields and agricultural activity. While the name may suggest a connection to the American state, it is simply a local name with no direct link to California in the United States. The area is characterised by traditional English countryside, with a mix of residential properties and farmland. It offers a quiet, rural setting with easy access to nearby towns and villages. The community is small and friendly, with local amenities including a village hall and a pub. The surrounding countryside provides opportunities for walking and cycling, making it a peaceful place to live or visit.

School Ratings in California

California is served by 90 schools. St Mary's Catholic Primary School, Ipswich is rated Outstanding by Ofsted. A further 11 schools hold a Good rating.

House Prices in California

Property prices average £275K across the area, and semi-detached homes are the most common property type, typically selling for £270K.

Crime and Anti-Social Behaviour in California

Local crime rates sit higher than national averages. Shoplifting accounts for the highest share in California, with 142 incidents logged in April 2026.

Deprivation and Employment in California

Based on the 2025 Index of Multiple Deprivation, California 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 California

There are 41 GP surgeries within three miles of California, the nearest being The Derby Road Practice (0.5 miles away).

Property Prices 5,462 sales

Average Price £275K
£1K , £17.56M
Detached £426K 1,042
Semi £270K 1,646
Terraced £209K 1,557
Flat £155K 984

Household Income in California ONS 2023

The average total household income in California is approximately £58,631 a year before tax, 6% above the national average of £55,302. After tax and benefits, the average disposable (net) household income is around £41,841. These are modelled estimates from the Office for National Statistics for the financial year ending 2023.

California £58,631
England & Wales avg. £55,302

Net (after tax) household income averages £41,841.

Businesses in California ONS 2025

There are approximately 1,254 active businesses based in California, around 33 for every 1,000 residents. The local economy is dominated by small firms: about 89% are micro-businesses employing fewer than 10 people, while 32 are larger employers with 50 or more staff. Figures are from the Office for National Statistics UK Business Counts.

1,254 Total businesses
33 Per 1,000 residents
Micro, 0-9 89%
Small, 10-49 8%
Medium, 50-249 2%
Large, 250+ 1%

Deprivation and Employment in California IMD 2025

The 2025 Index of Multiple Deprivation places California 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
7/10
Income
6/10
Employment
7/10
Education
6/10
Health
6/10
Housing
8/10
Living Environment
5/10
Children 0-15 19%
Working age 63%
Older 65+ 18%
7,191 Children (0-15) 19%
24,156 Working Age 63%
6,920 Older (65+) 18%
Average Child Poverty (IDACI) 27.8% of children in income-deprived families
Average Older Person Poverty (IDAOPI) 15.9% 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 California 740 crimes · April 2026

High Crime Area

Reported crime in California is above the national average when measured per capita. Violence & sexual offences dominates the figures, a trend mirrored in many urban centres. Local policing teams work actively in the area, and community initiatives continue to address key concerns.

Violence & Sexual Offences 288
Shoplifting 142
Public Order 61
Criminal Damage & Arson 59
Other Theft 43
Anti-Social Behaviour 37
Drugs 20
Other Crime 20
Vehicle Crime 19
Weapons 14
Burglary 12
Robbery 10
Theft from Person 9
Bicycle Theft 6
Local Policing
Suffolk Rushmere and St. Johns Visit force website →
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

Derby Road (Ipswich) Train Station 0.5 miles
Ipswich Train Station 1.8 miles
Westerfield Train Station 2 miles
Woodbridge Train Station 6 miles
Melton (Suffolk) Train Station 7.3 miles
Trimley Train Station 7.8 miles

Location

Local Government

District Ipswich
County Suffolk
Ward Alexandra
Constituency Ipswich
Parish Ipswich, unparished area
Region East of England

Home Ownership in California

Of the 16,296 households in and around California, 66% are owned, 11% are socially rented and 23% are privately rented. Home ownership here is higher than the England and Wales average of 63%.

Owned 66% Social rented 11% Private rented 23%

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

Frequently Asked Questions about California

What is the population of California?
California has a population of approximately 38,259 residents, based on the latest census figures for the surrounding postcode area.
What is the average house price in California?
The average property in and around California sold for about £275,100, based on HM Land Registry Price Paid records. That is around 21% below the England and Wales average of £349,091.
Is California a deprived area?
California sits around the national average for deprivation, with an Index of Multiple Deprivation decile of 7 out of 10, where 1 is the most deprived and 10 the least deprived.
What postcodes cover California?
California is covered by the IP4 postcode district.
How many schools are there in California?
There are 12 schools within easy reach of California, spanning primary, secondary and other phases.
Where is the nearest train station to California?
The nearest railway station to California is Derby Road (Ipswich) Train Station, about 0.5 miles away.