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 £288K across the area, and semi-detached homes are the most common property type, typically selling for £271K.

Crime and Anti-Social Behaviour in California

Local crime rates sit higher than national averages. Shoplifting accounts for the highest share in California, with 112 incidents logged in January 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.

Broadband and Mobile Internet in California

Most properties in California can access superfast or ultrafast broadband. 4G coverage is extensive and 5G is increasingly available across the area. For the latest speed predictions, visit Ofcom's broadband checker.

Property Prices 5,599 sales

Average Price £288K
£1K £17.56M
Detached £422K 1,107
Semi £271K 1,635
Terraced £210K 1,568
Flat £158K 1,011

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
9,065 Children (0-15) 18%
31,246 Working Age 62%
12,526 Older (60+) 25%
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 615 crimes · January 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.

210 Violence & Sexual Offences
112 Shoplifting
53 Criminal Damage & Arson
51 Vehicle Crime
35 Other Theft
34 Burglary
34 Public Order
22 Anti-Social Behaviour
22 Drugs
15 Other Crime
10 Weapons
8 Robbery
6 Theft from Person
3 Bicycle Theft
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