Combs on the map

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

42,181
Population
16,313
Households
6 / 10
Deprivation decile
Around average
12
Schools nearby
£59,237
Avg. household income
1,661
Businesses
161
People per km²
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About Combs

Combs is a small village located in Suffolk, England, within the postcode area IP14. The village is primarily residential, featuring a mix of traditional and modern housing. The local community is close-knit, with a few amenities available for residents, including a primary school and a local pub, which serves as a social hub for the villagers.

Surrounding Combs are picturesque countryside views, providing opportunities for walking and enjoying the outdoors. The village is conveniently situated near the larger town of Stowmarket, which offers additional services, shops, and transport links. Combs is an ideal location for those seeking a quieter lifestyle while remaining within easy reach of urban conveniences.

School Ratings in Combs

Families in Combs have access to 24 local schools. A further 13 schools hold a Good rating.

House Prices in Combs

Homes sell for an average of £316K locally. Most of the housing is made up of detached homes, averaging £393K.

Crime and Anti-Social Behaviour in Combs

Crime in the area is lower than the national average. Public order is the leading concern across Combs, with 8 incidents recorded in April 2026.

Deprivation and Employment in Combs

The 2025 Index of Multiple Deprivation places Combs 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 Combs

There are 5 GP surgeries within three miles of Combs, the nearest being Combs Ford Surgery (0.8 miles away).

Property Prices 6,933 sales

Average Price £316K
£100 , £70.2M
Detached £393K 2,702
Semi £258K 2,000
Terraced £214K 1,415
Flat £138K 447

Household Income in Combs ONS 2023

The average total household income in Combs is approximately £59,237 a year before tax, 7% above the national average of £55,302. After tax and benefits, the average disposable (net) household income is around £41,854. These are modelled estimates from the Office for National Statistics for the financial year ending 2023.

Combs £59,237
England & Wales avg. £55,302

Net (after tax) household income averages £41,854.

Businesses in Combs ONS 2025

There are approximately 1,661 active businesses based in Combs, around 39 for every 1,000 residents. The local economy is dominated by small firms: about 91% are micro-businesses employing fewer than 10 people, while 28 are larger employers with 50 or more staff. Figures are from the Office for National Statistics UK Business Counts.

1,661 Total businesses
39 Per 1,000 residents
Micro, 0-9 91%
Small, 10-49 7%
Medium, 50-249 1%
Large, 250+ 1%

Deprivation and Employment in Combs IMD 2025

Deprivation levels in Combs 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
6/10
Income
7/10
Employment
7/10
Education
6/10
Health
7/10
Housing
3/10
Living Environment
5/10
Children 0-15 17%
Working age 60%
Older 65+ 23%
7,189 Children (0-15) 17%
25,324 Working Age 60%
9,683 Older (65+) 23%
Average Child Poverty (IDACI) 24.5% of children in income-deprived families
Average Older Person Poverty (IDAOPI) 10% 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 Combs 61 crimes · April 2026

Low Crime Area

Crime levels in Combs 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 27
Public Order 8
Criminal Damage & Arson 7
Shoplifting 7
Anti-Social Behaviour 3
Other Theft 3
Bicycle Theft 1
Drugs 1
Weapons 1
Robbery 1
Theft from Person 1
Other Crime 1
Local Policing
Suffolk Mid-Suffolk South and West 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 5 stations

Stowmarket Train Station 1.5 miles
Needham Market Train Station 3 miles
Elmswell Train Station 5.7 miles
Thurston Train Station 9.4 miles
Westerfield Train Station 9.6 miles

Location

Local Government

District Mid Suffolk
County Suffolk
Ward Combs Ford
Constituency Bury St Edmunds
Parish Stowmarket
Region East of England

Home Ownership in Combs

Of the 18,199 households in and around Combs, 73% are owned, 13% are socially rented and 15% are privately rented. Home ownership here is higher than the England and Wales average of 63%.

Owned 73% Social rented 13% Private rented 15%

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

Frequently Asked Questions about Combs

What is the population of Combs?
Combs has a population of approximately 42,181 residents, based on the latest census figures for the surrounding postcode area.
What is the average house price in Combs?
The average property in and around Combs sold for about £316,227, based on HM Land Registry Price Paid records. That is around 9% below the England and Wales average of £349,091.
Is Combs a deprived area?
Combs sits around the national average for deprivation, with an Index of Multiple Deprivation decile of 6 out of 10, where 1 is the most deprived and 10 the least deprived.
What postcodes cover Combs?
Combs is covered by the IP14 postcode district.
How many schools are there in Combs?
There are 12 schools within easy reach of Combs, spanning primary, secondary and other phases.
Where is the nearest train station to Combs?
The nearest railway station to Combs is Stowmarket Train Station, about 1.5 miles away.