Cotton on the map

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

42,181
Population
16,313
Households
6 / 10
Deprivation decile
Around average
11
Schools nearby
£59,237
Avg. household income
1,661
Businesses
161
People per km²
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About Cotton

Cotton is a small village located in Suffolk, England, within the IP14 postcode area. The village features a mix of residential homes and agricultural land, typical of the rural English countryside. It is surrounded by fields and offers a peaceful atmosphere, making it a suitable spot for those seeking a quiet retreat.

The village is served by a few local amenities, including a primary school and a church, which cater to the needs of its residents. Cotton is also conveniently situated near larger towns, providing easy access to more extensive facilities and services. The surrounding area offers opportunities for walking and enjoying the natural landscape, making it a pleasant place for outdoor activities.

School Ratings in Cotton

Families in Cotton have access to 11 local schools. A further 13 schools hold a Good rating.

House Prices in Cotton

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 Cotton

Crime in the area is lower than the national average. Criminal damage & arson is the leading concern across Cotton, with 10 incidents recorded in May 2026.

Deprivation and Employment in Cotton

The 2025 Index of Multiple Deprivation places Cotton 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 Cotton

There is 1 GP surgery within three miles of Cotton, the nearest being Mendlesham Medical Group (2.6 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 Cotton ONS 2023

The average total household income in Cotton 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.

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

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

Businesses in Cotton ONS 2025

There are approximately 1,661 active businesses based in Cotton, 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 Cotton IMD 2025

Deprivation levels in Cotton 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 Cotton 83 crimes · May 2026

Low Crime Area

Crime levels in Cotton 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 44
Criminal Damage & Arson 10
Public Order 9
Shoplifting 8
Anti-Social Behaviour 4
Drugs 4
Other Theft 2
Weapons 1
Theft from Person 1
Local Policing
Suffolk Mid-Suffolk North and East 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

Elmswell Train Station 5.2 miles
Stowmarket Train Station 5.5 miles
Needham Market Train Station 8 miles
Diss Train Station 8.5 miles
Thurston Train Station 9.1 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 Cotton

Of the 18,199 households in and around Cotton, 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 Cotton.

Frequently Asked Questions about Cotton

What is the population of Cotton?
Cotton 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 Cotton?
The average property in and around Cotton 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 Cotton a deprived area?
Cotton 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 Cotton?
Cotton is covered by the IP14 postcode district.
How many schools are there in Cotton?
There are 11 schools within easy reach of Cotton, spanning primary, secondary and other phases.
Where is the nearest train station to Cotton?
The nearest railway station to Cotton is Elmswell Train Station, about 5.2 miles away.