Kelsale on the map

Kelsale built-up area

Built-up area0.6 km² (0.2 sq mi)

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

11,797
Population
4,944
Households
5 / 10
Deprivation decile
Around average
12
Schools nearby
£51,092
Avg. household income
627
Businesses
67
People per km²
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About Kelsale

Kelsale is a small village located in Suffolk, England, within the IP17 postcode area. The village is primarily residential, with a mix of traditional and modern homes. It offers a peaceful environment, making it suitable for those seeking a quieter lifestyle. The local amenities include a primary school, a few shops, and a community hall, which serves as a centre for various activities and events.

Surrounding Kelsale, the countryside provides opportunities for walking and enjoying the natural landscape. The village is conveniently situated near larger towns such as Saxmundham and Leiston, where additional services and facilities can be found. Kelsale's location allows for easy access to the Suffolk coast, making it a practical base for exploring the region.

School Ratings in Kelsale

Kelsale is served by 12 schools. A further 5 schools hold a Good rating.

House Prices in Kelsale

Property prices average £389K across the area, and detached homes are the most common property type, typically selling for £480K.

Crime and Anti-Social Behaviour in Kelsale

Local crime rates sit lower than national averages. Anti-social behaviour accounts for the highest share in Kelsale, with 2 incidents logged in April 2026.

Deprivation and Employment in Kelsale

Based on the 2025 Index of Multiple Deprivation, Kelsale 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 Kelsale

There is 1 GP surgery within three miles of Kelsale, the nearest being Saxmundham Health Centre (1.2 miles away).

Property Prices 1,973 sales

Average Price £389K
£5K , £7.31M
Detached £480K 898
Semi £279K 450
Terraced £241K 376
Flat £170K 81

Household Income in Kelsale ONS 2023

The average total household income in Kelsale is approximately £51,092 a year before tax, 8% below the national average of £55,302. After tax and benefits, the average disposable (net) household income is around £38,634. These are modelled estimates from the Office for National Statistics for the financial year ending 2023.

Kelsale £51,092
England & Wales avg. £55,302

Net (after tax) household income averages £38,634.

Businesses in Kelsale ONS 2025

There are approximately 627 active businesses based in Kelsale, around 53 for every 1,000 residents. The local economy is dominated by small firms: about 91% are micro-businesses employing fewer than 10 people, while 5 are larger employers with 50 or more staff. Figures are from the Office for National Statistics UK Business Counts.

627 Total businesses
53 Per 1,000 residents
Micro, 0-9 91%
Small, 10-49 8%
Medium, 50-249 1%
Large, 250+ 0%

Deprivation and Employment in Kelsale IMD 2025

The 2025 Index of Multiple Deprivation places Kelsale 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
5/10
Income
7/10
Employment
6/10
Education
5/10
Health
7/10
Housing
2/10
Living Environment
4/10
Children 0-15 15%
Working age 53%
Older 65+ 32%
1,786 Children (0-15) 15%
6,290 Working Age 53%
3,724 Older (65+) 32%
Average Child Poverty (IDACI) 29.6% of children in income-deprived families
Above Average Older Person Poverty (IDAOPI) 8.8% 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 Kelsale 19 crimes · April 2026

Low Crime Area

Reported crime in Kelsale falls below the national average, suggesting a comparatively safe environment. Violence & sexual offences tops the list of recorded incidents, but figures are low overall. Residents and visitors alike tend to find this a quiet and reassuring small town.

Violence & Sexual Offences 9
Anti-Social Behaviour 2
Bicycle Theft 2
Criminal Damage & Arson 1
Drugs 1
Other Theft 1
Weapons 1
Shoplifting 1
Other Crime 1
Local Policing
Suffolk Leiston, Saxmundham and Aldeburgh 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 4 stations

Saxmundham Train Station 1.5 miles
Darsham Train Station 2.9 miles
Wickham Market Train Station 7 miles
Halesworth Train Station 7.6 miles

Location

Local Government

District East Suffolk
County Suffolk
Ward Saxmundham
Constituency Suffolk Coastal
Parish Saxmundham
Region East of England

Home Ownership in Kelsale

Of the 5,451 households in and around Kelsale, 68% are owned, 17% are socially rented and 15% are privately rented. Home ownership here is higher than the England and Wales average of 63%.

Owned 68% Social rented 17% Private rented 15%

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

Frequently Asked Questions about Kelsale

What is the population of Kelsale?
Kelsale has a population of approximately 11,797 residents, based on the latest census figures for the surrounding postcode area.
What is the average house price in Kelsale?
The average property in and around Kelsale sold for about £388,663, based on HM Land Registry Price Paid records. That is around 11% above the England and Wales average of £349,091.
Is Kelsale a deprived area?
Kelsale 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 Kelsale?
Kelsale is covered by the IP17 postcode district.
How many schools are there in Kelsale?
There are 12 schools within easy reach of Kelsale, spanning primary, secondary and other phases.
Where is the nearest train station to Kelsale?
The nearest railway station to Kelsale is Saxmundham Train Station, about 1.5 miles away.