Pakenham on the map

Pakenham built-up area

Built-up area0.3 km² (0.1 sq mi)

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

18,259
Population
8,242
Households
7 / 10
Deprivation decile
Around average
12
Schools nearby
£59,915
Avg. household income
922
Businesses
83
People per km²
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About Pakenham

Pakenham is a village located in Suffolk, England, within the postcode area IP31. It is situated approximately five miles north of Bury St Edmunds, making it accessible for those looking to explore the surrounding areas. The village features a mix of residential homes and local amenities, including a primary school and a few small shops.

The area is characterised by its rural landscape, with fields and woodlands providing opportunities for walking and enjoying the outdoors. Pakenham is also home to the Pakenham Watermill, a historical site that dates back to the 18th century, which adds to the village's local character. Visitors can appreciate the community spirit and the slower pace of life that Pakenham offers.

School Ratings in Pakenham

Families in Pakenham have access to 27 local schools. A further 5 schools hold a Good rating.

House Prices in Pakenham

Homes sell for an average of £407K locally. Most of the housing is made up of detached homes, averaging £462K.

Crime and Anti-Social Behaviour in Pakenham

Crime in the area is lower than the national average. Anti-social behaviour is the leading concern across Pakenham, with 1 incidents recorded in May 2026.

Deprivation and Employment in Pakenham

The 2025 Index of Multiple Deprivation places Pakenham around the national average for deprivation. Working-age employment in the area is well above the national average. Residents in the area generally earn above the national average.

Healthcare in Pakenham

There is 1 GP surgery within three miles of Pakenham, the nearest being Ixworth Surgery (2.2 miles away).

Property Prices 3,025 sales

Average Price £407K
£500 , £15.6M
Detached £462K 1,664
Semi £292K 747
Terraced £246K 373
Flat £180K 52

Household Income in Pakenham ONS 2023

The average total household income in Pakenham is approximately £59,915 a year before tax, 8% above the national average of £55,302. After tax and benefits, the average disposable (net) household income is around £42,978. These are modelled estimates from the Office for National Statistics for the financial year ending 2023.

Pakenham £59,915
England & Wales avg. £55,302

Net (after tax) household income averages £42,978.

Businesses in Pakenham ONS 2025

There are approximately 922 active businesses based in Pakenham, around 50 for every 1,000 residents. The local economy is dominated by small firms: about 90% are micro-businesses employing fewer than 10 people, while 12 are larger employers with 50 or more staff. Figures are from the Office for National Statistics UK Business Counts.

922 Total businesses
50 Per 1,000 residents
Micro, 0-9 90%
Small, 10-49 8%
Medium, 50-249 1%
Large, 250+ 1%

Deprivation and Employment in Pakenham IMD 2025

Deprivation levels in Pakenham 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
7/10
Income
8/10
Employment
8/10
Education
6/10
Health
8/10
Housing
2/10
Living Environment
5/10
Children 0-15 16%
Working age 57%
Older 65+ 27%
2,955 Children (0-15) 16%
10,445 Working Age 57%
4,851 Older (65+) 27%
Average Child Poverty (IDACI) 22.3% of children in income-deprived families
Above Average Older Person Poverty (IDAOPI) 8.4% 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 Pakenham 8 crimes · May 2026

Low Crime Area

Crime levels in Pakenham 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 small town where serious incidents remain uncommon.

Violence & Sexual Offences 6
Anti-Social Behaviour 1
Theft from Person 1
Local Policing
Suffolk Bury St Edmunds Rural North 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

Thurston Train Station 1.5 miles
Elmswell Train Station 4.6 miles
Bury St Edmunds Train Station 4.7 miles
Stowmarket Train Station 9.5 miles

Location

Local Government

District West Suffolk
County Suffolk
Ward Bardwell
Constituency West Suffolk
Parish Bardwell
Region East of England

Home Ownership in Pakenham

Of the 7,760 households in and around Pakenham, 74% are owned, 10% are socially rented and 16% are privately rented. Home ownership here is higher than the England and Wales average of 63%.

Owned 74% Social rented 10% Private rented 16%

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

Frequently Asked Questions about Pakenham

What is the population of Pakenham?
Pakenham has a population of approximately 18,259 residents, based on the latest census figures for the surrounding postcode area.
What is the average house price in Pakenham?
The average property in and around Pakenham sold for about £406,510, based on HM Land Registry Price Paid records. That is around 16% above the England and Wales average of £349,091.
Is Pakenham a deprived area?
Pakenham 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 Pakenham?
Pakenham is covered by the IP31 postcode district.
How many schools are there in Pakenham?
There are 12 schools within easy reach of Pakenham, spanning primary, secondary and other phases.
Where is the nearest train station to Pakenham?
The nearest railway station to Pakenham is Thurston Train Station, about 1.5 miles away.