Polstead Heath on the map

Location in SuffolkPolstead Heath sits where the marker shows within the county.

28,132
Population
11,706
Households
6 / 10
Deprivation decile
Around average
12
Schools nearby
£65,808
Avg. household income
1,694
Businesses
160
People per km²
Create a free area profile for Polstead HeathDownload or embed an infographic of these statistics

About Polstead Heath

Polstead Heath is a small area located in Suffolk, England, within the CO6 postcode area. This area is primarily characterised by its natural landscape, featuring a mix of heathland and woodland. It provides a habitat for various species of wildlife, making it a suitable spot for nature enthusiasts and those interested in observing local flora and fauna.

The heath is accessible for walkers and offers several paths for exploration. Visitors can enjoy the peaceful surroundings while taking in the sights and sounds of the countryside. Polstead Heath is also in proximity to the village of Polstead, where one can find local amenities and further opportunities for outdoor activities.

School Ratings in Polstead Heath

There are 14 schools in and around Polstead Heath. A further 8 schools hold a Good rating.

House Prices in Polstead Heath

The average property price is £446K, with detached homes making up the majority of the housing stock at around £548K.

Crime and Anti-Social Behaviour in Polstead Heath

Recorded crime levels are lower than the national average. Bicycle theft is prevalent across Polstead Heath, with 1 recorded incidents in April 2026.

Deprivation and Employment in Polstead Heath

Polstead Heath sits around the middle of the national deprivation scale, according to the 2025 Index of Multiple Deprivation. Employment levels are broadly typical for the area, sitting close to the national average. Household incomes are broadly in line with the national average.

Healthcare in Polstead Heath

There are 2 GP surgeries within three miles of Polstead Heath, the nearest being Hadleigh Health Centre (2.3 miles away).

Property Prices 4,088 sales

Average Price £446K
£100 , £8M
Detached £548K 1,842
Semi £354K 1,067
Terraced £298K 609
Flat £177K 267

Household Income in Polstead Heath ONS 2023

The average total household income in Polstead Heath is approximately £65,808 a year before tax, 19% above the national average of £55,302. After tax and benefits, the average disposable (net) household income is around £46,189. These are modelled estimates from the Office for National Statistics for the financial year ending 2023.

Polstead Heath £65,808
England & Wales avg. £55,302

Net (after tax) household income averages £46,189.

Businesses in Polstead Heath ONS 2025

There are approximately 1,694 active businesses based in Polstead Heath, around 60 for every 1,000 residents. The local economy is dominated by small firms: about 89% are micro-businesses employing fewer than 10 people, while 33 are larger employers with 50 or more staff. Figures are from the Office for National Statistics UK Business Counts.

1,694 Total businesses
60 Per 1,000 residents
Micro, 0-9 89%
Small, 10-49 9%
Medium, 50-249 2%
Large, 250+ 0%

Deprivation and Employment in Polstead Heath IMD 2025

Polstead Heath sits around the national average for deprivation according to the 2025 Index of Multiple Deprivation. Employment and income levels are broadly typical, reflecting a mixed local economy. The area offers a balance of residential and commercial activity common to most parts of England.

Overall Deprivation
6/10
Income
7/10
Employment
7/10
Education
6/10
Health
7/10
Housing
3/10
Living Environment
4/10
Children 0-15 17%
Working age 58%
Older 65+ 25%
4,788 Children (0-15) 17%
16,171 Working Age 58%
7,164 Older (65+) 25%
Average Child Poverty (IDACI) 22.2% of children in income-deprived families
Average Older Person Poverty (IDAOPI) 10.1% 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 Polstead Heath 4 crimes · April 2026

Low Crime Area

Polstead Heath records relatively low levels of reported crime compared to national averages. Bicycle theft is the most commonly logged offence type, though overall numbers remain modest. The area is generally considered a safe and settled town with a strong sense of community.

Bicycle Theft 1
Criminal Damage & Arson 1
Public Order 1
Violence & Sexual Offences 1
Local Policing
Suffolk Hadleigh and Nayland 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

Bures Train Station 7.4 miles
Manningtree Train Station 8.2 miles
Colchester Train Station 8.7 miles
Mistley Train Station 9.4 miles
Chappel And Wakes Colne Train Station 9.5 miles
Colchester Town Train Station 9.7 miles

Location

Local Government

District Colchester
County Essex
Ward Rural North
Constituency Harwich and North Essex
Parish Great Tey
Region East of England

Home Ownership in Polstead Heath

Of the 11,731 households in and around Polstead Heath, 78% are owned, 10% are socially rented and 12% are privately rented. Home ownership here is higher than the England and Wales average of 63%.

Owned 78% Social rented 10% Private rented 12%

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

Frequently Asked Questions about Polstead Heath

What is the population of Polstead Heath?
Polstead Heath has a population of approximately 28,132 residents, based on the latest census figures for the surrounding postcode area.
What is the average house price in Polstead Heath?
The average property in and around Polstead Heath sold for about £446,299, based on HM Land Registry Price Paid records. That is around 28% above the England and Wales average of £349,091.
Is Polstead Heath a deprived area?
Polstead Heath 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 Polstead Heath?
Polstead Heath is covered by the CO6 postcode district.
How many schools are there in Polstead Heath?
There are 12 schools within easy reach of Polstead Heath, spanning primary, secondary and other phases.
Where is the nearest train station to Polstead Heath?
The nearest railway station to Polstead Heath is Bures Train Station, about 7.4 miles away.