Polstead on the map

Location in SuffolkPolstead 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
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About Polstead

Polstead is a small village located in Suffolk, England, within the CO6 postcode area. The village features a mix of traditional and modern architecture, with several historical buildings that reflect its long-standing presence in the region. The surrounding countryside offers opportunities for walking and enjoying the natural landscape, making it a pleasant area for outdoor activities.

The village is served by a local pub, which provides a social hub for residents and visitors alike. Polstead also has a primary school, catering to the educational needs of families in the area. With its community spirit and access to nearby towns, Polstead is a peaceful place to visit or reside, offering a glimpse into rural life in Suffolk.

School Ratings in Polstead

Families in Polstead have access to 15 local schools. A further 8 schools hold a Good rating.

House Prices in Polstead

Homes sell for an average of £446K locally. Most of the housing is made up of detached homes, averaging £548K.

Crime and Anti-Social Behaviour in Polstead

Crime in the area is lower than the national average. Bicycle theft is the leading concern across Polstead, with 1 incidents recorded in April 2026.

Deprivation and Employment in Polstead

The 2025 Index of Multiple Deprivation places Polstead 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.

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 ONS 2023

The average total household income in Polstead 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 £65,808
England & Wales avg. £55,302

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

Businesses in Polstead ONS 2025

There are approximately 1,694 active businesses based in Polstead, 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 IMD 2025

Deprivation levels in Polstead 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
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 4 crimes · April 2026

Low Crime Area

Crime levels in Polstead are lower than the England and Wales average. While bicycle theft is the most frequently recorded category, the overall picture is one of a settled and secure town where serious incidents remain uncommon.

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 miles
Manningtree Train Station 7.4 miles
Colchester Train Station 7.5 miles
Colchester Town Train Station 8.5 miles
Chappel And Wakes Colne Train Station 8.6 miles
Mistley Train Station 8.7 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

Of the 11,731 households in and around Polstead, 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.

Frequently Asked Questions about Polstead

What is the population of Polstead?
Polstead 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?
The average property in and around Polstead 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 a deprived area?
Polstead 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?
Polstead is covered by the CO6 postcode district.
How many schools are there in Polstead?
There are 12 schools within easy reach of Polstead, spanning primary, secondary and other phases.
Where is the nearest train station to Polstead?
The nearest railway station to Polstead is Bures Train Station, about 7 miles away.