Preston St Mary on the map

Location in SuffolkPreston St Mary sits where the marker shows within the county.

47,972
Population
20,497
Households
6 / 10
Deprivation decile
Around average
7
Schools nearby
£53,661
Avg. household income
2,137
Businesses
145
People per km²
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About Preston St Mary

Preston St Mary is a small village located in Suffolk, England, within the CO10 postcode area. The village features a mix of traditional architecture, with several historic buildings that reflect its agricultural heritage. The surrounding countryside offers a variety of walking routes, allowing visitors to explore the natural landscape and enjoy the peaceful rural setting.

The village is home to a local church, which serves as a focal point for the community. There are also a few local amenities, including a pub that provides a welcoming atmosphere for residents and visitors alike. The nearby market towns of Sudbury and Lavenham offer additional services and attractions, making Preston St Mary a convenient base for exploring the wider Suffolk area.

School Ratings in Preston St Mary

Families in Preston St Mary have access to 7 local schools. A further 16 schools hold a Good rating.

House Prices in Preston St Mary

Homes sell for an average of £354K locally. Most of the housing is made up of detached homes, averaging £469K.

Crime and Anti-Social Behaviour in Preston St Mary

Crime in the area is lower than the national average. Criminal damage & arson is the leading concern across Preston St Mary, with 18 incidents recorded in April 2026.

Deprivation and Employment in Preston St Mary

The 2025 Index of Multiple Deprivation places Preston St Mary 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 7,769 sales

Average Price £354K
£100 , £16.56M
Detached £469K 2,707
Semi £302K 1,986
Terraced £253K 2,013
Flat £175K 604

Household Income in Preston St Mary ONS 2023

The average total household income in Preston St Mary is approximately £53,661 a year before tax, 3% below the national average of £55,302. After tax and benefits, the average disposable (net) household income is around £39,623. These are modelled estimates from the Office for National Statistics for the financial year ending 2023.

Preston St Mary £53,661
England & Wales avg. £55,302

Net (after tax) household income averages £39,623.

Businesses in Preston St Mary ONS 2025

There are approximately 2,137 active businesses based in Preston St Mary, around 45 for every 1,000 residents. The local economy is dominated by small firms: about 91% are micro-businesses employing fewer than 10 people, while 31 are larger employers with 50 or more staff. Figures are from the Office for National Statistics UK Business Counts.

2,137 Total businesses
45 Per 1,000 residents
Micro, 0-9 91%
Small, 10-49 7%
Medium, 50-249 1%
Large, 250+ 1%

Deprivation and Employment in Preston St Mary IMD 2025

Deprivation levels in Preston St Mary 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
6/10
Employment
6/10
Education
5/10
Health
7/10
Housing
3/10
Living Environment
5/10
Children 0-15 16%
Working age 57%
Older 65+ 27%
7,600 Children (0-15) 16%
27,492 Working Age 57%
12,891 Older (65+) 27%
Average Child Poverty (IDACI) 30.1% of children in income-deprived families
Average Older Person Poverty (IDAOPI) 11.4% 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 Preston St Mary 120 crimes · April 2026

Low Crime Area

Crime levels in Preston St Mary 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 18
Other Theft 18
Public Order 8
Anti-Social Behaviour 7
Shoplifting 7
Vehicle Crime 6
Drugs 5
Other Crime 4
Burglary 1
Robbery 1
Theft from Person 1
Local Policing
Suffolk Sudbury 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

Stowmarket Train Station 8.4 miles
Elmswell Train Station 8.8 miles
Thurston Train Station 9.2 miles
Needham Market Train Station 9.4 miles

Location

Local Government

District Babergh
County Suffolk
Ward Lavenham
Constituency South Suffolk
Parish Acton
Region East of England

Home Ownership in Preston St Mary

Of the 21,378 households in and around Preston St Mary, 68% are owned, 16% are socially rented and 16% are privately rented. Home ownership here is higher than the England and Wales average of 63%.

Owned 68% Social rented 16% Private rented 16%

Tenure from the 2021 Census (ONS), for the postcode districts covering Preston St Mary.

Frequently Asked Questions about Preston St Mary

What is the population of Preston St Mary?
Preston St Mary has a population of approximately 47,972 residents, based on the latest census figures for the surrounding postcode area.
What is the average house price in Preston St Mary?
The average property in and around Preston St Mary sold for about £353,894, based on HM Land Registry Price Paid records. That is close to the England and Wales average of £349,091.
Is Preston St Mary a deprived area?
Preston St Mary 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 Preston St Mary?
Preston St Mary is covered by the CO10 postcode district.
How many schools are there in Preston St Mary?
There are 7 schools within 5 miles of Preston St Mary, spanning primary, secondary and other phases.
Where is the nearest train station to Preston St Mary?
The nearest railway station to Preston St Mary is Stowmarket Train Station, about 8.4 miles away.