Stowmarket on the map

Stowmarket built-up area

Built-up area6.7 km² (2.6 sq mi)

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

42,181
Population
16,313
Households
6 / 10
Deprivation decile
Around average
12
Schools nearby
£59,237
Avg. household income
1,661
Businesses
161
People per km²
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About Stowmarket

Stowmarket is a market town located in Suffolk, England, within the IP14 postcode area. The town has a variety of shops, cafes, and restaurants, catering to both locals and visitors. Stowmarket's market has been a focal point for trade since the 13th century, offering a range of goods and produce. The town also features several parks and green spaces, providing areas for relaxation and recreation.

In addition to its commercial offerings, Stowmarket is home to a number of historical buildings, including St. Peter and St. Mary’s Church, which dates back to the 14th century. The town is well-connected by rail, with a station that provides easy access to larger cities such as Ipswich and London. Overall, Stowmarket presents a blend of everyday life and historical significance, making it a practical stop for those exploring Suffolk.

School Ratings in Stowmarket

Stowmarket is served by 24 schools. A further 13 schools hold a Good rating.

House Prices in Stowmarket

Property prices average £316K across the area, and detached homes are the most common property type, typically selling for £393K.

Crime and Anti-Social Behaviour in Stowmarket

Local crime rates sit lower than national averages. Criminal damage & arson accounts for the highest share in Stowmarket, with 10 incidents logged in May 2026.

Deprivation and Employment in Stowmarket

Based on the 2025 Index of Multiple Deprivation, Stowmarket 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 Stowmarket

There are 5 GP surgeries within three miles of Stowmarket, the nearest being Combs Ford Surgery (0.6 miles away).

Property Prices 6,933 sales

Average Price £316K
£100 , £70.2M
Detached £393K 2,702
Semi £258K 2,000
Terraced £214K 1,415
Flat £138K 447

Household Income in Stowmarket ONS 2023

The average total household income in Stowmarket is approximately £59,237 a year before tax, 7% above the national average of £55,302. After tax and benefits, the average disposable (net) household income is around £41,854. These are modelled estimates from the Office for National Statistics for the financial year ending 2023.

Stowmarket £59,237
England & Wales avg. £55,302

Net (after tax) household income averages £41,854.

Businesses in Stowmarket ONS 2025

There are approximately 1,661 active businesses based in Stowmarket, around 39 for every 1,000 residents. The local economy is dominated by small firms: about 91% are micro-businesses employing fewer than 10 people, while 28 are larger employers with 50 or more staff. Figures are from the Office for National Statistics UK Business Counts.

1,661 Total businesses
39 Per 1,000 residents
Micro, 0-9 91%
Small, 10-49 7%
Medium, 50-249 1%
Large, 250+ 1%

Deprivation and Employment in Stowmarket IMD 2025

The 2025 Index of Multiple Deprivation places Stowmarket 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
6/10
Income
7/10
Employment
7/10
Education
6/10
Health
7/10
Housing
3/10
Living Environment
5/10
Children 0-15 17%
Working age 60%
Older 65+ 23%
7,189 Children (0-15) 17%
25,324 Working Age 60%
9,683 Older (65+) 23%
Average Child Poverty (IDACI) 24.5% of children in income-deprived families
Average Older Person Poverty (IDAOPI) 10% 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 Stowmarket 83 crimes · May 2026

Low Crime Area

Reported crime in Stowmarket 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 town.

Violence & Sexual Offences 44
Criminal Damage & Arson 10
Public Order 9
Shoplifting 8
Anti-Social Behaviour 4
Drugs 4
Other Theft 2
Weapons 1
Theft from Person 1
Local Policing
Suffolk Stowmarket 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 5 stations

Stowmarket Train Station 0.3 miles
Needham Market Train Station 3.2 miles
Elmswell Train Station 5.3 miles
Thurston Train Station 9.4 miles
Westerfield Train Station 10 miles

Location

Local Government

District Mid Suffolk
County Suffolk
Ward Combs Ford
Constituency Bury St Edmunds
Parish Stowmarket
Region East of England

Home Ownership in Stowmarket

Of the 18,199 households in and around Stowmarket, 73% are owned, 13% are socially rented and 15% are privately rented. Home ownership here is higher than the England and Wales average of 63%.

Owned 73% Social rented 13% Private rented 15%

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

Frequently Asked Questions about Stowmarket

What is the population of Stowmarket?
Stowmarket has a population of approximately 42,181 residents, based on the latest census figures for the surrounding postcode area.
What is the average house price in Stowmarket?
The average property in and around Stowmarket sold for about £316,227, based on HM Land Registry Price Paid records. That is around 9% below the England and Wales average of £349,091.
Is Stowmarket a deprived area?
Stowmarket 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 Stowmarket?
Stowmarket is covered by the IP14 postcode district.
How many schools are there in Stowmarket?
There are 12 schools within easy reach of Stowmarket, spanning primary, secondary and other phases.
Where is the nearest train station to Stowmarket?
The nearest railway station to Stowmarket is Stowmarket Train Station, about 0.3 miles away.