Handcross on the map

Handcross built-up area

Built-up area0.7 km² (0.3 sq mi)

Location in West SussexHandcross sits where the marker shows within the county.

18,820
Population
7,371
Households
8 / 10
Deprivation decile
Among least deprived
12
Schools nearby
£73,434
Avg. household income
1,227
Businesses
121
People per km²
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About Handcross

Handcross is a village located in West Sussex, England, within the RH17 postcode area. It lies near the A23 road, making it easily accessible for those travelling between London and Brighton. The village features a mix of residential homes and local businesses, providing essential services to its residents. Handcross is surrounded by the natural beauty of the Sussex countryside, offering opportunities for walking and outdoor activities.

The village is home to St. Mary's Church, which has been a focal point for the community for many years. Handcross also has a primary school, catering to the educational needs of local families. For those interested in exploring further, the nearby Ashdown Forest offers expansive woodlands and scenic views, making it a popular spot for visitors and locals alike.

School Ratings in Handcross

Handcross is served by 55 schools. A further 8 schools hold a Good rating.

House Prices in Handcross

Property prices average £678K across the area, and detached homes are the most common property type, typically selling for £831K.

Crime and Anti-Social Behaviour in Handcross

Local crime rates sit lower than national averages. Anti-social behaviour accounts for the highest share in Handcross, with 25 incidents logged in May 2026.

Deprivation and Employment in Handcross

Handcross falls within the least deprived areas nationally, based on the 2025 Index of Multiple Deprivation. The area benefits from strong employment, with few residents involuntarily out of work. Income levels across the area tend to be higher than the national average.

Healthcare in Handcross

There are 2 GP surgeries within three miles of Handcross, the nearest being Ouse Valley Practice (0.7 miles away).

Property Prices 2,841 sales

Average Price £678K
£2K , £9.43M
Detached £831K 1,337
Semi £499K 596
Terraced £415K 365
Flat £277K 252

Household Income in Handcross ONS 2023

The average total household income in Handcross is approximately £73,434 a year before tax, 33% above the national average of £55,302. After tax and benefits, the average disposable (net) household income is around £50,939. These are modelled estimates from the Office for National Statistics for the financial year ending 2023.

Handcross £73,434
England & Wales avg. £55,302

Net (after tax) household income averages £50,939.

Businesses in Handcross ONS 2025

There are approximately 1,227 active businesses based in Handcross, around 65 for every 1,000 residents. The local economy is dominated by small firms: about 91% 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.

1,227 Total businesses
65 Per 1,000 residents
Micro, 0-9 91%
Small, 10-49 7%
Medium, 50-249 1%
Large, 250+ 1%

Deprivation and Employment in Handcross IMD 2025

The 2025 Index of Multiple Deprivation ranks Handcross among the least deprived parts of England. Residents generally enjoy good access to employment and higher than average household incomes. Education and health outcomes in the area also compare favourably with the rest of the country.

Overall Deprivation
8/10
Income
8/10
Employment
9/10
Education
9/10
Health
9/10
Housing
3/10
Living Environment
5/10
Children 0-15 20%
Working age 59%
Older 65+ 21%
3,708 Children (0-15) 20%
11,164 Working Age 59%
3,947 Older (65+) 21%
Above Average Child Poverty (IDACI) 16.8% of children in income-deprived families
Above Average Older Person Poverty (IDAOPI) 8.3% 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 Handcross 75 crimes · May 2026

Low Crime Area

Reported crime in Handcross falls below the national average, suggesting a comparatively safe environment. Anti-social behaviour tops the list of recorded incidents, but figures are low overall. Residents and visitors alike tend to find this a quiet and reassuring small town.

Anti-Social Behaviour 25
Violence & Sexual Offences 23
Other Theft 9
Burglary 3
Criminal Damage & Arson 3
Public Order 3
Shoplifting 2
Theft from Person 2
Bicycle Theft 1
Drugs 1
Robbery 1
Vehicle Crime 1
Other Crime 1
Local Policing
Sussex Balcombe, Handcross, Pease Pottage, Ansty, Staplefield and Cuckfield
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

Balcombe Train Station 2.6 miles
Crawley Train Station 4.3 miles
Faygate Train Station 4.5 miles
Littlehaven Train Station 4.5 miles
Ifield Train Station 4.6 miles
Three Bridges Train Station 4.9 miles

Location

Local Government

District Mid Sussex
County West Sussex
Ward Cuckfield
Constituency Mid Sussex
Parish Cuckfield
Region South East

Home Ownership in Handcross

Of the 7,513 households in and around Handcross, 74% are owned, 11% are socially rented and 15% are privately rented. Home ownership here is higher than the England and Wales average of 63%.

Owned 74% Social rented 11% Private rented 15%

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

Frequently Asked Questions about Handcross

What is the population of Handcross?
Handcross has a population of approximately 18,820 residents, based on the latest census figures for the surrounding postcode area.
What is the average house price in Handcross?
The average property in and around Handcross sold for about £677,681, based on HM Land Registry Price Paid records. That is around 94% above the England and Wales average of £349,091.
Is Handcross a deprived area?
Handcross sits among the least deprived areas in England, with an Index of Multiple Deprivation decile of 8 out of 10, where 1 is the most deprived and 10 the least deprived.
What postcodes cover Handcross?
Handcross is covered by the RH17 postcode district.
How many schools are there in Handcross?
There are 12 schools within easy reach of Handcross, spanning primary, secondary and other phases.
Where is the nearest train station to Handcross?
The nearest railway station to Handcross is Balcombe Train Station, about 2.6 miles away.