Haywards Heath on the map

Haywards Heath built-up area

Built-up area10.3 km² (4.0 sq mi)

Location in West SussexHaywards Heath sits where the marker shows within the county.

59,660
Population
21,892
Households
9 / 10
Deprivation decile
Among least deprived
12
Schools nearby
£73,091
Avg. household income
2,810
Businesses
321
People per km²
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About Haywards Heath

Haywards Heath is a town located in West Sussex, England, within the postcode area RH16. It is situated approximately 36 miles south of London and serves as a key commuter hub, thanks to its convenient railway connections. The town features a mix of residential areas, local shops, and various amenities, making it a practical choice for those seeking a balance between urban and rural living.

The town is surrounded by beautiful countryside, providing opportunities for outdoor activities such as walking and cycling. Nearby attractions include the South Downs National Park, which offers scenic views and a range of trails. Haywards Heath also has several parks and recreational facilities, catering to families and individuals alike. With its combination of transport links and green spaces, the town is well-suited for both residents and visitors.

School Ratings in Haywards Heath

Families in Haywards Heath have access to 42 local schools. Chalkhill Education Centre, Chalkhill Hospital and Blackthorns Community Primary School are each rated Outstanding by Ofsted. A further 3 schools hold a Good rating.

House Prices in Haywards Heath

Homes sell for an average of £523K locally. Most of the housing is made up of detached homes, averaging £766K.

Crime and Anti-Social Behaviour in Haywards Heath

Crime in the area is lower than the national average. Anti-social behaviour is the leading concern across Haywards Heath, with 35 incidents recorded in May 2026.

Deprivation and Employment in Haywards Heath

The 2025 Index of Multiple Deprivation places Haywards Heath among the least deprived neighbourhoods in England. Working-age employment in the area is well above the national average. Residents in the area generally earn above the national average.

Healthcare in Haywards Heath

There are 10 GP surgeries within three miles of Haywards Heath, the nearest being Community Team Haywards Heath (0.3 miles away).

Property Prices 9,405 sales

Average Price £523K
£1K , £9.43M
Detached £766K 2,953
Semi £468K 2,255
Terraced £385K 1,523
Flat £253K 2,193

Household Income in Haywards Heath ONS 2023

The average total household income in Haywards Heath is approximately £73,091 a year before tax, 32% above the national average of £55,302. After tax and benefits, the average disposable (net) household income is around £51,147. These are modelled estimates from the Office for National Statistics for the financial year ending 2023.

Haywards Heath £73,091
England & Wales avg. £55,302

Net (after tax) household income averages £51,147.

Businesses in Haywards Heath ONS 2025

There are approximately 2,810 active businesses based in Haywards Heath, around 47 for every 1,000 residents. The local economy is dominated by small firms: about 90% are micro-businesses employing fewer than 10 people, while 42 are larger employers with 50 or more staff. Figures are from the Office for National Statistics UK Business Counts.

2,810 Total businesses
47 Per 1,000 residents
Micro, 0-9 90%
Small, 10-49 8%
Medium, 50-249 1%
Large, 250+ 1%

Deprivation and Employment in Haywards Heath IMD 2025

According to the 2025 Index of Multiple Deprivation, Haywards Heath experiences very low levels of deprivation. The local economy supports strong employment and incomes are above the national average. Access to services, education and healthcare in the area is generally good.

Overall Deprivation
9/10
Income
8/10
Employment
9/10
Education
9/10
Health
9/10
Housing
5/10
Living Environment
8/10
Children 0-15 20%
Working age 60%
Older 65+ 20%
11,987 Children (0-15) 20%
35,910 Working Age 60%
11,751 Older (65+) 20%
Above Average Child Poverty (IDACI) 16.6% of children in income-deprived families
Average Older Person Poverty (IDAOPI) 11.1% 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 Haywards Heath 163 crimes · May 2026

Low Crime Area

Crime levels in Haywards Heath 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 53
Anti-Social Behaviour 35
Other Theft 20
Criminal Damage & Arson 12
Public Order 12
Shoplifting 7
Other Crime 6
Drugs 4
Vehicle Crime 4
Burglary 3
Bicycle Theft 2
Weapons 2
Theft from Person 2
Robbery 1
Local Policing
Sussex Bentswood
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

Haywards Heath Train Station 0.3 miles
Wivelsfield Train Station 2.9 miles
Burgess Hill Train Station 3.8 miles
Balcombe Train Station 3.9 miles
Plumpton Train Station 5 miles
Hassocks Train Station 5.9 miles

Location

Local Government

District Mid Sussex
County West Sussex
Ward Haywards Heath Heath
Constituency Mid Sussex
Parish Haywards Heath
Region South East

Home Ownership in Haywards Heath

Of the 24,763 households in and around Haywards Heath, 71% are owned, 12% are socially rented and 17% are privately rented. Home ownership here is higher than the England and Wales average of 63%.

Owned 71% Social rented 12% Private rented 17%

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

Frequently Asked Questions about Haywards Heath

What is the population of Haywards Heath?
Haywards Heath has a population of approximately 59,660 residents, based on the latest census figures for the surrounding postcode area.
What is the average house price in Haywards Heath?
The average property in and around Haywards Heath sold for about £522,514, based on HM Land Registry Price Paid records. That is around 50% above the England and Wales average of £349,091.
Is Haywards Heath a deprived area?
Haywards Heath sits among the least deprived areas in England, with an Index of Multiple Deprivation decile of 9 out of 10, where 1 is the most deprived and 10 the least deprived.
What postcodes cover Haywards Heath?
Haywards Heath is covered by the RH16, RH17 postcode districts.
How many schools are there in Haywards Heath?
There are 12 schools within easy reach of Haywards Heath, spanning primary, secondary and other phases.
Where is the nearest train station to Haywards Heath?
The nearest railway station to Haywards Heath is Haywards Heath Train Station, about 0.3 miles away.