Chelmsford
Chelmsford Essex UK Aerial
Chelmsford (CM) Postcode Area
Chelmsford: Essex's county town, historic cathedral, green spaces, vibrant shopping, and a growing cultural scene. A blend of heritage and modernity.
Chelmsford Postcode Area includes:
Burnham On Crouch, Chelmsford, Ingatestone, Ongar, Dunmow, Braintree, Witham, Maldon, Billericay, Brentwood, Epping, Harlow, Sawbridgeworth, Bishop's Stortford, Stansted.
Discover everything you need to know about Chelmsford with PostcodeArea. Scroll down to uncover demographics, property prices, crime stats, amenities and more.
Most Desirable Postcodes
Here are the top 10 most desirable postcode areas in Chelmsford (CM), based on a unique scoring system that weighs key factors like safety, schools, diversity, and affordability.
Whether you're a renter, homebuyer, or property investor, this tool lets you customise the score to focus on what matters most to you, helping you make smarter, data-driven decisions.
How are Desirability Scores calculated?
Our custom algorithm calculates a unique "Desirability Score" for any UK postcode by analysing a range of factors - including Census 2021 data, third-party insights, and socio-economic knowledge, to provide a tailored rating.
Explain more
Primary Industries
Explore the key industries that define the Chelmsford postcode area! These top four sectors give a snapshot of what drives the local economy and keeps things moving.
Professional & Scientific
Chelmsford has a large proportion of professional and scientific businesses, which makes it a hub for specialised industries like law firms, consulting agencies, tech companies, or research labs. This suggests a high level of expertise and innovation, attracting professionals such as engineers, scientists, lawyers, and consultants. The Chelmsford area might have a more polished, business-focused atmosphere, with modern offices and co-working spaces. It's often well-connected, with good transport links and amenities to support a skilled workforce. Property prices could be higher, as these areas tend to attract well-paid professionals. It might not be the most vibrant or social place, but it will have a reputation for being smart, efficient, and future-focused.
Construction
Chelmsford has a strong presence of construction businesses, which usually means there's a lot of building going on - whether it's new homes, commercial spaces, or infrastructure. This can be a good sign that the Chelmsford area is growing and attracting investment. It could also mean there's a strong local economy, with plenty of work available for builders and tradespeople. On the flip side, it might suggest there's a fair bit of property in need of repair or updating. Either way, it tells you the Chelmsford area is pretty active and could be on the up.
Business Administration
If a postcode area such as CM has a lot of business administration services, such as accounting firms, HR consultancies, and management services, it's likely a centre for corporate and operational support. These businesses help other companies run smoothly, so the area might be more business-centric, attracting professionals like administrators, accountants, and consultants. The local economy could be quite strong, driven by a steady demand for services that keep companies ticking over. It's not necessarily the most exciting or creative environment, but it would be efficient, organised, and perhaps well-connected with reliable transport links. You'd expect to see a lot of office spaces in Chelmsford and maybe even shared workspaces catering to small and medium-sized businesses. The area could feel more formal and professional, with less of a residential or leisure focus.
Information & Communication
Chelmsford has a large percentage of Information & Communication businesses, making it a tech-savvy, modern, and highly connected place. These industries include IT services, telecommunications, media, and software development companies, so the area might have a strong digital infrastructure and attract tech professionals, creatives, and innovators. It suggests the Chelmsford area is dynamic and forward-thinking, often with a mix of startups and established firms working in cutting-edge fields like software, digital marketing, or broadcasting. You'll likely find a lot of modern office spaces, co-working hubs, and good transport links to support these businesses. The vibe could feel energetic and entrepreneurial, but also professional, with a focus on innovation and staying connected.
Major Employers
Major employers and businesses in the CM postcode area include:
Chelmsford City Council
Public Administration, Chelmsford
The local authority providing services to the Chelmsford district, including housing, planning, and community services.
Postcode Location: CM1
Essex County Council
Public Administration, Chelmsford
The local government authority responsible for providing public services across Essex, including education, social care, and transport.
Postcode Location: CM1
The A12 Partnership
Construction & Engineering, Chelmsford
Involved in the construction and improvement of infrastructure projects such as the A12 motorway.
Postcode Location: CM1
Anglia Ruskin University
Higher Education, Chelmsford
A modern university offering a range of undergraduate and postgraduate courses, with a campus in Chelmsford.
Postcode Location: CM1
e2v Technologies (Teledyne e2v)
Technology & Engineering, Chelmsford
A global provider of high-performance technology solutions in the aerospace, medical, and industrial sectors.
Postcode Location: CM1
Teledyne Defence & Space
Aerospace & Defence, Chelmsford
A division of Teledyne providing advanced technologies for space, defence, and communications.
Postcode Location: CM1
Data showing the activity, size and location is from the Inter Departmental Business Register 2024, produced by the ONS.
Key Statistics
Chelmsford CM, part of the ceremonial county of Essex in England, presents a substantial geographical area with 25 outward codes (the first half of a postcode, e.g. CM 1AA). Its population stands at 707,666 individuals, reflecting a density of 1,864 people per square kilometre. The average household income here is £51,242 , which is 46.4% higher than the average UK median household income (£35,000), indicating a stable economic profile within the region.
Postcode Area
Chelmsford
Total Outward Codes
Postcodes
Population
People
Population Density
People/km2
Average Income
Per household
What's Chelmsford like to live and work in?
Chelmsford Essex UK Aerial
Adobe Stock
The CM postcode area covers the lively city of Chelmsford. In CM1 and CM2, you'll find the bustling city centre with its fantastic shopping, historic cathedral, and beautiful parks. Chelmsford's demographics feature a diverse mix of families, professionals, and students, fostering a vibrant community.
Located in Essex, Chelmsford offers excellent transport links, including direct trains to London and easy access to major roads. Chelmsford's blend of urban amenities and suburban charm makes it a great place to visit and live.
This page contains a list of postcode districts for Chelmsford area. Select a postcode to see the map location, demographics, house prices, local information, tourist guides and statistics:
Chelmsford (CM) Postcode Districts
Chelmsford CM postcode area contains 25 postcode districts within its boundary.
Click on an outward postal code (the first half of a postcode, i.e. CM*) to explore information about the area.
House Prices in Chelmsford
How are property price trends?
The ONS (Office for National Statistics) regularly tracks and records average house prices and rents in this area (E07000070). Note that these estimates are based on local authority rather than postcode area. For more information about current house prices, choose an individual postcode below.
Essex
The wider county
Essex offers everything from beautiful landscape to historic towns and buildings, and from cultural attractions to quiet medieval villages to well, yes, the 'kiss 'n' cuddle' of Southend-on-Sea. Get past the stereotype and there is a region waiting to be discovered and which should be as lauded as some of the more famous tourism destinations across the UK.
One of the home-counties, Essex sits on the Thames and looks out on the North Sea. It is to the north-east of Greater London and borders Hertfordshire to the west, Suffolk and Cambridgeshire to the north. The Essex landscape varies greatly making for some wonderful scenery, from jagged coastline and low salt marshes and streams to gently undulating pastoral countryside and farmland populated by sheep and cows.
Read more about Essex
Local Transport
Rail
The CM postcode area is well-served by several railway stations, making it ideal for commuters and travellers alike. Key stations include Chelmsford, Braintree, and Witham, offering regular services to London Liverpool Street, Ipswich, and beyond. The reliable and frequent services ensure that London is just a short journey away.
Air
For international and domestic flights, residents have easy access to London Stansted Airport, which is just a short drive or train ride away. Stansted offers a plethora of flight options to destinations across Europe and further afield.
Commuting by Car
The CM area benefits from excellent road links. The A12, M11, and A120 provide quick routes to London, Colchester, and Cambridge. The well-maintained road network ensures that commuting by car is convenient and efficient.
Buses
Local bus services in the CM area are reliable and frequent. They connect towns such as Chelmsford, Braintree, and Harlow, making it simple to get around without a car. Services cater to both local and longer-distance travel, offering flexibility and convenience.
Train Stations
The following railway stations are within the CM postcode region:
Althorne Railway Station
Billericay Railway Station
Bishops Stortford Railway Station
Braintree Railway Station
Braintree Freeport Railway Station
Brentwood Railway Station
Burnham-On-Crouch Railway Station
Chelmsford Railway Station
Cressing Railway Station
Elsenham Railway Station
Fambridge Railway Station
Harlow Mill Railway Station
Harlow Town Railway Station
Hatfield Peverel Railway Station
Ingatestone Railway Station
Roydon Railway Station
Sawbridgeworth Railway Station
Shenfield Railway Station
Southminster Railway Station
Stansted Airport Railway Station
Stansted Mountfitchet Railway Station
West Horndon Railway Station
White Notley Railway Station
Witham Railway Station
Woodham Ferrers Railway Station
Local Authorities
CM Postcode area
Local Authorities are government organisations responsible for providing local services and facilities such as education, housing, and social services within a specific area. The CM postcode area includes the following local authorities:
Basildon
Basildon is a borough in Essex, known for being a post-war new town, designed to alleviate overpopulation in London. Today, it combines a mix of residential, industrial, and commercial zones, with key attractions like the Eastgate Shopping Centre and Festival Leisure Park, providing a diverse economy and community amenities.
Braintree
Located in Essex, Braintree is a historic market town with a rich heritage dating back to the Domesday Book. The district includes charming villages and the famous designer outlet, Braintree Village. The area is a blend of rural beauty and modern convenience, making it attractive for residents and visitors alike.
Brentwood
Brentwood is a suburban town in Essex, surrounded by open countryside and woodland. Known for its affluent areas and historic sites, such as the 12th-century Brentwood Cathedral, the town also hosts the popular reality TV series "The Only Way is Essex," which has increased its cultural profile.
+ 10 more
Brentwood
Camden
Chelmsford
Colchester
East Hertfordshire
Epping Forest
Harlow
Havering
Maldon
Thurrock
Uttlesford
View all Local AuthoritiesGDP (Gross Domestic Product)
Economic Output
GDP (Gross Domestic Product) measures the total economic output of a country, region, or Local Authority. It tells us how much money is being made within a particular area. This includes everything from a business selling cars or consumers getting their hair cut.
This list of the Local Authorities within the Chelmsford (CM) postcode town gives us a snapshot of how much money is being generated at current market prices, based on what people are spending and earning. It's an important way to understand the economic health and activity levels across the UK.
For comparison purposes, we've included the top and bottom two local authorities across the UK in terms of GDP.
Local Authority
GDP (£)
GDP trends over time
The graph below shows the total GDP values for all Local Authorities within the Chelmsford (CM) area:
When we talk about GDP at current market prices, we're looking at the total value of all goods and services produced in an area, but the key bit here is "current market prices." This means it includes the value of goods and services as they're bought and sold right now, without adjusting for inflation or changes in prices over time.
So, for example a figure of £2,504 GDP means that, on average, each person within an area contributes this amount to the UK economy each year.
Republished from the ONS regional gross domestic product: local authorities under the Open Government Licence v3.0. Latest available data: April 2022.
Education
Highest Rated Schools in CM
As rated by Ofsted
- Quilters Junior School
Laindon Road, Billericay, CM12 9LD
Primary School (7-11)Outstanding - Burnham-on-Crouch Primary School
Dunkirk Road, Burnham-on-Crouch, CM0 8LG
Primary School (4-11)Outstanding - Stisted Church of England Primary Academy
The Street, Braintree, CM77 8AN
Primary School (4-11)Outstanding - Chipping Hill Primary School
Owers Road, Witham, CM8 1FR
Primary School (5-11)Outstanding - Thriftwood School
Slades Lane, Chelmsford, CM2 8RW
Secondary School (5-19)Outstanding - King Edward VI Grammar School, Chelmsford
Broomfield Road, Chelmsford, CM1 3SX
Secondary School (11-18)Outstanding - Quilters Infant School
Laindon Road, Billericay, CM12 9LD
Primary School (4-7)Outstanding - Cold Norton Primary School
St Stephens Road, Chelmsford, CM3 6JE
Primary School (4-11)Outstanding - Becket Keys Church of England Free School
Sawyers Hall Lane, Brentwood, CM15 9DA
Secondary School (11-19)Outstanding - Danbury Park Community Primary School
Well Lane, Chelmsford, CM3 4AB
Primary School (5-11)Outstanding
Unlock the full power of postcode insights.
Data is meaningless without context. Reveal the stories behind a neighbourhood, and make smarter decisions with data you can trust. Gain unlimited access to detailed statistics, exclusive reports, and essential tools.
PostcodeArea is grateful to our sponsors for their support.
