Colchester
A view across the park and ground of Norman castle at Colchester
Colchester (CO) Postcode Area
Colchester: Britain's oldest recorded town, Roman heritage, medieval architecture, vibrant cultural scene, and surrounded by scenic countryside. A blend of history and modern living.
Colchester Postcode Area includes:
Colchester, Bures, Halstead, Sudbury, Manningtree, Harwich, Frinton On Sea, Walton On The Naze, Clacton On Sea.
Discover everything you need to know about Colchester 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 Colchester (CO), 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
Discover the Colchester heartbeat - these four industries are the most prevalent in the area, offering a snapshot of the local economy and its driving forces.
Construction
Colchester 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 Colchester 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 Colchester area is pretty active and could be on the up.
Professional & Scientific
Colchester 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 Colchester 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.
Business Administration
If a postcode area such as CO 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 Colchester 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.
Arts & Entertainment
CO is home to plenty of arts-related businesses, which suggests it's a lively and creative place. These kinds of businesses tend to pop up in areas that are known for their cultural scene, where people value things like theatres, galleries, music venues, and independent cinemas. It could mean the area attracts a mix of creatives, young professionals, and tourists, making it a vibrant and potentially trendy spot. This could also be a sign of a more laid-back, community-focused vibe, with lots of local events and activities. It might push property prices up in Colchester if the area becomes particularly popular, but it's also a good indicator of a strong local identity and a thriving social scene.
Major Employers
Major employers and businesses in the CO postcode area include:
Colchester Borough Council
Public Administration, Colchester
The local authority responsible for providing public services in Colchester, including planning, housing, and community services.
Postcode Location: CO1
Firstsite
Arts & Culture, Colchester
A contemporary art gallery in Colchester, hosting exhibitions and community events.
Postcode Location: CO1
Essex County Council
Public Administration, Colchester
The local government authority responsible for services across Essex, including transport, social care, and education.
Postcode Location: CO1
Williams Lea Tag
Business Services, Colchester
A global provider of business outsourcing and marketing services, with a significant office in Colchester.
Postcode Location: CO1
Tendring District Council
Public Administration, Clacton-on-Sea
The local authority responsible for services in the Tendring district, including Clacton-on-Sea.
Postcode Location: CO15
Clacton County High School
Education, Clacton-on-Sea
A large secondary school and sixth form offering a wide range of academic and vocational courses.
Postcode Location: CO15
Data showing the activity, size and location is from the Inter Departmental Business Register 2024, produced by the ONS.
Key Statistics
Colchester CO, part of the ceremonial county of Essex in England, presents a substantial geographical area with 16 outward codes (the first half of a postcode, e.g. CO 1AA). Its population stands at 448,089 individuals, reflecting a density of 1,445 people per square kilometre. The average household income here is £43,941 , which is 25.5% higher than the average UK median household income (£35,000), indicating a stable economic profile within the region.
Postcode Area
Colchester
Total Outward Codes
Postcodes
Population
People
Population Density
People/km2
Average Income
Per household
What's Colchester like to live and work in?
A view across the park and ground of Norman castle at Colchester
Adobe Stock
The CO postcode area encompasses the historic town of Colchester. In CO1 and CO2, you'll discover a bustling town centre with a rich Roman heritage, lively shops, and beautiful parks. Colchester's demographics showcase a vibrant mix of families, professionals, and students, fostering a dynamic community.
Nestled in Essex, Colchester boasts excellent transport links, with direct trains to London and easy access to major roads. The town's blend of historical charm and modern amenities makes Colchester an appealing place to visit and live.
This page contains a list of postcode districts for Colchester area. Select a postcode to see the map location, demographics, house prices, local information, tourist guides and statistics:
Colchester (CO) Postcode Districts
House Prices in Colchester
How are property price trends?
The ONS (Office for National Statistics) regularly tracks and records average house prices and rents in this area (E07000071). 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
Transport Options in the CO Postal Area
Considering a move to the CO postal area? Great choice! The region boasts a variety of transport options to suit your commuting needs.
Rail
The CO area is well-served by the rail network, with key stations like Colchester, Manningtree, and Marks Tey offering regular services to London Liverpool Street, Ipswich, and beyond. It’s perfect for those who need a reliable and efficient way to commute to the capital or neighbouring towns.
Air
For air travel, London Stansted Airport is within a reasonable distance, providing flights to numerous UK and international destinations. It’s a convenient hub for both business and leisure journeys.
Commuting by Car
The CO area is well-connected by major roads including the A12 and A120, making car travel straightforward. Whether you're heading to London, Cambridge, or the coast, you'll find driving routes that suit your needs.
Buses
Local bus services operate frequently, linking towns and villages within the area. Providers like First Essex and Arriva offer comprehensive routes, ensuring you can travel without a car if needed.
Train Stations
The following railway stations are within the CO postcode region:
Alresford Railway Station
Bures Railway Station
Chappel & Wakes Colne Railway Station
Clacton Railway Station
Colchester Railway Station
Colchester Town Railway Station
Dovercourt Railway Station
Frinton Railway Station
Great Bentley Railway Station
Harwich International Railway Station
Harwich Town Railway Station
Hythe Railway Station
Kelvedon Railway Station
Kirby Cross Railway Station
Manningtree Railway Station
Marks Tey Railway Station
Mistley Railway Station
Sudbury Railway Station
Thorpe-le-Soken Railway Station
Walton-On-Naze Railway Station
Weeley Railway Station
Wivenhoe Railway Station
Wrabness Railway Station
Local Authorities
CO 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 CO postcode area includes the following local authorities:
Babergh
Babergh District Council focuses on supporting rural communities through sustainable development, preserving historical sites, and enhancing local amenities to improve residents' quality of life.
Braintree
Braintree District Council is dedicated to economic development, community services, and maintaining the area's historical heritage, supporting both urban and rural communities within the district.
Colchester
Colchester Borough Council manages one of the oldest towns in Britain, focusing on cultural heritage, economic growth, and providing comprehensive public services to support a vibrant community.
GDP (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 Colchester (CO) 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 Colchester (CO) 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 £2,941 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 CO
As rated by Ofsted
- Highfields Primary School
Colchester Road, Manningtree, CO11 2BN
Primary School (4-11)Outstanding - Home Farm Primary School
Shelley Road, Colchester, CO3 4JL
Primary School (4-11)Outstanding - The Gilberd School
Brinkley Lane, Colchester, CO4 9PU
Secondary School (11-16)Outstanding - Boxford Church of England Voluntary Controlled Primary School
Stone Street Road, Sudbury, CO10 5NP
Primary School (4-11)Outstanding - Dedham Church of England Voluntary Controlled Primary School
Parson's Field, Colchester, CO7 6BZ
Primary School (4-11)Outstanding - Lakelands Primary School
Wagtail Mews, Colchester, CO3 8AJ
Primary School (4-11)Outstanding - St Teresa's Catholic Primary School, Colchester
Clairmont Road, Colchester, CO3 9BE
Primary School (5-11)Outstanding - Hillside Special School
Hitchcock Place, Sudbury, CO10 1NN
Secondary School (4-19)Outstanding - Millfields Primary School
Bowes Road, Colchester, CO7 9RD
Primary School (4-11)Outstanding - Kelvedon St Mary's Church of England Primary Academy
Docwra Road, Colchester, CO5 9DS
Primary School (2-11)Outstanding
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