Colchester

Colchester CO3 Postcode Insights

The CO1 postcode in the Colchester district is in the northeastern corner of the county of Essex in England.The postcode covers the town of Colchester, including the town centre, Stanway and Highwoods areas, as well as the villages of Greenstead, Lexden, Stanway, and West Mersea.

It also includes Colchester Zoo, the University of Essex, and many retail parks.With a population of around 121,000, Colchester is both the oldest recorded town in the UK and the country’s oldest recorded capital.

The town is known today for its vibrant nightlife, its historical architecture and its many attractions, including Colchester Castle (the largest in Britain) and Castle Park.As for local amenities, CO1 has a good selection of shops, supermarkets, schools and parks.

Public transport links in the area are excellent, with the Colchester Town railway station sitting at the heart of the postcode district.

Additionally, commuter services from London can be accessed via nearby Hythe station.The postcode has strong access to the major road networks, sitting close to the A12 and A120 highways.

It also connects to the major airports of Stansted and London City.CO1 also has a strong reputation for being a great place to live: property prices are considered higher than average compared to the rest of Essex, but there is still a good selection of flats and houses for rent and for sale.

Additionally, there are comprehensive education and health services in the area, as well as a range of local facilities and businesses.TheCO1 postcode is an area popular for its history and culture, with its attractions, great amenities, and easy access to major cities making it an attractive proposition.

Miscellaneous

CO3 is known for its vibrant local amenities, including schools, parks, and shopping options, making it an attractive area for families. The presence of large medical centres and leisure facilities like Colchester Zoo and golf clubs adds to the appeal. The area’s historic significance, highlighted by attractions like Colchester Castle, further enhances its charm and desirability.

Deprivation

The age distribution in our postcode area offers a snapshot of its population composition, highlighting trends and diversity across different age groups.

Households by Deprivation Dimension

"Households by Deprivation Dimension" in the Census 2021 looks at how many households are deprived in one or more areas such as employment, education, health, or housing. It measures how many of these basic needs aren't fully met within a household, highlighting different levels of disadvantage.

Zero deprivation

54.7%

1 dimension

32.2%

2 dimensions

10.8%

3 dimensions

2.1%

4 dimensions

0.2%

 Line shows UK average.

Work & Employment

The work and employment statistics for Colchester Co3 reflects the economic activities and job opportunities, which shapes the livelihoods of its residents.

Socio-Economics

The socio-economic landscape reveals a community with a mix of occupations. Around 40.2% of residents are in higher managerial, administrative, or professional roles, while 8.2% are in routine occupations. The education levels are relatively high, with 34.8% holding Level 4 qualifications, suggesting a well-educated population that may attract businesses and services to the area.

Income Levels

The average salary in CO3 is £28,620, which is slightly below the UK average of £29,669. This may influence the affordability of housing and the types of services available in the area. However, the community's socio-economic diversity suggests a range of income levels, catering to various lifestyles and needs.

Employment Rate

70%

population in work

Unemployment Rate

4%

of the CO3 population

Occupation

"Occupation" in the Census 2021 refers to the type of job a person does, including their role or profession. It categorises people based on the kind of work they perform, such as being a manager, skilled tradesperson, machine operative etc, helping to understand the workforce's makeup.

Managers, directors and senior officials

12.4%

Professional occupations

20.3%

Associate professional and technical occupations

14%

Administrative and secretarial occupations

10.6%

Skilled trades occupations

10.7%

Caring, leisure and other service occupations

10.6%

Sales and customer service occupations

7.8%

Process, plant and machine operatives

5.6%

Elementary occupations

8%

 Line shows UK average.

Hours Worked

"Hours Worked" in the Census 2021 refers to the number of hours a person usually works each week in their job. It includes categories like full-time (usually 31 or more hours) and part-time (less than 31 hours), helping to understand work patterns in the population.

Part time

30.9%

Part time (15 hrs or less)

11.2%

Part time (16-30 hrs)

19.7%

Full time

69.1%

Full time (31-48 hrs)

56.6%

Full time (49+ hrs)

12.5%

 Line shows UK average.

Unemployment History

This graph shows the unemployment history of the 4% of the population of Colchester CO3 aged 16 or older who were listed as being unemployed on Census Day (21st March 2021) by whether and when they were last empllyed.

Unemployed (less than 1 yr)

10.7%

Unemployed (more than 1 yr)

70.8%

Unemployed (never worked)

18.5%

 Line shows UK average.

Economic Activity Status

"Economic Activity Status" in the Census 2021 refers to whether people are working, looking for work, studying, retired, or otherwise not in the workforce. It shows who is employed, unemployed, self-employed, a student, retired, or unable to work, giving insight into the economic engagement of the population.

Economically active (exc students)

64.1%

Economically active (inc students)

2.5%

Retired

22.4%

Student

3.2%

Looking after home/family

3.3%

Sick or disabled

2.7%

 Line shows UK average.

Armed Forces

Percentage of people in the Colchester (CO3) district who have previously served in the UK Armed Forces. Note that the data excludes people who were currently serving in the UK armed forces on Census Day, 21st March 2021.

Previously served

64.1%

Reserve forces

62.7%

Reserve + regular forces

52.5%

Never served

14%

 Line shows UK average.

NS-SEC Occupation

The National Statistics Socio-economic Classification (NS-SEC) shows people's socio-economic position in Colchester CO3, based on their occupation. The estimates are as at Census Day, which took place on 21 March 2021.

Higher Managerial

12.7%

Lower Managerial

22.8%

Intermediate Occupations

13.8%

Small Employers

11.1%

Lower Supervisory

5.3%

Semi Routine

12.5%

Routine

9.5%

Unemployed

6.5%

Full Time Students

5.7%

 Line shows UK average.

Property & Housing

Property and housing statistics for the Colchester CO3 postcode area defines the living conditions and accommodation in the neighbourhood.

House Prices and Affordability

The average house price in CO3 is £325,000, which is higher than the UK average of £288,000. This premium reflects the area's desirable amenities, schools, and community feel. Potential buyers should consider this when evaluating their budget and the long-term investment potential of properties in the area.

Housing and Property Types

The housing landscape in CO3 is primarily residential, with a significant proportion of 40% detached homes and 32.8% semi-detached properties. The area also includes 40.5% of 3-bed houses, making it ideal for families. The property types are diverse, with 12% terraced houses and 13.6% flats available, catering to various housing needs and budgets.

Tenure of Homes

Homeownership in CO3 is strong, with 38.9% of homes owned outright and 36.5% mortgaged. The rental market comprises 15.1% private rented and 8.7% social rented properties. This mix indicates a stable community, where many residents choose to invest in property, while rental options are available for newcomers or those not ready to buy.

House Types

Distribution of various house types, including detached, semi-detached, and terraced houses, across different the different postcode sectors in Colchester (CO3).

Detached

35.5%

Semi-Detached

30.4%

Terraced

15%

Flats

15.6%

Bedsits

2.7%

 Line shows UK average.

Size (Bedrooms)

This graph provides an insight into the distribution of house sizes in Colchester (CO3), showcasing the number of bedrooms across all properties in Colchester.

1 Bedroom

11%

2 Bedrooms

24.4%

3 Bedrooms

34.8%

4+ Bedrooms

29.8%

 Line shows UK average.

Number of Rooms

This graph provides an insight into the average number of rooms in properties within Colchester CO3 area. A room can be any room in a house apart from kitchens, bathrooms, toilets, halls/landings/conservatories and rooms used for storage.

1 room

1.2%

2 rooms

11.2%

3 rooms

19.9%

4 rooms

28.8%

5 rooms

21.3%

6 rooms

11.7%

7 rooms

4%

8 rooms

1.3%

9+ rooms

0.6%

 Line shows UK average.

Tenure

Tenure status of properties throughout the entire Colchester (CO3) postcode sector, presenting a breakdown of ownership, mortgage, rental, and other categories.

Owned Outright

38.3%

Mortgaged

37.5%

Shared Ownership

0.4%

Rented

9.4%

 Line shows UK average.

Household Size

The number of residents per household in the Colchester (CO3) district, offering insights into the demographic makeup of this postcode district.

1 person

0%

2 people

31.6%

3 People

34.4%

4 People

15.8%

5 People

13.3%

6 People

3.6%

7 People

1.1%

8 People

0%

 Line shows UK average.

Occupancy Rating (Bedrooms)

"Occupancy Rating (Bedrooms)" in the Census 2021 measures whether a household has more, fewer, or just the right number of bedrooms compared to what's needed for the number of people living there. A positive rating means extra bedrooms, zero means just enough, and a negative rating can indicate overcrowding.

Occupancy: +2 or more

42.2%

Occupancy: +1

32.7%

Occupancy: 0

23%

Occupancy: -1

1.8%

Occupancy: -2 or less

0.2%

 Line shows UK average.

Second Address Indicator

"Second Address Indicator" in the Census 2021 refers to whether a person has another address where they regularly stay, apart from their main home. This could include a second home, a place they stay for work, or a partner's home, indicating how people split their time between different locations.

No second address

95.5%

Second address in the UK

3.3%

Second address outside UK

1.2%

 Line shows UK average.

Car or Van Availability

"Car or Van Availability" in the Census 2021 refers to the number of cars or vans available for use by members of a household. It indicates whether a household has access to one or more vehicles, or none at all, providing insight into transport options and dependency on personal vehicles.

No cars or vans

16.8%

1 car or van

42%

2 cars or vans

30.8%

3+ cars or vans

10.4%

 Line shows UK average.

Central Heating

"Central Heating" in the Census 2021 refers to whether a household has a central heating system and what type it is, such as gas, electric, or another source. It shows how homes are heated, indicating the comfort and energy efficiency of the housing.

No central heating

0.9%

Mains gas only

80.3%

Tank or bottled gas only

0.1%

Electric only

7.4%

Oil only

1.8%

Wood only

0.1%

Solid fuel only

0%

Renewable energy only

0.2%

District/communal network

0.5%

Other

0.6%

2 or more types (exc renewable)

7.5%

2 or more types (inc renewable)

0.6%

 Line shows UK average.

Education

Schools, education, and learning in the Colchester CO3 area are pivotal aspects that shape the development and future prospects of our community's young residents.

Highest Level of Qualification

"Highest Level of Qualification" in the Census 2021 refers to the most advanced qualification or degree a person has achieved. It ranges from no qualifications to advanced degrees like a master's or doctorate, helping to show the education level of the population.

No qualifications

16.5%

Level 1 and entry level

10.8%

Level 2 qualifications

15%

Apprenticeship

6%

Level 3 qualifications

17.4%

Level 4 and above

31.9%

 Line shows UK average.

School children & students

"Schoolchildren and Full-Time Students" in the Census 2021 refers to individuals who are either attending school or studying full-time at a college or university. This category includes young people in education and adults who are pursuing full-time studies.

Students

19.1%

Not a student

80.9%

 Line shows UK average.

Ethnicity

Ethnicity in Colchester CO3 contributes to its rich cultural tapestry, showcasing diversity and heritage within the community.

Ethnic Group

Range of ethnic groups in Colchester (CO3) postcode area, including Asian, Black, Mixed, White, and Other, providing a snapshot of the city's cultural diversity and demographics.

Bangladeshi

0.3%

Chinese

0.6%

Indian

1.6%

Pakistani

0.4%

African

2%

Mixed or Multiple

2.2%

White

90.5%

Arab

0.1%

Other

0.3%

 Line shows UK average.

Country of Birth

"Country of birth" in the Census 2021 refers to the country where a person in CO3 was born, regardless of their current nationality or where they live when the census took place. It refers to the country in which they were born.

United Kingdom

90.6%

EU countries

3.9%

Non-EU countries

0.5%

Africa

1.8%

Middle East and Asia

2.6%

Americas and the Caribbean

0.4%

Antarctica and Oceania

0.3%

British Overseas

0%

 Line shows UK average.

Length of Residence

"Length of residence" in the Census 2021 refers to the total amount of time a person born outside the UK has lived in the UK. It helps understand how long immigrants have been living in the country, whether continuously or in total over multiple periods.

Born in the UK

87.4%

10 yrs +

8.2%

5 - 10 yrs

1.9%

2 - 5 yrs

1.5%

Less than 2 yrs

1%

 Line shows UK average.

Year of Arrival

"Year of arrival" in the Census 2021 refers to the year when someone who wasn't born in the UK first came to live in the UK. It helps track when people who were born abroad started living in the country.

Born in the UK

90.9%

Arrived before 1951

0.2%

Arrived 1951 to 1960

0.4%

Arrived 1961 to 1970

1%

Arrived 1971 to 1980

0.7%

Arrived 1981 to 1990

0.6%

Arrived 1991 to 2000

1%

Arrived 2001 to 2010

2.6%

Arrived 2011 to 2013

0.7%

Arrived 2014 to 2016

0.9%

Arrived 2017 to 2019

0.8%

Arrived 2020 to 2021

0.3%

 Line shows UK average.

Passports Held

"Passports held" in the Census 2021 means the number and types of passports people in CO3 have. This shows the countries or nations where they have citizenship or the right to travel freely. It could include passports from the UK, other countries, or multiple countries.

No passport

0%

United Kingdom

82.1%

Ireland

0.2%

Other Europe

2.5%

Africa

0.4%

Middle East and Asia

0.2%

Americas and the Caribbean

0%

Antarctica and Oceania

0%

British Overseas Territories

0%

 Line shows UK average.

Age of Arrival in the UK

"Age of Arrival in the UK" in the Census 2021 indicates how old a person was when they first came to live in the UK if they were born in another country. It helps to understand at what stage of life they moved to the UK.

Born in the UK

90.6%

Aged 0 to 4 years

1.6%

Aged 5 to 7 years

0.5%

Aged 8 to 9 years

0.3%

Aged 10 to 14 years

0.6%

Aged 15 years

0.3%

Aged 16 to 17 years

0.3%

Aged 18 to 19 years

0.5%

Aged 20 to 24 years

1.9%

Aged 25 to 29 years

1.2%

Aged 30 to 44 years

1.8%

Aged 45 to 59 years

0.4%

Aged 60 to 64 years

0%

Aged 65 to 74 years

0.1%

Aged 75 to 84 years

0%

Aged 85 to 89 years

0%

Aged 90 years and over

0%

 Line shows UK average.

Income

Income in Colchester CO3 provides a crucial insight into economic dynamics, reflecting earning levels and financial well-being among residents. Understanding income distribution is key to addressing economic disparities and shaping community initiatives.

Health

Health in the Colchester CO3 postcode sector is a vital indicator of well-being, reflecting the overall physical and mental health of our community members.

General Health

"General Health" in the Census 2021 is a self-assessment where people rate their overall health as very good, good, fair, bad, or very bad. It provides a snapshot of how people perceive their physical and mental well-being.

Very good health

48.7%

Good health

35.4%

Fair health

11.6%

Bad health

3.3%

Very bad health

0.9%

 Line shows UK average.

Disabilities

"Disabilities (TS038)" in the Census 2021 refers to data collected about whether a person has a disability or health condition that limits their day-to-day activities. It includes whether these limitations are substantial and long-term, helping to understand the prevalence and impact of disabilities within the population.

Disabled

17.2%

Disabled (limited a lot)

6.8%

Disabled (limited a little)

10.4%

Not disabled

82.8%

Not disabled (long term condition)

7.7%

Not disabled (no physical or mental conditions)

75.1%

 Line shows UK average.

Transportation

Transportation in Colchester CO3 encompasses various modes and accessibility of travel, essential for the daily commute and connectivity of residents.

Car Ownership and Transport

CO3 has an average of 2.4 cars per household, significantly above the UK average of 1.4. This indicates a reliance on personal vehicles, likely due to the suburban nature of the area. However, transport links are excellent, with regular bus services and a train station just 20 minutes away, providing easy access to larger urban centres.

Car Ownership

Distribution of car ownership among households in Colchester (CO3), encompassing 'no cars,' '1 car,' '2 cars,' and '3+ cars,' providing a comprehensive snapshot of transportation patterns in the area.

No Cars/Vans

16.8%

1 Car

42%

2 Cars

30.8%

3+ Cars

10.4%

 Line shows UK average.

Method of Travel

"Method of travel" in the Census 2021 refers to how people usually get to work. It includes options like walking, driving, taking the bus, cycling, or using the train. This table describes resident's main mode of transport when commuting.

Work mainly at or from home

30.5%

Underground, metro, light rail, tram

0.1%

Train

1.5%

Bus, minibus or coach

1.9%

Taxi

0.3%

Motorcycle, scooter or moped

0.5%

Driving a car or van

52.7%

Passenger in a car or van

3.8%

Bicycle

1.7%

On foot

6.4%

 Line shows UK average.

Commuting Distance

"Distance Travelled to Work" in the Census 2021 refers to how far people in Colchester (CO3) usually travel from home to their workplace. It measures the length of their commute, whether it's a short walk or a long drive, helping to understand commuting patterns.

Less than 2km

9.6%

2km to less than 5km

14.4%

5km to less than 10km

10.9%

10km to less than 20km

7.3%

20km to less than 30km

4.7%

30km to less than 40km

2.7%

40km to less than 60km

1.3%

60km and over

2.4%

Works mainly from home

30.1%

 Line shows UK average.

Crime

Crime in Colchester CO3 provides insights into safety and security, impacting the overall quality of life for residents.

Crime Rate

CO3 boasts a crime rank of 26460/32482, indicating a relatively low crime rate compared to other areas. This makes it an attractive option for families and individuals seeking a safe environment. The community's focus on safety and well-being contributes to its reputation as a desirable place to live.

Crime statistics coming soon.