Colchester

Colchester CO4 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

CO4 is rich in history and culture, featuring landmarks such as St Botolph’s Church and various green spaces like Castle Park. The area is also home to a range of shopping options, including two shopping centres and a 24-hour supermarket, catering to the needs of its residents. The community is growing and diverse, making it a desirable location for many.

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

45.1%

1 dimension

36.1%

2 dimensions

15.4%

3 dimensions

3.3%

4 dimensions

0.1%

 Line shows UK average.

Work & Employment

The work and employment statistics for Colchester Co4 reflects the economic activities and job opportunities, which shapes the livelihoods of its residents.

Socio-Economics

The socio-economic landscape in CO4 shows a blend of occupations, with 12.6% in higher managerial roles and 20.6% in lower managerial positions. The area has a significant proportion of residents in intermediate occupations at 11.1%, indicating a workforce that is engaged in a variety of sectors, including business and technology.

Income Levels

The average salary in CO4 is £28,620, which is slightly below the UK average of £29,669. This income level, combined with affordable housing, suggests that residents can maintain a comfortable lifestyle while enjoying the amenities and community spirit that CO4 has to offer.

Employment Rate

70%

population in work

Unemployment Rate

5%

of the CO4 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

10.4%

Professional occupations

17.4%

Associate professional and technical occupations

13%

Administrative and secretarial occupations

9.7%

Skilled trades occupations

11.3%

Caring, leisure and other service occupations

11%

Sales and customer service occupations

8.1%

Process, plant and machine operatives

7.3%

Elementary occupations

11.8%

 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

33.7%

Part time (15 hrs or less)

11.9%

Part time (16-30 hrs)

21.9%

Full time

66.3%

Full time (31-48 hrs)

56.1%

Full time (49+ hrs)

10.2%

 Line shows UK average.

Unemployment History

This graph shows the unemployment history of the 5% of the population of Colchester CO4 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)

18.3%

Unemployed (more than 1 yr)

56.8%

Unemployed (never worked)

24.9%

 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)

59.4%

Economically active (inc students)

2%

Retired

19.5%

Student

5.3%

Looking after home/family

5.5%

Sick or disabled

5.5%

 Line shows UK average.

Armed Forces

Percentage of people in the Colchester (CO4) 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

59.4%

Reserve forces

55.5%

Reserve + regular forces

46.7%

Never served

13.6%

 Line shows UK average.

NS-SEC Occupation

The National Statistics Socio-economic Classification (NS-SEC) shows people's socio-economic position in Colchester CO4, based on their occupation. The estimates are as at Census Day, which took place on 21 March 2021.

Higher Managerial

11.1%

Lower Managerial

20.4%

Intermediate Occupations

12.7%

Small Employers

9.7%

Lower Supervisory

5.8%

Semi Routine

14%

Routine

12.6%

Unemployed

7.9%

Full Time Students

5.7%

 Line shows UK average.

Property & Housing

Property and housing statistics for the Colchester CO4 postcode area defines the living conditions and accommodation in the neighbourhood.

House Prices and Affordability

With an average house price of £175,000, CO4 offers relatively affordable housing compared to the UK average of £288,000. This affordability, combined with a variety of property types, makes it an appealing option for first-time buyers and families looking to settle in a community with good amenities.

Housing and Property Types

In CO4, the housing market is diverse, with property sizes predominantly comprising 37.6% of 3-bed houses, followed by 27.2% of 2-bed houses. The types of properties include 29.6% detached and 29.6% semi-detached homes, indicating a balanced mix of housing options. The presence of 20% flats suggests opportunities for both families and young professionals looking for affordable living spaces.

Tenure of Homes

The ownership structure in CO4 reveals that 27.2% of homes are owned outright, while 32.8% are mortgaged. A significant portion of the housing stock is rented, with 17.6% being social rented and 20.8% privately rented. This mix indicates a community that accommodates both homeowners and renters, making it an attractive area for diverse living arrangements.

House Types

Distribution of various house types, including detached, semi-detached, and terraced houses, across different the different postcode sectors in Colchester (CO4).

Detached

35.2%

Semi-Detached

39%

Terraced

14%

Flats

10%

Bedsits

1.4%

 Line shows UK average.

Size (Bedrooms)

This graph provides an insight into the distribution of house sizes in Colchester (CO4), showcasing the number of bedrooms across all properties in Colchester.

1 Bedroom

9.1%

2 Bedrooms

22.9%

3 Bedrooms

47.1%

4+ Bedrooms

20.9%

 Line shows UK average.

Number of Rooms

This graph provides an insight into the average number of rooms in properties within Colchester CO4 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

0.3%

2 rooms

6.3%

3 rooms

16.8%

4 rooms

42.9%

5 rooms

20.5%

6 rooms

8.2%

7 rooms

3.9%

8 rooms

0.7%

9+ rooms

0.3%

 Line shows UK average.

Tenure

Tenure status of properties throughout the entire Colchester (CO4) postcode sector, presenting a breakdown of ownership, mortgage, rental, and other categories.

Owned Outright

41.2%

Mortgaged

30.6%

Shared Ownership

0.5%

Rented

14.4%

 Line shows UK average.

Household Size

The number of residents per household in the Colchester (CO4) district, offering insights into the demographic makeup of this postcode district.

1 person

0%

2 people

27.9%

3 People

36.5%

4 People

16.3%

5 People

13%

6 People

4%

7 People

1.7%

8 People

0.5%

 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

41.4%

Occupancy: +1

31.2%

Occupancy: 0

24.3%

Occupancy: -1

2.7%

Occupancy: -2 or less

0.4%

 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

87.3%

Second address in the UK

10.2%

Second address outside UK

2.4%

 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

20.8%

1 car or van

41.6%

2 cars or vans

27.5%

3+ cars or vans

10.2%

 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

1.1%

Mains gas only

81.8%

Tank or bottled gas only

0.3%

Electric only

6.1%

Oil only

0.9%

Wood only

0%

Solid fuel only

0%

Renewable energy only

0.1%

District/communal network

0.2%

Other

0.5%

2 or more types (exc renewable)

8.1%

2 or more types (inc renewable)

0.7%

 Line shows UK average.

Education

Schools, education, and learning in the Colchester CO4 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

20.8%

Level 1 and entry level

12.3%

Level 2 qualifications

14.9%

Apprenticeship

5.8%

Level 3 qualifications

17.3%

Level 4 and above

26%

 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

29.2%

Not a student

70.8%

 Line shows UK average.

Ethnicity

Ethnicity in Colchester CO4 contributes to its rich cultural tapestry, showcasing diversity and heritage within the community.

Ethnic Group

Range of ethnic groups in Colchester (CO4) postcode area, including Asian, Black, Mixed, White, and Other, providing a snapshot of the city's cultural diversity and demographics.

Bangladeshi

1.3%

Chinese

0.8%

Indian

1.1%

Pakistani

0.2%

African

2.7%

Mixed or Multiple

2.8%

White

86.2%

Arab

0.4%

Other

1.4%

 Line shows UK average.

Country of Birth

"Country of birth" in the Census 2021 refers to the country where a person in CO4 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

86.2%

EU countries

6.2%

Non-EU countries

0.5%

Africa

2.1%

Middle East and Asia

4.2%

Americas and the Caribbean

0.7%

Antarctica and Oceania

0.1%

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

84.5%

10 yrs +

8.6%

5 - 10 yrs

2.3%

2 - 5 yrs

1.6%

Less than 2 yrs

3%

 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

87.2%

Arrived before 1951

0.2%

Arrived 1951 to 1960

0.5%

Arrived 1961 to 1970

0.7%

Arrived 1971 to 1980

0.8%

Arrived 1981 to 1990

0.9%

Arrived 1991 to 2000

1.1%

Arrived 2001 to 2010

4.6%

Arrived 2011 to 2013

1%

Arrived 2014 to 2016

1.4%

Arrived 2017 to 2019

1.1%

Arrived 2020 to 2021

0.5%

 Line shows UK average.

Passports Held

"Passports held" in the Census 2021 means the number and types of passports people in CO4 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

70.7%

Ireland

0.4%

Other Europe

8.3%

Africa

0.7%

Middle East and Asia

0.2%

Americas and the Caribbean

0%

Antarctica and Oceania

0.1%

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

85.6%

Aged 0 to 4 years

2%

Aged 5 to 7 years

0.8%

Aged 8 to 9 years

0.3%

Aged 10 to 14 years

1%

Aged 15 years

0.1%

Aged 16 to 17 years

0.4%

Aged 18 to 19 years

0.9%

Aged 20 to 24 years

2.4%

Aged 25 to 29 years

2.6%

Aged 30 to 44 years

2.9%

Aged 45 to 59 years

0.7%

Aged 60 to 64 years

0.1%

Aged 65 to 74 years

0%

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 CO4 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 CO4 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

44.2%

Good health

37%

Fair health

14%

Bad health

3.7%

Very bad health

1%

 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

19.4%

Disabled (limited a lot)

8.1%

Disabled (limited a little)

11.4%

Not disabled

80.6%

Not disabled (long term condition)

7.5%

Not disabled (no physical or mental conditions)

73.1%

 Line shows UK average.

Transportation

Transportation in Colchester CO4 encompasses various modes and accessibility of travel, essential for the daily commute and connectivity of residents.

Car Ownership and Transport

Residents of CO4 enjoy a high level of car ownership, averaging 2.27 cars per household, compared to the UK average of 1.4. This suggests a preference for personal transport, likely due to the semi-rural nature of some neighbourhoods. The area is well-connected by public transport, including direct trains to London and multiple bus services, enhancing accessibility for commuters.

Car Ownership

Distribution of car ownership among households in Colchester (CO4), encompassing 'no cars,' '1 car,' '2 cars,' and '3+ cars,' providing a comprehensive snapshot of transportation patterns in the area.

No Cars/Vans

20.8%

1 Car

41.6%

2 Cars

27.5%

3+ Cars

10.2%

 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

26.9%

Underground, metro, light rail, tram

0.2%

Train

1.9%

Bus, minibus or coach

2.6%

Taxi

0.7%

Motorcycle, scooter or moped

0.9%

Driving a car or van

49.9%

Passenger in a car or van

4.6%

Bicycle

3%

On foot

8.3%

 Line shows UK average.

Commuting Distance

"Distance Travelled to Work" in the Census 2021 refers to how far people in Colchester (CO4) 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

14.7%

2km to less than 5km

18.2%

5km to less than 10km

6.3%

10km to less than 20km

5.4%

20km to less than 30km

5.8%

30km to less than 40km

1.9%

40km to less than 60km

1.2%

60km and over

2.6%

Works mainly from home

26.9%

 Line shows UK average.

Crime

Crime in Colchester CO4 provides insights into safety and security, impacting the overall quality of life for residents.

Crime Rate

CO4 has a crime rank of 15375 out of 32482, indicating a relatively safe environment, as a lower rank signifies better safety. This aspect is particularly attractive for families and individuals looking for a secure place to live.

Crime statistics coming soon.