Ilford
Ilford High Street, © Google Street View
Ilford (IG) Postcode Area
Ilford: Diverse suburban town, bustling high street, green parks, multicultural community, and convenient transport links to central London. A vibrant hub of culture and commerce in East London.
Ilford Postcode Area includes:
Ilford, Chigwell, Woodford Green, Buckhurst Hill, Loughton, Barking.
Discover everything you need to know about Ilford 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 Ilford (IG), 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
Take a closer look at the top four industries shaping the Ilford local area. These sectors play a key role in the economy of this postcode region.
Construction
Ilford 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 Ilford 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 Ilford area is pretty active and could be on the up.
Professional & Scientific
Ilford 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 Ilford 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.
Retail
Ilford area has a large quantity of retail businesses, making it a busy, commercial hub where people go to shop and socialise. High streets, shopping centres, and independent boutiques often thrive in these areas, making it a convenient place for residents and visitors alike. The presence of retail businesses can indicate that the local economy is fairly strong, with plenty of footfall and a demand for goods and services. This kind of area tends to have good transport links and a lively atmosphere, but it can also mean a bit more hustle and bustle, especially during weekends and sales events. If you're living in Ilford, it's handy for convenience, but it could also bring a lot of traffic and noise during peak shopping hours.
Business Administration
If a postcode area such as IG 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 Ilford 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.
Major Employers
Major employers and businesses in the IG postcode area include:
Tesco Extra
Retail, Ilford
A large supermarket offering a wide range of groceries and household goods.
Postcode Location: IG1
Postcode Location: IG1
Exchange Ilford
Retail, Ilford
A shopping centre housing various retail stores, eateries, and services.
Postcode Location: IG1
Postcode Location: IG1
Postcode Location: IG1
Postcode Location: IG1
Data showing the activity, size and location is from the Inter Departmental Business Register 2024, produced by the ONS.
Key Statistics
Ilford IG, part of the ceremonial county of Greater London in England, presents a substantial geographical area with 11 outward codes (the first half of a postcode, e.g. IG 1AA). Its population stands at 378,322 individuals, reflecting a density of 6,799 people per square kilometre. The average household income here is £54,202 , which is 54.9% higher than the average UK median household income (£35,000), indicating a stable economic profile within the region.
Postcode Area
Ilford
Total Outward Codes
Postcodes
Population
People
Population Density
People/km2
Average Income
Per household
What's Ilford like to live and work in?
Ilford High Street, © Google Street View
Adobe Stock
Ilford, situated in East London within the IG postcode area, boasts a vibrant and diverse community, home to around 168,000 residents.
The town is recognized for its bustling High Street, numerous parks such as Valentines Park, and cultural landmarks like the Kenneth More Theatre.
Excellent transport links, including the upcoming Elizabeth Line and existing rail services, enhance its connectivity to central London.
This page contains a list of postcode districts for Ilford area. Select a postcode to see the map location, demographics, house prices, local information, tourist guides and statistics:
Ilford (IG) Postcode Districts
House Prices in Ilford
How are property price trends?
The ONS (Office for National Statistics) regularly tracks and records average house prices and rents in this area (E09000002). 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.
Greater London
The wider county
Though known as probably the most famous city in the world, most people don't realize that Greater London is actually classed as a county, and includes the City of London, the City of Westminster and the 32 surrounding London Boroughs.
It takes in a large number of villages, towns and open countryside and borders the home counties of Berkshire, Buckinghamshire, Surrey and Kent in the south east, as well as Essex and Hertfordshire in the East. It has more history within its boundaries than many entire countries around the world, stretching back more than 2000 years, and is Britain's most visited area.
Read more about Greater London
Local Transport
Transport in the IG Postal Area, UK
The IG postal area offers a variety of transport options, making it convenient for residents and commuters alike. For those who rely on rail, the area is well-served by the Central and District lines, with key stations like Ilford, Gants Hill, and Barking providing regular connections to central London and beyond. Overground services are also available, ensuring robust connectivity.
Air travel is straightforward with easy access to London City Airport, which caters to a range of European destinations. If you need to travel further, both Heathrow and Stansted airports are a manageable drive away.
For commuting by car, the IG area benefits from its proximity to the A12, A13, and M25, facilitating smooth travels within Greater London and to other parts of the UK. Ample bus services crisscross the locality, offering efficient routes for everyday commutes and local travel.
Train Stations
The following railway stations are within the IG postcode region:
Barking Railway Station
Goodmayes Railway Station
Ilford Railway Station
Seven Kings Railway Station
Local Authorities
IG 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 IG postcode area includes the following local authorities:
Barking and Dagenham
Barking and Dagenham, one of London's eastern boroughs, is undergoing significant regeneration, enhancing its appeal as an affordable and improving area. Known for its industrial history, the borough is transforming with new housing developments and improved transport links, making it increasingly attractive to first-time home buyers and young families.
Epping Forest
Bordering northeast London, Epping Forest is named after the ancient woodland that stretches across the district. This area offers a mix of attractive towns, rural villages, and part of the metropolitan green belt, providing ample recreational activities and natural spaces close to the capital.
Newham
Newham is located in East London and is one of the most diverse and youthful boroughs in the city. It played a significant role in the 2012 London Olympics and continues to benefit from ongoing urban regeneration. Newham boasts several landmarks, including the Queen Elizabeth Olympic Park and Stratford Centre.
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 Ilford (IG) 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 Ilford (IG) 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 £1,933 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 IG
As rated by Ofsted
- Riverside School
Renwick Road, Barking, IG11 0FU
Secondary School (11-19)Outstanding - Ark Isaac Newton Academy
1 Cricklefield Place, Ilford, IG1 1FY
Secondary School (4-18)Outstanding - Oakhill Primary School
Alders Avenue, Woodford Green, IG8 9PY
Primary School (4-11)Outstanding - Northstar New School
c/o Gascoigne Primary Annex, , IG11 7JA
Secondary School (7-14)Outstanding - Loxford School
Loxford Lane, Ilford, IG1 2UT
Secondary School (3-19)Outstanding - Redbridge Primary School
College Gardens, Ilford, IG4 5HW
Primary School (4-11)Outstanding - Gearies Primary School
Waremead Road, Ilford, IG2 6TF
Primary School (3-11)Outstanding - Thames View Infants
Bastable Avenue, Barking, IG11 0LG
Primary School (3-7)Outstanding - Cleveland Road Primary School
Cleveland Road, Ilford, IG1 1EW
Primary School (3-11)Outstanding - Wells Primary School
Barclay Oval, Woodford Green, IG8 0PP
Primary School (3-11)Outstanding
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