Ipswich
Giles Circus, Ipswich, Suffolk, IP1 © Google Street View
Ipswich (IP) Postcode Area
Ipswich: Historic waterfront town, rich cultural heritage, charming architecture, and friendly vibe. A gem of East Anglia.
Ipswich Postcode Area includes:
Ipswich, Felixstowe, Woodbridge, Stowmarket, Aldeburgh, Leiston, Saxmundham, Southwold, Halesworth, Harleston, Diss, Eye, Thetford, Brandon, Bury St. Edmunds.
Discover everything you need to know about Ipswich 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 Ipswich (IP), 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
What's behind the hustle and bustle in the Ipswich postcode ara? Here are the top four industries that power the local economy and shape the community.
Construction
Ipswich 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 Ipswich 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 Ipswich area is pretty active and could be on the up.
Professional & Scientific
Ipswich 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 Ipswich 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.
Agriculture, Forestry & Fishing
The prevalance of agricultural industries (including forestry and fishing) in Ipswich suggests this is a lively and creative postcode sector. 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 in and around Ipswich. It might push property prices up if the area becomes particularly popular, but it's also a good indicator of a strong local identity and a thriving social scene.
Business Administration
If a postcode area such as IP 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 Ipswich 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 IP postcode area include:
Fred. Olsen Cruise Lines
Hospitality and Tourism, Ipswich
Operates luxury cruise services with a focus on traditional customer experiences.
Postcode Location: IP1
East Suffolk and North Essex NHS Foundation Trust
Healthcare, Ipswich
Provides hospital and community health services.
Postcode Location: IP1
Ipswich Hospital
Healthcare, Ipswich
A large NHS hospital offering a range of medical services to the community.
Postcode Location: IP1
Suffolk County Council
Public Administration, Ipswich
Responsible for education, transport, and social services in Suffolk.
Postcode Location: IP1
Ipswich Borough Council
Public Administration, Ipswich
Provides local government services, including housing, planning, and community development.
Postcode Location: IP1
Port of Felixstowe
Logistics, Felixstowe
The UK’s busiest container port, handling a significant proportion of the country’s trade.
Postcode Location: IP11
Data showing the activity, size and location is from the Inter Departmental Business Register 2024, produced by the ONS.
Key Statistics
Ipswich IP, part of the ceremonial county of Suffolk in England, presents a substantial geographical area with 33 outward codes (the first half of a postcode, e.g. IP 1AA). Its population stands at 629,123 individuals, reflecting a density of 1,254 people per square kilometre. The average household income here is £44,630 , which is 27.5% higher than the average UK median household income (£35,000), indicating a stable economic profile within the region.
Postcode Area
Ipswich
Total Outward Codes
Postcodes
Population
People
Population Density
People/km2
Average Income
Per household
What's Ipswich like to live and work in?
Giles Circus, Ipswich, Suffolk, IP1 © Google Street View
Adobe Stock
Ipswich, the county town of Suffolk, has a population of approximately 140,000. It boasts excellent transport links, including direct trains to London Liverpool Street taking about an hour, and easy access to the A12 and A14 roads.
The town's demographics are diverse, with a mix of young professionals, families, and retirees. Ipswich offers a range of amenities including shopping centres, restaurants, and cultural attractions like the Ipswich Waterfront and Christchurch Mansion.
The town has several well-regarded schools and healthcare facilities, making it attractive to families. Green spaces such as Holywells and Chantry Parks provide ample outdoor activities.
This page contains a list of postcode districts for Ipswich area. Select a postcode to see the map location, demographics, house prices, local information, tourist guides and statistics:
Ipswich (IP) Postcode Districts
Ipswich IP postcode area contains 33 postcode districts within its boundary.
Click on an outward postal code (the first half of a postcode, i.e. IP*) to explore information about the area.
House Prices in Ipswich
How are property price trends?
The ONS (Office for National Statistics) regularly tracks and records average house prices and rents in this area (E07000202). 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.
Suffolk
The wider county
Suffolk is a county of fertile valleys and undulating hills, of woodlands and estuaries, timber framed houses and market towns, of villages that have avoided the ills of modern development and of countless stunning historical sites.
It is also blessed with more than 40 miles of unspoiled and untouched coastline featuring crumbling old cliffs and steep shingle terraces and constant reminders of the battle between coast and sea.
Read more about Suffolk
Local Transport
Rail Transport
The IP postcode area is well-served by rail, with key stations such as Ipswich, Bury St Edmunds, and Lowestoft offering regular services. Direct trains to London Liverpool Street make commuting to the capital straightforward, taking approximately 60-90 minutes. There are also good connections to Norwich, Cambridge, and other major cities.
Air Travel
While there are no major airports within the IP postcode itself, both London Stansted and Norwich International Airport are relatively close, making domestic and international air travel accessible. These airports are easily reachable by car or rail.
Commuting by Car
The road network in the IP area is robust, with the A12 and A14 providing crucial links to London, the Midlands, and the North. Traffic can be busy during peak times, but overall, driving is a viable option for local and regional travel.
Bus Services
A comprehensive bus network ensures that even areas not directly served by rail are accessible. Local and regional bus services connect towns and villages, offering a reliable alternative to cars and trains for commuting and leisure travel.
Train Stations
The following railway stations are within the IP postcode region:
Brandon Railway Station
Bury St.Edmunds Railway Station
Darsham Railway Station
Derby Road Railway Station
Diss Railway Station
Elmswell Railway Station
Felixstowe Railway Station
Halesworth Railway Station
Ipswich Railway Station
Lakenheath Railway Station
Melton Railway Station
Needham Market Railway Station
Saxmundham Railway Station
Stowmarket Railway Station
Thetford Railway Station
Thurston Railway Station
Trimley Railway Station
Westerfield Railway Station
Wickham Market Railway Station
Woodbridge Railway Station
Local Authorities
IP 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 IP 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.
Breckland
Breckland District Council manages a large rural area, focusing on economic growth, community services, and sustainable development to support its diverse communities.
East Cambridgeshire
East Cambridgeshire District Council promotes rural and urban growth through sustainable practices, enhancing community facilities and supporting local businesses to improve residents' quality of life.
+ 8 more
East Cambridgeshire
Forest Heath
Ipswich
King's Lynn and West Norfolk
Mid Suffolk
South Norfolk
St Edmundsbury
Suffolk Coastal
Waveney
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 Ipswich (IP) 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 Ipswich (IP) 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 £2,599 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 IP
As rated by Ofsted
- Abbeygate Sixth Form College
Beetons Way, Bury St Edmunds, IP33 3YU
Outstanding - One Sixth Form College
Scrivener Drive, Ipswich, IP8 3SU
Outstanding - Copdock Primary School
School Hill, Ipswich, IP8 3HY
Primary School (5-11)Outstanding - Elveden Church of England Primary Academy
London Road, Thetford, IP24 3TN
Primary School (4-11)Outstanding - Bealings School
Sandy Lane, Woodbridge, IP13 6LW
Primary School (4-11)Outstanding - Birchwood Primary School
Valiant Road, Ipswich, IP5 3SP
Primary School (4-11)Outstanding - Barrow Church of England Voluntary Controlled Primary School
Colethorpe Lane, Bury St Edmunds, IP29 5AU
Primary School (4-11)Outstanding - All Saints' Church of England Voluntary Controlled Primary School, Lawshall
The Street, Bury St Edmunds, IP29 4QA
Primary School (4-11)Outstanding - Norton CEVC Primary School
School Close, Bury St Edmunds, IP31 3LZ
Primary School (4-11)Outstanding - Worlingworth Church of England Voluntary Controlled Primary School
Worlingworth, Woodbridge, IP13 7HX
Primary School (3-11)Outstanding
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