Braintree vs Halstead (Braintree)
Which is better to live in? Distance: 5.6 miles apart.
The verdict
Braintree is the more affordable option, with average house prices around 5% lower. Braintree has the lower crime rate of the two. For families, Halstead (braintree) edges ahead on school quality.
Avg House Price
Braintree
£374,943
Halstead (Braintree)
£395,095
Crime Rate
Braintree
53.6
Halstead (Braintree)
53.6
Top-Two School Inspection Bands
Braintree
83.3%
Halstead (Braintree)
100.0%
Avg Download Speed
Braintree
443.2
Halstead (Braintree)
393.4
EPC Rating
Braintree
71.8
Halstead (Braintree)
69.9
Median Income
Braintree
£36,071
Halstead (Braintree)
£35,932
House Prices (2025)
Most affordable in East of EnglandProperty in Halstead (braintree) commands an average of £395,095, compared with £374,943 in Braintree – a difference of 5%. The most affordable entry point in Braintree is a flat at £166,888, while in Halstead (braintree) it is a flat at £166,726.
Average Price by Property Type (2025)
Biggest gap: detached homes are 10% pricier in Halstead (braintree) (£558,265 vs £501,009).
Price Trend (11 Years)
Over the last 9 years, Braintree prices grew faster — 33% vs 31%.
Crime & Safety
Safest in East of EnglandBraintree has a crime rate of 53.6 per 1,000 residents, which is 0% lower than Halstead (braintree) at 53.6 per 1,000. The most common crime category in Braintree is violent-crime, while in Halstead (braintree) it is violent-crime.
Crime Rate by Category (per 1,000 residents)
Both towns share the same top crime category: violent crime.
Schools & Education
Best for schools in East of EnglandFamilies may prefer Halstead (braintree), where 100% of schools are in the top two inspection bands versus 83.3% in Braintree. There are 13 schools in Braintree and 4 in Halstead (braintree).
Braintree School Inspection Breakdown
83.3% of 13 schools (10 primary, 3 secondary) sit in the top two inspection bands.
Halstead (Braintree) School Inspection Breakdown
100% of 4 schools (3 primary, 1 secondary) sit in the top two inspection bands.
| Metric | Braintree | Halstead (Braintree) |
|---|---|---|
| Total Schools | 13 | 4 |
| Primary | 10 | 3 |
| Secondary | 3 | 1 |
| % Top two bands | 83.3% | 100% |
Broadband & Connectivity
Average broadband speeds are 443.2 Mbps in Braintree and 393.4 Mbps in Halstead (braintree). Superfast coverage (30 Mbps+) reaches 96.3% of premises in Braintree and 95.6% in Halstead (braintree). Gigabit availability stands at 86.8% in Braintree and 75.1% in Halstead (braintree).
Braintree is the faster of the two by 13% on average download speed (443 vs 393 Mbps).
Energy Efficiency & Running Costs
Braintree leads on energy efficiency with an average EPC score of 71.8 (C), while Halstead (braintree) averages 69.9 (C). Estimated annual energy costs average £1,238 in Braintree and £1,235 in Halstead (braintree). 66.4% of homes in Braintree have an EPC rating of C or above, compared to 61.6% in Halstead (braintree).
Braintree has more energy-efficient housing — 66.4% reach band C or above, vs 61.6% in the other.
Demographics & Economy
Median household income is £36,071 in Braintree and £35,932 in Halstead (braintree). The median age is 44.4 in Braintree and 44.2 in Halstead (braintree). Owner-occupancy is 69.2% in Braintree versus 67.8% in Halstead (braintree). Employment rates stand at 61.2% in Braintree and 60.3% in Halstead (braintree).
| Indicator | Braintree | Halstead (Braintree) |
|---|---|---|
| Population | 43,179 | 13,902 |
| Median Age | 44.4 | 44.2 |
| Median Household Income | £36,071 | £35,932 |
| Employment Rate | 61.2% | 60.3% |
| Owner Occupied | 69.2% | 67.8% |
| Degree-Level Qualified | 31.2% | 25.8% |
Location
Common questions
Frequently asked questions
How far apart are Braintree and Halstead (braintree)?
Which is cheaper to buy a house in, Braintree or Halstead (braintree)?
Is Braintree or Halstead (braintree) safer?
Which has better schools, Braintree or Halstead (braintree)?
Which has faster broadband, Braintree or Halstead (braintree)?
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