The Water Gardens is in Harlow and in Harlow district. CM20 1AQ is located in the Little Parndon & Town Centre electoral ward, within the English Parliamentary constituency of Harlow. This postcode has been in use since 2003-06-01.
StreetScan combines information about The Water Gardens, Harlow, CM20 1AQ and displays a report on the quality of life in this place and its surroundings.
Nearby postcodes are: CM20 1AB, CM20 1JL, CM20 1JQ, CM20 1JG, CM20 1JD, CM20 1JH.
In the UK, the overall gender distribution is approximately 49% male and 51% female. The local area around CM20 1AQ is generally consistent with those figures, having a male population of 48.6%.
| 2011 | 2021 | 10y change (pp) | UK Average | postcode vs UK (pp) | |
|---|---|---|---|---|---|
| Female | 46.4% | 51.4% | 5.0% | 51.0% | 0.4% |
| Male | 53.6% | 48.6% | -5.0% | 49.0% | -0.4% |
Across the UK, the average relationship status breakdown is roughly 44% married, 38% single, 9% divorced, 6% widowed, and 2% separated.
In the immediate area around CM20 1AQ, a significant portion of the population is single, making up 48.4% of the residents. On average, approximately 38% of individuals who responded to the census in the UK were single. Areas with higher single populations are typically urban centers, university towns, regions with dynamic job markets, rich cultural offerings and entertainment facilities. These regions also tend to have a younger demographic.
| 2011 | 2021 | 10y change (pp) | UK Average | postcode vs UK (pp) | |
|---|---|---|---|---|---|
| Single | 58.7% | 48.4% | -10.3% | 37.9% | 10.5% |
| Married: Opposite sex | 29.2% | 37.2% | 8.0% | 44.2% | -7.0% |
| Married: Same sex | 0% | 1.1% | 1.1% | 0.3% | 0.8% |
| Civil partnership: Opposite sex | 0% | 1.1% | 1.1% | 0.1% | 1.0% |
| Separated | 4.9% | 1.6% | -3.3% | 2.2% | -0.6% |
| Divorced | 5.2% | 9.6% | 4.4% | 9.1% | 0.5% |
| Widowed | 2% | 1.1% | -0.9% | 6.1% | -5.0% |
Across the UK, the average 48.4% rated their health as Very Good, 33.6% as Good, 12.7% as Fair, 4% as Bad, and 1.2% as Very Bad.
Population age significantly impacts residents' health. Additionally, socioeconomic status plays a crucial role: higher income levels and lower poverty rates are linked to better health outcomes. Affluent areas benefit from higher living standards, access to private healthcare, and healthier lifestyle choices.
This area has a high percentage of residents reporting their health as Good or Very Good (85.6%) compared to the average (82%). This typically indicates either a younger population or more affluent area.
| 2011 | 2021 | 10y change (pp) | UK Average | postcode vs UK (pp) | |
|---|---|---|---|---|---|
| Very good health | 47.9% | 49.6% | 1.7% | 48.4% | 1.2% |
| Good health | 40.4% | 36% | -4.4% | 33.6% | 2.4% |
| Fair health | 10.6% | 12.4% | 1.8% | 12.7% | -0.3% |
| Bad health | 1.1% | 1.6% | 0.5% | 4.0% | -2.4% |
| Very bad health | 0% | 0.4% | 0.4% | 1.2% | -0.8% |
During the 2021 census, the educational qualifications of residents across the UK were as follows: 18.2% had no qualifications, 9.6% had 1-4 GCSEs, 13.4% had 5 or more GCSEs and 1-2 A/AS Levels, 16.9% had 2 or more A Levels, 33.8% held a degree (or equivalent), and 5.4% had completed an apprenticeship.
| 2011 | 2021 | 10y change (pp) | UK Average | postcode vs UK (pp) | |
|---|---|---|---|---|---|
| No qualifications | 11.8% | 18.6% | 6.8% | 18.2% | 0.4% |
| 1-4 GCSEs or Equivalent | 17.7% | 15.4% | -2.3% | 9.6% | 5.8% |
| 5 or more GCSEs, an A-Level or 1-2 AS Levels | 13.1% | 6.9% | -6.2% | 13.4% | -6.5% |
| Apprenticeship | 2.3% | 9% | 6.7% | 5.3% | 3.7% |
| HNC, HND or 2+ A Levels | 9.2% | 9.6% | 0.4% | 16.9% | -7.3% |
| Degree or Similar | 32.8% | 37.8% | 5.0% | 33.8% | 4.0% |
| Other | 13.1% | 2.7% | -10.4% | 2.8% | -0.1% |
In this area, the population is more ethnically diverse compared to the UK average. While 48.8% of the residents identify as white, which is lower than the UK average of 81.4%, there are significant representations of other ethnic groups.
| 2011 | 2021 | 10y change (pp) | UK Average | postcode vs UK (pp) | |
|---|---|---|---|---|---|
| Bangladeshi | 6.9% | 3.9% | -3.0% | 1.1% | 2.8% |
| Chinese | 2% | 0% | -2.0% | 0.7% | -0.7% |
| Indian | 16.6% | 16.5% | -0.1% | 3.1% | 13.4% |
| Pakistani | 0.3% | 3.5% | 3.2% | 2.7% | 0.8% |
| Other Asian | 4.6% | 2.4% | -2.2% | 1.6% | 0.8% |
| Black African | 12.6% | 12.6% | 0.0% | 2.5% | 10.1% |
| Black Caribbean | 0.6% | 0% | -0.6% | 1.0% | -1.0% |
| Other Black | 0.9% | 2% | 1.1% | 0.5% | 1.5% |
| Mixed White and African | 0.9% | 1.6% | 0.7% | 0.4% | 1.2% |
| Mixed White and Caribbean | 0.9% | 1.6% | 0.7% | 0.9% | 0.7% |
| Mixed Other | 0.9% | 0.4% | -0.5% | 0.8% | -0.4% |
| White | 52.4% | 48.8% | -3.6% | 81.4% | -32.6% |
| Arab | 0.3% | 0.8% | 0.5% | 0.6% | 0.2% |
| Other | 0.3% | 5.9% | 5.6% | 1.6% | 4.3% |
In this area, just 43.5% of residents were born in the United Kingdom, meaning that the majority of residents originate from outside the UK.
| 2011 | 2021 | 10y change (pp) | UK Average | postcode vs UK (pp) | |
|---|---|---|---|---|---|
| United Kingdom | 50.1% | 43.5% | -6.6% | 83.2% | -39.7% |
| European Union | 11.2% | 17.6% | 6.4% | 6.1% | 11.5% |
| Rest of Europe | 0.3% | 0.8% | 0.5% | 0.8% | 0.0% |
| Africa | 10.6% | 11% | 0.4% | 2.7% | 8.3% |
| Middle East and Asia | 26.6% | 26.7% | 0.1% | 5.6% | 21.1% |
| The Americas and the Caribbean | 0.9% | 0.4% | -0.5% | 1.3% | -0.9% |
| Oceania | 0.3% | 0% | -0.3% | 0.3% | -0.3% |
In this area majority of residents originate from outside the UK. Only 43.5% of residents were born in the United Kingdom. 14.6% of residents have lived in the UK for 10 years or more.
| 2011 | 2021 | 10y change (pp) | UK Average | postcode vs UK (pp) | |
|---|---|---|---|---|---|
| Born in the UK | 49.9% | 43.7% | -6.2% | 83.2% | -39.5% |
| 10+ Years | 15.5% | 14.6% | -0.9% | 9.8% | 4.8% |
| 5-10 Years | 16.9% | 11.8% | -5.1% | 2.9% | 8.9% |
| 2-5 Years | 12.6% | 15% | 2.4% | 2.2% | 12.8% |
| Less than 2 years | 5.2% | 15% | 9.8% | 1.9% | 13.1% |
| 2021 | UK Average | postcode vs UK (pp) | |
|---|---|---|---|
| United Kingdom | 39.2% | 76.7% | -37.5% |
| Ireland | 0.8% | 0.6% | 0.2% |
| Germany | 0.4% | 0.2% | 0.2% |
| Italy | 2.4% | 0.6% | 1.8% |
| Portugal | 0.8% | 0.5% | 0.3% |
| Lithuania | 3.1% | 0.3% | 2.8% |
| Poland | 0.8% | 1.3% | -0.5% |
| Romania | 1.2% | 0.9% | 0.3% |
| Other EU countries | 10.6% | 1.5% | 9.1% |
| Central and Western Africa | 3.9% | 0.3% | 3.6% |
| South and Eastern Africa | 1.2% | 0.2% | 1.0% |
| Eastern Asia | 0.8% | 0.3% | 0.5% |
| Southern Asia | 17.3% | 1.2% | 16.1% |
| South-East Asia | 1.2% | 0.2% | 1.0% |
| North America and the Caribbean | 0.4% | 0.3% | 0.1% |
| No passport held | 16.1% | 13.5% | 2.6% |
| 2021 | UK Average | postcode vs UK (pp) | |
|---|---|---|---|
| No religion | 25.9% | 37.2% | -11.3% |
| Christian | 43.5% | 46.2% | -2.7% |
| Buddhist | 1.2% | 0.5% | 0.7% |
| Hindu | 8.6% | 1.7% | 6.9% |
| Jewish | 0.4% | 0.5% | -0.1% |
| Muslim | 12.2% | 6.5% | 5.7% |
| Other religion | 1.6% | 0.6% | 1.0% |
| Not answered | 6.7% | 6.0% | 0.7% |
Over the last 12 months, the overall crime rate around The Water Gardens was 1834.8 per 1,000 residents, which is 2241.2% higher than the Great Parndon average. The most reported crime type was Violence and sexual offences.
The Water Gardens has the 2nd highest crime rate of 66 local areas in Great Parndon and the 2nd highest crime rate of 253 local areas in Harlow .
Violent and sexual offences accounted for around 771.8 crimes per 1,000 residents and have been rising year on year. Over the last decade, overall crime has fallen by about -44.5%.

Households in this area have a slightly lower level of wealth to the average household in England and Wales. 66% of analyzed areas in England and Wales have higher average household annual income than this area.

| Address | Sale Price | Sale Date | Price Estimate 2025 |
|---|---|---|---|
| Unit A3.4 Civic Walk The Water Gardens, Harlow, Essex Other, an established residential building | £225,000 | 2014-07-25 | £331,414 |
| Full-Time Employee | 87 |
| Part-Time Employee | 29 |
| Other | 13 |
| Self-Employed | 12 |
| Looking after home or family | 12 |
| Student (economically inactive) | 11 |
| Long-Term Sick or disabled | 8 |
| Unemployed | 7 |
| Retired | 6 |
| Full-Time Student (with or without job) | 3 |
| Wholesale and retail trade; repair of motor vehicles and motor cycles | 53 |
| Human health and social work activities | 46 |
| Information and communication | 14 |
| Accommodation and food service activities | 14 |
| Other | 14 |
| Construction | 14 |
| Education | 11 |
| Manufacturing | 11 |
| Transport and storage | 9 |
| Professional, scientific and technical activities | 5 |
| Financial and insurance activities | 4 |
| Water supply; sewerage, waste management and remediation activities | 3 |
| Public administration and defence; compulsory social security | 2 |
| Real estate activities | 1 |
| Administrative and support service activities | 1 |
| Ofsted Overall Effectiveness | Distance | Establishment Type | Has Nursery Classes | Gender | More Info | |
|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|
| The Downs Primary School and Nursery The Hides , CM20 3RB | 3out of 4 | 577 yd | Academy converter | Yes | Mixed | More About School |
| Hare Street Community Primary School and Nursery Little Grove Field , CM19 4BU | 3out of 4 | 626 yd | Community school | Yes | Mixed | More About School |
| Pemberley Academy Hodings Road , CM20 1NW | 3out of 4 | 931 yd | Academy sponsor led | No | Mixed | More About School |
| Freshwaters Primary Academy School Lane , CM20 3QA | 3out of 4 | 1,056 yd | Academy sponsor led | Yes | Mixed | More About School |
| Little Parndon Primary Academy Park Mead , CM20 1PU | 3out of 4 | 1,080 yd | Academy sponsor led | No | Mixed | More About School |
| Ofsted Overall Effectiveness | Distance | Establishment Type | Has Nursery Classes | Gender | More Info | |
|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|
| Bmat Stem Academy Velizy Avenue , CM20 3EZ | 2out of 4 | 489 yd | University technical college | No | Mixed | More About School |
| St Mark's West Essex Catholic School Tripton Road , CM18 6AA | 3out of 4 | 906 yd | Academy converter | Not Applicable | Mixed | More About School |
| Sir Frederick Gibberd College Tendring Road , CM18 6RN | - not rated | 1,093 yd | Free schools | Not Applicable | Mixed | More About School |
| Burnt Mill Academy First Avenue , CM20 2NR | 4out of 4 | 1,534 yd | Academy converter | Not Applicable | Mixed | More About School |
| Stewards Academy - Science Specialist, Harlow Parnall Road , CM18 7NQ | 3out of 4 | 2,095 yd | Academy converter | Not Applicable | Mixed | More About School |
| Ofsted Overall Effectiveness | Distance | Establishment Type | Has Nursery Classes | Gender | More Info | |
|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|
| Harlow College Velizy Avenue , CM20 3LH | - not rated | 529 yd | Further education | Not Applicable | Mixed | More About School |
| Ofsted Overall Effectiveness | Distance | Establishment Type | Has Nursery Classes | Gender | More Info | |
|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|
| Harlow Fields School and College Tendring Road , CM18 6RN | 3out of 4 | 1,211 yd | Community special school | Yes | Mixed | More About School |
| Beckmead Moundwood Academy Commonside Road , CM18 7EZ | - not rated | 2,392 yd | Free schools alternative provision | No | Mixed | More About School |
| St Nicholas School Hillingdon House , Hobbs Cross Road CM17 0NJ | - not rated | 4,575 yd | Other independent school | Yes | Mixed | More About School |
School statistics for this postcode are based on Ofsted rankings.
| Business Name | Address | Food hygiene rating | Distance |
|---|---|---|---|
| Novo Lounge | 2 Civic Walk, College Square | 13 yd | |
| Nando's | 3 Civic Walk, The Water Gardens | 49 yd | |
| Five Guys | Unit A3.4 Civic Walk, The Water Gardens | 49 yd | |
| Pizza Express | Unit A3.1 Civic Walk, The Water Gardens | 49 yd | |
| Master Barista | 9 The Water Gardens, South Gate | 60 yd |
| Business Name | Address | Food hygiene rating | Distance |
|---|---|---|---|
| Rileys Sports Bars (2014) Limited | Cross Street, Harlow | 126 yd | |
| Q Bar | Upper Floors, Hawthorne House | 164 yd | |
| Harlow Playhouse Cafe Bar | Playhouse Square, Harlow | 193 yd | |
| Phoenix Live | 43 Harvey Centre, Harvey Centre Approach | 198 yd | |
| Mecca Bingo Club | Terminus House, Terminus Street | 327 yd |
| Business Name | Address | Food hygiene rating | Distance |
|---|---|---|---|
| Panku | Asda, The Water Gardens | 112 yd | |
| Royalshakes | 25 Harvey Centre, Harvey Centre Approach | 197 yd | |
| Donut Tempt Me | 57 Harvey Centre, Harvey Centre Approach | 220 yd | |
| TS Bubble Tee | 26A Harvey Centre, Harvey Centre Approach | 221 yd | |
| Subway | 73 Harvey Centre, Harlow | 264 yd |
| Business Name | Address | Food hygiene rating | Distance |
|---|---|---|---|
| Asda | The Water Gardens, South Gate | 106 yd | |
| Iceland | 22 Harvey Centre, Harlow | 198 yd | |
| Tesco Express | 1-6 Harvey Centre, Harlow | 198 yd | |
| Sainsbury's | Fifth Avenue, Harlow | 794 yd |
| Facility Name | Sport Objects | Distance |
|---|---|---|
| Pure Gym (Harlow) College Square | health and fitness suite, swimming pool | 49 yd |
| Xercise4Less (Harlow) 26B 26B HARVEY CENTRE | health and fitness suite | 202 yd |
| Fit4Less (Harlow) (Closed) 32c 32c Terminus Street | health and fitness suite | 274 yd |
| Harlow Leisurezone SECOND AVENUE | health and fitness suite, indoor tennis centre, squash courts, swimming pool | 384 yd |
| Hare Street Community Primary School And Nursery HARE STREET COMMUNITY PRIMARY SCHOOL HARE STREET COMMUNITY PRIMARY SCHOOL LITTLE GROVE FIELD | grass pitches | 586 yd |
| Ripped Gym (Harlow) WYCH ELM | health and fitness suite | 665 yd |
| Northbrooks Harberts Road | grass pitches, tennis courts | 718 yd |
| St Marks West Essex Catholic School TRIPTON ROAD | grass pitches, health and fitness suite | 805 yd |
| The Dashes Playing Field (Closed) The Dashes | grass pitches | 825 yd |
| Harlow Sport Centre (Closed) Hammarskjold Road | health and fitness suite, squash courts | 915 yd |
This statistics are based on Active Places Data - Contains Data © Sport England
| Percentage of premises that have Superfast Broadband (30Mbit/s or greater) coverage from fixed broadband | 0.0% |
| Percentage of premises that have Ultrafast Broadband (100Mbit/s or greater) coverage from fixed broadband | 0.0% |
| Percentage of premises that have Ultrafast Broadband (300Mbit/s or greater) coverage from fixed broadband | 0.0% |
| Percentage of premises that have coverage from a Gigabit capable service from fixed broadband | 0.0% |
| Percentage of premises unable to receive 2Mbit/s | 0.0% |
| Percentage of premises unable to receive 5Mbit/s | 0.0% |
| Percentage of premises unable to receive 10Mbit/s | 0.0% |
| Percentage of premises unable to receive 30Mbit/s | 100.0% |
Broadband statistics are based on Ofcom's Communications Market Report (CMR) 2022.