Living in Essex

Essex is a county in the east of England, known for its long coastline, low lying countryside and strong links to both London and the North Sea. Much of the landscape is shaped by farmland, estuaries and rivers, giving the county a varied and often open feel. Its position close to the capital has influenced growth and development, while many areas retain a distinct local character rooted in history and rural life.

The county includes towns such as Chelmsford, Colchester, Southend on Sea and Harlow, each with its own role within the wider area. Chelmsford serves as the county town, while Colchester is recognised for its long history and Roman origins. Elsewhere, coastal towns and inland settlements support a mix of commuting, local industry and long established communities.

Essex is shaped by its coastline and waterways, including estuaries such as the Thames and the Blackwater, which support wildlife, industry and leisure. Walking, boating and coastal activities are widely enjoyed, alongside farming and conservation. Overall, Essex offers a calm blend of coastal influence, historic settlement and modern everyday living, giving it a balanced and quietly distinctive place within England.

Largest Towns in Essex 12

Colchester
216.1K
Chelmsford
174.7K
Basildon
106.8K
Harlow
86.3K
Grays
73.5K
Brentwood
67.4K
Clacton-on-Sea
67.1K
Southend-on-Sea
64.9K
London
60.3K
Bishop's Stortford
54.1K
Leigh-on-Sea
50K
Benfleet
49.1K

Location

Elevation & Terrain

Lowest point Bath Side — 0 ft (0 m)
Highest point Broad Green — 433 ft (132 m)
Average across towns 190 ft (58 m)
Elevation range 433 ft (132 m)

Essex stretches from 0 ft at Bath Side up to 433 ft at Broad Green, a span of 433 ft across 960 towns and villages. This reflects notably varied terrain, with clear contrasts between lower valleys and higher ground.

Deprivation Index (IMD)

Average deprivation scores across 77 postcode areas in Essex. Higher deciles (closer to 10) indicate less deprivation.

Overall Deprivation
6/10
Income
6/10
Employment
6/10
Education
5/10
Health
7/10
Housing
4/10
Environment
6/10
580,568 Children (0-15) 19%
1,882,596 Working Age 61%
801,276 Older (60+) 26%

Places in Essex 960

A B C D E F G H I J K L M N O P Q R S T U V W Y
Vange
Young's End

Postcode Areas in Essex 9

Essex is served by 9 postcode areas. Each area contains multiple postcode districts covering different parts of the county.

CB 72 places
CM 486 places
CO 253 places
E 4 places
EN 16 places
IG 7 places
RM 32 places
SG 4 places
SS 86 places

Neighbouring Counties 6

Hertfordshire 31 miles away
Greater London 34 miles away
Suffolk 36 miles away
Kent 40 miles away
Cambridgeshire 43 miles away
Bedfordshire 45 miles away