Ely on the map

Ely built-up area

Built-up area5.4 km² (2.1 sq mi)

Location in CambridgeshireEly sits where the marker shows within the county.

68,870
Population
26,721
Households
7 / 10
Deprivation decile
Around average
12
Schools nearby
£59,574
Avg. household income
2,995
Businesses
152
People per km²
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About Ely

Ely is a small city located in Cambridgeshire, England, known for its impressive cathedral, which dates back to the 11th century. The Ely Cathedral, with its unique octagonal tower, is a prominent feature of the skyline and attracts visitors from all over. The city also has a variety of shops, cafés, and restaurants, providing a pleasant atmosphere for both locals and tourists.

The River Ouse runs through Ely, offering opportunities for leisurely walks along the water's edge. The city has a number of parks and green spaces, making it suitable for outdoor activities. Ely is well-connected by rail, with regular services to Cambridge and London, making it an accessible destination for day trips or longer stays. The local market, held weekly, showcases a range of produce and crafts, reflecting the community's spirit.

School Ratings in Ely

There are 22 schools in and around Ely. Soham Village College is rated Outstanding by Ofsted. A further 6 schools hold a Good rating.

House Prices in Ely

The average property price is £344K, with detached homes making up the majority of the housing stock at around £423K.

Crime and Anti-Social Behaviour in Ely

Recorded crime levels are lower than the national average. Anti-social behaviour is prevalent across Ely, with 22 recorded incidents in April 2026.

Deprivation and Employment in Ely

Ely sits around the middle of the national deprivation scale, according to the 2025 Index of Multiple Deprivation. Employment levels are broadly typical for the area, sitting close to the national average. Household incomes are broadly in line with the national average.

Healthcare in Ely

There are 4 GP surgeries within three miles of Ely, the nearest being St Mary's Surgery (0.5 miles away).

Property Prices 10,541 sales

Average Price £344K
£1K , £18.49M
Detached £423K 4,061
Semi £288K 2,790
Terraced £262K 2,419
Flat £191K 647

Household Income in Ely ONS 2023

The average total household income in Ely is approximately £59,574 a year before tax, 8% above the national average of £55,302. After tax and benefits, the average disposable (net) household income is around £43,318. These are modelled estimates from the Office for National Statistics for the financial year ending 2023.

Ely £59,574
England & Wales avg. £55,302

Net (after tax) household income averages £43,318.

Businesses in Ely ONS 2025

There are approximately 2,995 active businesses based in Ely, around 43 for every 1,000 residents. The local economy is dominated by small firms: about 89% are micro-businesses employing fewer than 10 people, while 63 are larger employers with 50 or more staff. Figures are from the Office for National Statistics UK Business Counts.

2,995 Total businesses
43 Per 1,000 residents
Micro, 0-9 89%
Small, 10-49 9%
Medium, 50-249 2%
Large, 250+ 0%

Deprivation and Employment in Ely IMD 2025

Ely sits around the national average for deprivation according to the 2025 Index of Multiple Deprivation. Employment and income levels are broadly typical, reflecting a mixed local economy. The area offers a balance of residential and commercial activity common to most parts of England.

Overall Deprivation
7/10
Income
7/10
Employment
7/10
Education
6/10
Health
8/10
Housing
5/10
Living Environment
6/10
Children 0-15 19%
Working age 61%
Older 65+ 20%
13,065 Children (0-15) 19%
42,181 Working Age 61%
13,647 Older (65+) 20%
Average Child Poverty (IDACI) 21.6% of children in income-deprived families
Average Older Person Poverty (IDAOPI) 13.3% of over-60s in income-deprived households
Data from English Indices of Deprivation 2025 · Contains public sector information licensed under the Open Government Licence v3.0

Crime in Ely 130 crimes · April 2026

Low Crime Area

Ely records relatively low levels of reported crime compared to national averages. Violence & sexual offences is the most commonly logged offence type, though overall numbers remain modest. The area is generally considered a safe and settled town with a strong sense of community.

Violence & Sexual Offences 34
Anti-Social Behaviour 22
Shoplifting 16
Criminal Damage & Arson 14
Other Theft 10
Burglary 9
Drugs 6
Other Crime 6
Public Order 4
Vehicle Crime 4
Bicycle Theft 2
Weapons 2
Theft from Person 1
Local Policing
Cambridgeshire East Cambridgeshire Visit force website →
Data from data.police.uk · Contains public sector information licensed under the Open Government Licence v3.0
Crime figures depend on reporting by individual police forces and may not reflect the full picture in all areas.

Nearest Train Stations 4 stations

Littleport Train Station 4.7 miles
Soham Train Station 5.3 miles
Shippea Hill Train Station 6.1 miles
Waterbeach Train Station 10 miles

Location

Local Government

District East Cambridgeshire
County Cambridgeshire
Ward Ely East
Constituency South East Cambridgeshire
Parish Ely
Region East of England

Home Ownership in Ely

Of the 29,184 households in and around Ely, 69% are owned, 14% are socially rented and 17% are privately rented. Home ownership here is higher than the England and Wales average of 63%.

Owned 69% Social rented 14% Private rented 17%

Tenure from the 2021 Census (ONS), for the postcode districts covering Ely.

Frequently Asked Questions about Ely

What is the population of Ely?
Ely has a population of approximately 68,870 residents, based on the latest census figures for the surrounding postcode area.
What is the average house price in Ely?
The average property in and around Ely sold for about £343,764, based on HM Land Registry Price Paid records. That is close to the England and Wales average of £349,091.
Is Ely a deprived area?
Ely sits around the national average for deprivation, with an Index of Multiple Deprivation decile of 7 out of 10, where 1 is the most deprived and 10 the least deprived.
What postcodes cover Ely?
Ely is covered by the CB6, CB7 postcode districts.
How many schools are there in Ely?
There are 12 schools within easy reach of Ely, spanning primary, secondary and other phases.
Where is the nearest train station to Ely?
The nearest railway station to Ely is Littleport Train Station, about 4.7 miles away.