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 £332K, with detached homes making up the majority of the housing stock at around £417K.

Crime and Anti-Social Behaviour in Ely

Recorded crime levels are lower than the national average. Other theft is prevalent across Ely, with 31 recorded incidents in January 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.

Broadband and Mobile Internet in Ely

Broadband speeds in Ely are generally strong, with superfast and ultrafast options widely available. Mobile coverage across 4G and 5G networks is reliable throughout most of the area. For the latest speed predictions, visit Ofcom's broadband checker.

Property Prices 10,909 sales

Average Price £332K
£1K £13.93M
Detached £417K 4,160
Semi £283K 2,910
Terraced £258K 2,565
Flat £194K 710

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
8,233 Children (0-15) 18%
27,976 Working Age 62%
12,004 Older (60+) 26%
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 152 crimes · January 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.

40 Violence & Sexual Offences
31 Other Theft
26 Anti-Social Behaviour
23 Shoplifting
7 Vehicle Crime
6 Burglary
5 Public Order
5 Other Crime
3 Criminal Damage & Arson
2 Drugs
2 Theft from Person
1 Bicycle Theft
1 Weapons
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

Notable & Famous People from Ely 10 people

Andrew Eldritch
Singer
British singer
Clive Woodward
Rugby union player
English rugby union coach and former player
Eluned Morgan
Politician
First Minister of Wales since 2024
Jack Hulbert
Screenwriter
British actor (1892-1978)
Julie Cox
Actor
British actress
Nick de Bois
Businessperson
British politician (born 1959)
Nicola Barker
Writer
English novelist
Robert Chartham
Writer
British sexologist (1911–1985)
Simon MacCorkindale
Screenwriter
British actor (1952–2010)
Stephen Conroy
Politician
Australian politician (born 1963)