Brightling on the map

Location in East SussexBrightling sits where the marker shows within the county.

4,620
Population
2,031
Households
5 / 10
Deprivation decile
Around average
12
Schools nearby
£60,699
Avg. household income
362
Businesses
68
People per km²
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About Brightling

Brightling is a small village located in East Sussex, within the county of England. It lies in the Weald, a region known for its rolling hills and rural character. The village is situated near the A22 road, providing access to nearby towns and cities. Brightling is part of the TN32 postcode area, which covers a rural stretch of the county. The area is predominantly agricultural, with open fields and scattered woodland contributing to its peaceful atmosphere. The village has a long history, with evidence of settlement dating back to the Anglo-Saxon period. While small in size, Brightling maintains a sense of community, with local amenities including a church and a village hall. Its location offers easy access to the South Downs National Park, making it a convenient base for walking and exploring the surrounding countryside.

School Ratings in Brightling

There are 13 schools in and around Brightling. Mountfield Heath School is rated Outstanding by Ofsted. A further 2 schools hold a Good rating.

House Prices in Brightling

The average property price is £531K, with detached homes making up the majority of the housing stock at around £666K.

Crime and Anti-Social Behaviour in Brightling

Recorded crime levels are broadly in line with the national average. Anti-social behaviour is prevalent across Brightling, with 10 recorded incidents in May 2026.

Deprivation and Employment in Brightling

Brightling 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 Brightling

There is 1 GP surgery within three miles of Brightling, the nearest being Fairfield Surgery (2.1 miles away).

Property Prices 600 sales

Average Price £531K
£4K , £4.86M
Detached £666K 238
Semi £385K 149
Terraced £318K 122
Flat £216K 17

Household Income in Brightling ONS 2023

The average total household income in Brightling is approximately £60,699 a year before tax, 10% above the national average of £55,302. After tax and benefits, the average disposable (net) household income is around £44,713. These are modelled estimates from the Office for National Statistics for the financial year ending 2023.

Brightling £60,699
England & Wales avg. £55,302

Net (after tax) household income averages £44,713.

Businesses in Brightling ONS 2025

There are approximately 362 active businesses based in Brightling, around 78 for every 1,000 residents. The local economy is dominated by small firms: about 91% are micro-businesses employing fewer than 10 people, while 3 are larger employers with 50 or more staff. Figures are from the Office for National Statistics UK Business Counts.

362 Total businesses
78 Per 1,000 residents
Micro, 0-9 91%
Small, 10-49 8%
Medium, 50-249 1%
Large, 250+ 0%

Deprivation and Employment in Brightling IMD 2025

Brightling 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
5/10
Income
6/10
Employment
6/10
Education
6/10
Health
6/10
Housing
1/10
Living Environment
4/10
Children 0-15 18%
Working age 56%
Older 65+ 26%
834 Children (0-15) 18%
2,588 Working Age 56%
1,197 Older (65+) 26%
Average Child Poverty (IDACI) 27.9% of children in income-deprived families
Average Older Person Poverty (IDAOPI) 10.6% 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 Brightling 32 crimes · May 2026

Average Crime Area

Reported crime levels in Brightling sit broadly in line with national averages for a village of this size. Anti-social behaviour accounts for the largest share of recorded offences. The profile is typical of a well-populated area with a mix of residential and commercial activity.

Anti-Social Behaviour 10
Violence & Sexual Offences 10
Public Order 6
Criminal Damage & Arson 4
Drugs 1
Other Theft 1
Local Policing
Sussex Darwell, Burwash, Brightling, Mountfield, Dallington and Whatlington
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 6 stations

Robertsbridge Train Station 3.2 miles
Etchingham Train Station 3.5 miles
Stonegate Train Station 3.8 miles
Battle Train Station 5.7 miles
Crowhurst Train Station 7.2 miles
Wadhurst Train Station 8.1 miles

Location

Local Government

District Rother
County East Sussex
Ward Robertsbridge
Constituency Bexhill and Battle
Parish Salehurst and Robertsbridge
Region South East

Home Ownership in Brightling

Of the 1,839 households in and around Brightling, 76% are owned, 11% are socially rented and 13% are privately rented. Home ownership here is higher than the England and Wales average of 63%.

Owned 76% Social rented 11% Private rented 13%

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

Frequently Asked Questions about Brightling

What is the population of Brightling?
Brightling has a population of approximately 4,620 residents, based on the latest census figures for the surrounding postcode area.
What is the average house price in Brightling?
The average property in and around Brightling sold for about £531,352, based on HM Land Registry Price Paid records. That is around 52% above the England and Wales average of £349,091.
Is Brightling a deprived area?
Brightling sits around the national average for deprivation, with an Index of Multiple Deprivation decile of 5 out of 10, where 1 is the most deprived and 10 the least deprived.
What postcodes cover Brightling?
Brightling is covered by the TN32 postcode district.
How many schools are there in Brightling?
There are 12 schools within easy reach of Brightling, spanning primary, secondary and other phases.
Where is the nearest train station to Brightling?
The nearest railway station to Brightling is Robertsbridge Train Station, about 3.2 miles away.