Essex spans about 3,648 km² (1,409 sq mi) in England.
Outline from Office for National Statistics and Ordnance Survey data, Open Government Licence v3.0.
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.
Essex at a Glance
House Prices in Essex
The average sold price in Essex is £404,470 across 62,116 recorded sales, making it the 10th most expensive of 69 counties.
Source: HM Land Registry Price Paid Data. Figures are averages of recorded sales.
People & Demographics
Age structure
Housing tenure
Source: ONS Census 2021 and model-based income estimates.
Schools in Essex 666
Source: Department for Education and Ofsted.
Amenities & Getting Around
Source: NHS, National Rail and Open Charge Map.
Frequently Asked Questions
How much are houses in Essex?
The average sold price in Essex is around £404,470. A detached home averages £549,539, a terraced home £317,685 and a flat £217,552.
What is the population of Essex?
Essex has a population of about 1,879,394 people, at a density of 515 per square kilometre.
What is the average income in Essex?
The average household income in Essex is around £60,031 a year.
How many schools are there in Essex?
There are 666 schools in Essex.
Largest Towns in Essex 12
Location
Elevation & Terrain
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.
Main Towns in Essex 60
Essex has 960 towns, villages and localities in total. The main towns are shown below. You can also browse the full A to Z of every place in Essex.
Postcode Areas in Essex 9
Essex is served by 9 postcode areas. Each area contains multiple postcode districts covering different parts of the county.