Ardleigh on the map

Ardleigh built-up area

Built-up area0.7 km² (0.3 sq mi)

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

37,182
Population
14,018
Households
7 / 10
Deprivation decile
Around average
12
Schools nearby
£59,164
Avg. household income
1,911
Businesses
254
People per km²
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About Ardleigh

Ardleigh is a village located in the county of Essex, in the east of England. It lies within the CO7 postcode area and is situated near the River Blackwater, which forms part of the boundary between Essex and Suffolk. The village has a long history, with evidence of settlement dating back to the Anglo-Saxon period. Ardleigh is known for its rural setting and traditional English countryside character, with a mix of residential properties and open fields. The parish church, St Mary’s, is a notable local landmark and reflects the area’s historical roots. The village is accessible by road, with nearby junctions on the A120 providing connections to larger towns such as Colchester and Chelmsford. Ardleigh remains a quiet, community-focused place with a strong sense of local identity.

School Ratings in Ardleigh

There are 51 schools in and around Ardleigh. A further 11 schools hold a Good rating.

House Prices in Ardleigh

The average property price is £381K, with detached homes making up the majority of the housing stock at around £470K.

Crime and Anti-Social Behaviour in Ardleigh

Recorded crime levels are lower than the national average. Public order is prevalent across Ardleigh, with 2 recorded incidents in April 2026.

Deprivation and Employment in Ardleigh

Ardleigh 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 Ardleigh

There are 9 GP surgeries within three miles of Ardleigh, the nearest being The Ardleigh Surgery (0.1 miles away).

Property Prices 6,043 sales

Average Price £381K
£100 , £9M
Detached £470K 2,689
Semi £302K 1,819
Terraced £277K 811
Flat £206K 412

Household Income in Ardleigh ONS 2023

The average total household income in Ardleigh is approximately £59,164 a year before tax, 7% above the national average of £55,302. After tax and benefits, the average disposable (net) household income is around £43,654. These are modelled estimates from the Office for National Statistics for the financial year ending 2023.

Ardleigh £59,164
England & Wales avg. £55,302

Net (after tax) household income averages £43,654.

Businesses in Ardleigh ONS 2025

There are approximately 1,911 active businesses based in Ardleigh, around 51 for every 1,000 residents. The local economy is dominated by small firms: about 91% are micro-businesses employing fewer than 10 people, while 30 are larger employers with 50 or more staff. Figures are from the Office for National Statistics UK Business Counts.

1,911 Total businesses
51 Per 1,000 residents
Micro, 0-9 91%
Small, 10-49 8%
Medium, 50-249 1%
Large, 250+ 0%

Deprivation and Employment in Ardleigh IMD 2025

Ardleigh 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
7/10
Housing
2/10
Living Environment
6/10
Children 0-15 16%
Working age 59%
Older 65+ 25%
5,807 Children (0-15) 16%
21,972 Working Age 59%
9,393 Older (65+) 25%
Average Child Poverty (IDACI) 21.7% of children in income-deprived families
Above Average Older Person Poverty (IDAOPI) 9.4% 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 Ardleigh 13 crimes · April 2026

Low Crime Area

Ardleigh 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 5
Public Order 2
Shoplifting 2
Anti-Social Behaviour 1
Burglary 1
Drugs 1
Other Theft 1
Local Policing
Essex Harwich and Manningtree 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 6 stations

Manningtree Train Station 3.1 miles
Hythe (Essex) Train Station 4 miles
Mistley Train Station 4.2 miles
Colchester Train Station 4.4 miles
Colchester Town Train Station 4.5 miles
Wivenhoe Train Station 5 miles

Location

Local Government

District Tendring
County Essex
Ward Brightlingsea
Constituency Harwich and North Essex
Parish Brightlingsea
Region East of England

Home Ownership in Ardleigh

Of the 15,448 households in and around Ardleigh, 79% are owned, 6% are socially rented and 15% are privately rented. Home ownership here is higher than the England and Wales average of 63%.

Owned 79% Social rented 6% Private rented 15%

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

Frequently Asked Questions about Ardleigh

What is the population of Ardleigh?
Ardleigh has a population of approximately 37,182 residents, based on the latest census figures for the surrounding postcode area.
What is the average house price in Ardleigh?
The average property in and around Ardleigh sold for about £381,186, based on HM Land Registry Price Paid records. That is around 9% above the England and Wales average of £349,091.
Is Ardleigh a deprived area?
Ardleigh 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 Ardleigh?
Ardleigh is covered by the CO7 postcode district.
How many schools are there in Ardleigh?
There are 12 schools within easy reach of Ardleigh, spanning primary, secondary and other phases.
Where is the nearest train station to Ardleigh?
The nearest railway station to Ardleigh is Manningtree Train Station, about 3.1 miles away.