Braintree on the map
Built-up area10.3 km² (4.0 sq mi)
Location in EssexBraintree sits where the marker shows within the county.
About Braintree
Braintree is a market town in the county of Essex, located in the east of England. It lies within the CM7 postcode area and is situated near the A120 road, making it accessible from nearby towns and cities. The town has a long history, with evidence of settlement dating back to Roman times, and it retains a traditional market square at its heart. Braintree is known for its weekly market, which has been held for centuries, and the surrounding area offers a mix of historic buildings and modern amenities. The town is part of the Braintree district, which includes several smaller villages and rural communities. It is approximately 40 miles northeast of London, and the nearest major railway station is at Witham, about 6 miles away. The local economy includes a range of retail, service, and light industrial businesses.
School Ratings in Braintree
There are 29 schools in and around Braintree. A further 10 schools hold a Good rating.
House Prices in Braintree
The average property price is £340K, with semi-detached homes making up the majority of the housing stock at around £318K.
Crime and Anti-Social Behaviour in Braintree
Recorded crime levels are broadly in line with the national average. Anti-social behaviour is prevalent across Braintree, with 61 recorded incidents in May 2026.
Deprivation and Employment in Braintree
Braintree 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 Braintree
There are 9 GP surgeries within three miles of Braintree, the nearest being Blyth's Meadow Surgery (0.4 miles away).
Local Data for Braintree
Dig deeper into the area around Braintree with our free postcode tools.
Property Prices 7,292 sales
Schools & Education 12 nearby View all schools
Ofsted ratings for schools in the CM7 postcode area.
Household Income in Braintree ONS 2023
The average total household income in Braintree is approximately £67,150 a year before tax, 21% above the national average of £55,302. After tax and benefits, the average disposable (net) household income is around £45,509. These are modelled estimates from the Office for National Statistics for the financial year ending 2023.
Net (after tax) household income averages £45,509.
Businesses in Braintree ONS 2025
There are approximately 733 active businesses based in Braintree, around 15 for every 1,000 residents. The local economy is dominated by small firms: about 93% are micro-businesses employing fewer than 10 people, while 11 are larger employers with 50 or more staff. Figures are from the Office for National Statistics UK Business Counts.
Deprivation and Employment in Braintree IMD 2025
Braintree 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.
Crime in Braintree 349 crimes · May 2026
Reported crime levels in Braintree sit broadly in line with national averages for a town of this size. Violence & sexual offences 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.
Crime figures depend on reporting by individual police forces and may not reflect the full picture in all areas.
Nearest Train Stations 6 stations
Location
Nearby Towns & Villages 12 found
Local Government
Home Ownership in Braintree
Of the 6,565 households in and around Braintree, 80% are owned, 10% are socially rented and 10% are privately rented. Home ownership here is higher than the England and Wales average of 63%.
Tenure from the 2021 Census (ONS), for the postcode districts covering Braintree.