Brightlingsea on the map
Built-up area2.2 km² (0.8 sq mi)
Location in EssexBrightlingsea sits where the marker shows within the county.
About Brightlingsea
Brightlingsea is a coastal town in Essex, England, located on the north bank of the River Colne estuary. It is known for its working fishing port and maritime heritage, with a mix of traditional and modern boats moored in the harbour. The town has a long history as a fishing community, and the annual Brightlingsea Seafood Festival celebrates this tradition with local produce and activities. The promenade offers views across the estuary and is popular with walkers and cyclists. The town centre features a range of independent shops, cafes, and pubs, many of which serve fresh seafood. Brightlingsea is easily accessible from the A12 and is served by regular bus services. The postcode area is CO7, and the town is part of the Colchester borough.
School Ratings in Brightlingsea
Brightlingsea is served by 20 schools. A further 11 schools hold a Good rating.
House Prices in Brightlingsea
Property prices average £381K across the area, and detached homes are the most common property type, typically selling for £470K.
Crime and Anti-Social Behaviour in Brightlingsea
Local crime rates sit lower than national averages. Public order accounts for the highest share in Brightlingsea, with 2 incidents logged in April 2026.
Deprivation and Employment in Brightlingsea
Based on the 2025 Index of Multiple Deprivation, Brightlingsea falls within the mid-range nationally for overall deprivation. Working-age employment is around the national average for the area. Income levels locally sit close to the national average.
Healthcare in Brightlingsea
There is 1 GP surgery within three miles of Brightlingsea, the nearest being Colne Medical Centre (0.5 miles away).
Local Data for Brightlingsea
Dig deeper into the area around Brightlingsea with our free postcode tools.
Property Prices 6,043 sales
Schools & Education 12 nearby View all schools
Ofsted ratings for schools in the CO7 postcode area.
Household Income in Brightlingsea ONS 2023
The average total household income in Brightlingsea 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.
Net (after tax) household income averages £43,654.
Businesses in Brightlingsea ONS 2025
There are approximately 1,911 active businesses based in Brightlingsea, 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.
Deprivation and Employment in Brightlingsea IMD 2025
The 2025 Index of Multiple Deprivation places Brightlingsea in the mid-range nationally. Employment and income levels are close to the England average, with a mix of opportunities across sectors. Overall living conditions are comparable to similar areas across the country.
Crime in Brightlingsea 13 crimes · April 2026
Reported crime in Brightlingsea falls below the national average, suggesting a comparatively safe environment. Violence & sexual offences tops the list of recorded incidents, but figures are low overall. Residents and visitors alike tend to find this a quiet and reassuring town.
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 Brightlingsea
Of the 15,448 households in and around Brightlingsea, 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%.
Tenure from the 2021 Census (ONS), for the postcode districts covering Brightlingsea.