Canvey Island on the map

Canvey Island built-up area

Built-up area9.2 km² (3.6 sq mi)

Location in EssexCanvey Island sits where the marker shows within the county.

38,323
Population
15,871
Households
4 / 10
Deprivation decile
Around average
12
Schools nearby
£48,039
Avg. household income
1,180
Businesses
2,141
People per km²
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About Canvey Island

Canvey Island is located in the county of Essex, in the eastern part of England, and falls within the SS8 postcode area. It is a low-lying island in the Thames Estuary, connected to the mainland by a series of roads and bridges. The island is known for its flat landscape and coastal environment, with a mix of residential areas and industrial sites. It has a long history of land reclamation and flood defence, particularly following the devastating 1953 North Sea flood. The island is home to a diverse community and features several local amenities, including parks, sports facilities, and a small shopping centre. Its proximity to London and the M25 motorway makes it accessible for commuters. Canvey Island has a distinct character shaped by its maritime heritage and ongoing efforts to manage its relationship with the surrounding water.

School Ratings in Canvey Island

Families in Canvey Island have access to 81 local schools. A further 7 schools hold a Good rating.

House Prices in Canvey Island

Homes sell for an average of £308K locally. Most of the housing is made up of detached homes, averaging £334K.

Crime and Anti-Social Behaviour in Canvey Island

Crime in the area is broadly in line with the national average. Anti-social behaviour is the leading concern across Canvey Island, with 66 incidents recorded in April 2026.

Deprivation and Employment in Canvey Island

The 2025 Index of Multiple Deprivation places Canvey Island around the national average for deprivation. Employment rates locally are in line with what is seen across England. Average incomes in the area are typical for England.

Healthcare in Canvey Island

There are 16 GP surgeries within three miles of Canvey Island, the nearest being Third Avenue Health Centre (0.3 miles away).

Property Prices 4,837 sales

Average Price £308K
£500 , £11.92M
Detached £334K 2,342
Semi £291K 1,553
Terraced £265K 560
Flat £186K 243

Household Income in Canvey Island ONS 2023

The average total household income in Canvey Island is approximately £48,039 a year before tax, 13% below the national average of £55,302. After tax and benefits, the average disposable (net) household income is around £36,137. These are modelled estimates from the Office for National Statistics for the financial year ending 2023.

Canvey Island £48,039
England & Wales avg. £55,302

Net (after tax) household income averages £36,137.

Businesses in Canvey Island ONS 2025

There are approximately 1,180 active businesses based in Canvey Island, around 31 for every 1,000 residents. The local economy is dominated by small firms: about 91% are micro-businesses employing fewer than 10 people, while 10 are larger employers with 50 or more staff. Figures are from the Office for National Statistics UK Business Counts.

1,180 Total businesses
31 Per 1,000 residents
Micro, 0-9 91%
Small, 10-49 8%
Medium, 50-249 1%
Large, 250+ 0%

Deprivation and Employment in Canvey Island IMD 2025

Deprivation levels in Canvey Island are around the national average based on the 2025 Index of Multiple Deprivation. Employment is accessible for most residents and household incomes reflect the broader national picture. The area maintains a steady balance between affordability and quality of life.

Overall Deprivation
4/10
Income
4/10
Employment
4/10
Education
2/10
Health
4/10
Housing
4/10
Living Environment
6/10
Children 0-15 17%
Working age 57%
Older 65+ 26%
6,622 Children (0-15) 17%
21,926 Working Age 57%
9,780 Older (65+) 26%
Average Child Poverty (IDACI) 41.9% of children in income-deprived families
Average Older Person Poverty (IDAOPI) 17.7% 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 Canvey Island 288 crimes · April 2026

Average Crime Area

Crime in Canvey Island is around the national average, with violence & sexual offences representing the most common offence type. These figures are characteristic of a town with an active centre and diverse population, and are neither unusually high nor particularly low.

Violence & Sexual Offences 114
Anti-Social Behaviour 66
Criminal Damage & Arson 33
Other Theft 14
Public Order 12
Shoplifting 12
Burglary 8
Drugs 7
Other Crime 7
Bicycle Theft 5
Robbery 5
Vehicle Crime 4
Weapons 1
Local Policing
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

Benfleet Train Station 1.5 miles
Leigh-On-Sea Train Station 3.2 miles
Pitsea Train Station 3.8 miles
Chalkwell Train Station 4.4 miles
Rayleigh Train Station 4.8 miles
Westcliff Train Station 5.3 miles

Location

Local Government

District Castle Point
County Essex
Ward Canvey Island South
Constituency Castle Point
Parish Canvey Island
Region East of England

Home Ownership in Canvey Island

Of the 16,170 households in and around Canvey Island, 76% are owned, 8% are socially rented and 17% are privately rented. Home ownership here is higher than the England and Wales average of 63%.

Owned 76% Social rented 8% Private rented 17%

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

Frequently Asked Questions about Canvey Island

What is the population of Canvey Island?
Canvey Island has a population of approximately 38,323 residents, based on the latest census figures for the surrounding postcode area.
What is the average house price in Canvey Island?
The average property in and around Canvey Island sold for about £307,949, based on HM Land Registry Price Paid records. That is around 12% below the England and Wales average of £349,091.
Is Canvey Island a deprived area?
Canvey Island sits around the national average for deprivation, with an Index of Multiple Deprivation decile of 4 out of 10, where 1 is the most deprived and 10 the least deprived.
What postcodes cover Canvey Island?
Canvey Island is covered by the SS8 postcode district.
How many schools are there in Canvey Island?
There are 12 schools within easy reach of Canvey Island, spanning primary, secondary and other phases.
Where is the nearest train station to Canvey Island?
The nearest railway station to Canvey Island is Benfleet Train Station, about 1.5 miles away.