Grays on the map
Built-up area8.1 km² (3.1 sq mi)
Location in EssexGrays sits where the marker shows within the county.
About Grays
Grays is a town located in Essex, England, within the RM17 postcode area. It lies on the south bank of the River Thames and serves as a key commercial centre for the surrounding region. The town has a mix of residential and commercial areas, with various shops, restaurants, and services available to residents and visitors alike. Grays is well connected by public transport, including a railway station that provides easy access to London and other nearby towns.
The town also features several parks and recreational spaces, offering opportunities for outdoor activities. Notably, the nearby Lakeside Shopping Centre is a significant draw for shoppers, housing a wide range of retail outlets and dining options. Grays is also close to the historic town of Thurrock, which adds to its appeal for those interested in exploring the local area.
School Ratings in Grays
Grays is served by 122 schools. Quarry Hill Academy is rated Outstanding by Ofsted. A further 3 schools hold a Good rating.
House Prices in Grays
Property prices average £385K across the area, and terraced houses are the most common property type, typically selling for £316K.
Crime and Anti-Social Behaviour in Grays
Local crime rates sit higher than national averages. Shoplifting accounts for the highest share in Grays, with 101 incidents logged in April 2026.
Deprivation and Employment in Grays
Based on the 2025 Index of Multiple Deprivation, Grays 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 Grays
There are 28 GP surgeries within three miles of Grays, the nearest being Milton Road And The Grays Surgery (0.1 miles away).
Local Data for Grays
Dig deeper into the area around Grays with our free postcode tools.
Property Prices 9,515 sales
Schools & Education 12 nearby View all schools
Ofsted ratings for schools in the RM17 postcode area.
Household Income in Grays ONS 2023
The average total household income in Grays is approximately £59,361 a year before tax, 7% above the national average of £55,302. After tax and benefits, the average disposable (net) household income is around £45,092. These are modelled estimates from the Office for National Statistics for the financial year ending 2023.
Net (after tax) household income averages £45,092.
Businesses in Grays ONS 2025
There are approximately 3,509 active businesses based in Grays, around 43 for every 1,000 residents. The local economy is dominated by small firms: about 93% are micro-businesses employing fewer than 10 people, while 39 are larger employers with 50 or more staff. Figures are from the Office for National Statistics UK Business Counts.
Deprivation and Employment in Grays IMD 2025
The 2025 Index of Multiple Deprivation places Grays 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 Grays 656 crimes · April 2026
Reported crime in Grays is above the national average when measured per capita. Violence & sexual offences dominates the figures, a trend mirrored in many urban centres. Local policing teams work actively in the area, and community initiatives continue to address key concerns.
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 Grays
Of the 30,371 households in and around Grays, 63% are owned, 15% are socially rented and 21% are privately rented. Home ownership here is in line with the England and Wales average of 63%.
Tenure from the 2021 Census (ONS), for the postcode districts covering Grays.