Great Bentley on the map

Great Bentley built-up area

Built-up area0.9 km² (0.3 sq mi)

Location in EssexGreat Bentley 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 Great Bentley

Great Bentley is a village located in Essex, England, within the CO7 postcode area. It is situated approximately six miles south of Colchester and offers a mix of residential and rural life. The village has a primary school, local shops, and a few pubs, providing essential services to the community. Great Bentley is also known for its large village green, which serves as a gathering place for local events and activities.

The surrounding countryside features various walking paths and scenic views, making it suitable for outdoor enthusiasts. The village is well-connected by road and rail, with a nearby railway station that offers services to larger towns. Great Bentley is a place where residents enjoy a quieter pace of life while still having access to nearby urban amenities.

School Ratings in Great Bentley

Great Bentley is served by 26 schools. A further 11 schools hold a Good rating.

House Prices in Great Bentley

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 Great Bentley

Local crime rates sit lower than national averages. Criminal damage & arson accounts for the highest share in Great Bentley, with 5 incidents logged in May 2026.

Deprivation and Employment in Great Bentley

Based on the 2025 Index of Multiple Deprivation, Great Bentley 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 Great Bentley

There is 1 GP surgery within three miles of Great Bentley, the nearest being Great Bentley Surgery (0.3 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 Great Bentley ONS 2023

The average total household income in Great Bentley 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.

Great Bentley £59,164
England & Wales avg. £55,302

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

Businesses in Great Bentley ONS 2025

There are approximately 1,911 active businesses based in Great Bentley, 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 Great Bentley IMD 2025

The 2025 Index of Multiple Deprivation places Great Bentley 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.

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 Great Bentley 21 crimes · May 2026

Low Crime Area

Reported crime in Great Bentley 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.

Violence & Sexual Offences 12
Criminal Damage & Arson 5
Drugs 2
Public Order 1
Vehicle Crime 1
Local Policing
Essex Brightlingsea and St Osyth 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

Great Bentley Train Station 0.2 miles
Weeley Train Station 1.8 miles
Alresford (Essex) Train Station 3.1 miles
Thorpe-Le-Soken Train Station 4 miles
Wivenhoe Train Station 4.9 miles
Clacton-On-Sea Train Station 5.4 miles

Location

Local Government

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

Home Ownership in Great Bentley

Of the 15,448 households in and around Great Bentley, 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 Great Bentley.

Frequently Asked Questions about Great Bentley

What is the population of Great Bentley?
Great Bentley 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 Great Bentley?
The average property in and around Great Bentley 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 Great Bentley a deprived area?
Great Bentley 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 Great Bentley?
Great Bentley is covered by the CO7 postcode district.
How many schools are there in Great Bentley?
There are 12 schools within easy reach of Great Bentley, spanning primary, secondary and other phases.
Where is the nearest train station to Great Bentley?
The nearest railway station to Great Bentley is Great Bentley Train Station, about 0.2 miles away.