Great Leighs on the map

Great Leighs built-up area

Built-up area0.7 km² (0.3 sq mi)

Location in EssexGreat Leighs sits where the marker shows within the county.

55,296
Population
21,548
Households
7 / 10
Deprivation decile
Around average
12
Schools nearby
£68,867
Avg. household income
3,040
Businesses
227
People per km²
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About Great Leighs

Great Leighs is a village located in Essex, England, within the CM3 postcode area. It is situated approximately six miles northeast of Chelmsford, making it accessible for those looking to explore the surrounding areas. The village features a mix of residential properties and local amenities, including a primary school and a few shops, catering to the needs of its residents.

One notable aspect of Great Leighs is its proximity to the Great Leighs Racecourse, which hosts various horse racing events throughout the year. The surrounding countryside offers opportunities for walking and enjoying the outdoors, with several routes available for those who appreciate nature. Overall, Great Leighs provides a peaceful environment while remaining close to larger towns and facilities.

School Ratings in Great Leighs

Great Leighs is served by 31 schools. A further 18 schools hold a Good rating.

House Prices in Great Leighs

Property prices average £499K across the area, and detached homes are the most common property type, typically selling for £599K.

Crime and Anti-Social Behaviour in Great Leighs

Local crime rates sit lower than national averages. Criminal damage & arson accounts for the highest share in Great Leighs, with 3 incidents logged in May 2026.

Deprivation and Employment in Great Leighs

Based on the 2025 Index of Multiple Deprivation, Great Leighs falls within the mid-range nationally for overall deprivation. The area benefits from strong employment, with few residents involuntarily out of work. Income levels locally sit close to the national average.

Property Prices 7,489 sales

Average Price £499K
£700 , £33.95M
Detached £599K 3,681
Semi £389K 1,773
Terraced £311K 1,081
Flat £203K 624

Household Income in Great Leighs ONS 2023

The average total household income in Great Leighs is approximately £68,867 a year before tax, 25% above the national average of £55,302. After tax and benefits, the average disposable (net) household income is around £48,289. These are modelled estimates from the Office for National Statistics for the financial year ending 2023.

Great Leighs £68,867
England & Wales avg. £55,302

Net (after tax) household income averages £48,289.

Businesses in Great Leighs ONS 2025

There are approximately 3,040 active businesses based in Great Leighs, around 55 for every 1,000 residents. The local economy is dominated by small firms: about 90% are micro-businesses employing fewer than 10 people, while 31 are larger employers with 50 or more staff. Figures are from the Office for National Statistics UK Business Counts.

3,040 Total businesses
55 Per 1,000 residents
Micro, 0-9 90%
Small, 10-49 9%
Medium, 50-249 1%
Large, 250+ 0%

Deprivation and Employment in Great Leighs IMD 2025

The 2025 Index of Multiple Deprivation places Great Leighs 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
8/10
Education
6/10
Health
8/10
Housing
2/10
Living Environment
6/10
Children 0-15 18%
Working age 59%
Older 65+ 23%
9,935 Children (0-15) 18%
33,664 Working Age 59%
13,090 Older (65+) 23%
Average Child Poverty (IDACI) 21% of children in income-deprived families
Above Average Older Person Poverty (IDAOPI) 9.7% 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 Great Leighs 58 crimes · May 2026

Low Crime Area

Reported crime in Great Leighs 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 46
Criminal Damage & Arson 3
Burglary 2
Drugs 2
Anti-Social Behaviour 1
Bicycle Theft 1
Other Theft 1
Shoplifting 1
Vehicle Crime 1
Local Policing
Essex North Chelmsford 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

Cressing (Essex) Train Station 3.6 miles
Braintree Train Station 3.9 miles
White Notley Train Station 4.1 miles
Braintree Freeport Train Station 4.1 miles
Hatfield Peverel Train Station 5.2 miles
Witham Train Station 6.1 miles

Location

Local Government

District Chelmsford
County Essex
Ward Broomfield and The Walthams
Constituency Saffron Walden
Parish Little Waltham
Region East of England

Home Ownership in Great Leighs

Of the 22,583 households in and around Great Leighs, 78% are owned, 10% are socially rented and 12% are privately rented. Home ownership here is higher than the England and Wales average of 63%.

Owned 78% Social rented 10% Private rented 12%

Tenure from the 2021 Census (ONS), for the postcode districts covering Great Leighs.

Frequently Asked Questions about Great Leighs

What is the population of Great Leighs?
Great Leighs has a population of approximately 55,296 residents, based on the latest census figures for the surrounding postcode area.
What is the average house price in Great Leighs?
The average property in and around Great Leighs sold for about £498,764, based on HM Land Registry Price Paid records. That is around 43% above the England and Wales average of £349,091.
Is Great Leighs a deprived area?
Great Leighs 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 Leighs?
Great Leighs is covered by the CM3 postcode district.
How many schools are there in Great Leighs?
There are 12 schools within easy reach of Great Leighs, spanning primary, secondary and other phases.
Where is the nearest train station to Great Leighs?
The nearest railway station to Great Leighs is Cressing (Essex) Train Station, about 3.6 miles away.