Harlow on the map

Harlow built-up area

Built-up area19.7 km² (7.6 sq mi)

Location in EssexHarlow sits where the marker shows within the county.

97,930
Population
36,365
Households
4 / 10
Deprivation decile
Around average
12
Schools nearby
£55,927
Avg. household income
3,938
Businesses
1,475
People per km²
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About Harlow

Harlow is a town located in Essex, England, within the CM18 postcode area. It has a diverse population and offers a mix of residential and commercial areas. The town features several parks and green spaces, providing opportunities for outdoor activities and relaxation. Harlow is well-connected by road and rail, making it accessible for commuters and visitors alike.

The town centre includes a variety of shops, restaurants, and leisure facilities. Harlow also has a number of schools and educational institutions, catering to families in the area. Notable attractions include the Harlow Town Park, which is home to a range of recreational amenities, and the Harlow Playhouse, a venue for various performances and events. Overall, Harlow presents a practical option for those seeking a community-oriented environment with essential amenities.

School Ratings in Harlow

There are 76 schools in and around Harlow. A further 11 schools hold a Good rating.

House Prices in Harlow

The average property price is £367K, with terraced houses making up the majority of the housing stock at around £313K.

Crime and Anti-Social Behaviour in Harlow

Recorded crime levels are higher than the national average. Anti-social behaviour is prevalent across Harlow, with 104 recorded incidents in April 2026.

Deprivation and Employment in Harlow

Harlow sits around the middle of the national deprivation scale, according to the 2025 Index of Multiple Deprivation. Employment levels are broadly typical for the area, sitting close to the national average. Household incomes are broadly in line with the national average.

Healthcare in Harlow

There are 17 GP surgeries within three miles of Harlow, the nearest being Sydenham House Surgery (0.3 miles away).

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Property Prices 11,652 sales

Average Price £367K
£100 , £25.36M
Detached £556K 1,618
Semi £400K 1,783
Terraced £313K 5,119
Flat £213K 2,777

Household Income in Harlow ONS 2023

The average total household income in Harlow is approximately £55,927 a year before tax, in line with the national average of £55,302. After tax and benefits, the average disposable (net) household income is around £41,918. These are modelled estimates from the Office for National Statistics for the financial year ending 2023.

Harlow £55,927
England & Wales avg. £55,302

Net (after tax) household income averages £41,918.

Businesses in Harlow ONS 2025

There are approximately 3,938 active businesses based in Harlow, around 40 for every 1,000 residents. The local economy is dominated by small firms: about 89% are micro-businesses employing fewer than 10 people, while 73 are larger employers with 50 or more staff. Figures are from the Office for National Statistics UK Business Counts.

3,938 Total businesses
40 Per 1,000 residents
Micro, 0-9 89%
Small, 10-49 9%
Medium, 50-249 2%
Large, 250+ 0%

Deprivation and Employment in Harlow IMD 2025

Harlow sits around the national average for deprivation according to the 2025 Index of Multiple Deprivation. Employment and income levels are broadly typical, reflecting a mixed local economy. The area offers a balance of residential and commercial activity common to most parts of England.

Overall Deprivation
4/10
Income
4/10
Employment
4/10
Education
3/10
Health
6/10
Housing
6/10
Living Environment
7/10
Children 0-15 21%
Working age 64%
Older 65+ 15%
20,982 Children (0-15) 21%
62,319 Working Age 64%
14,629 Older (65+) 15%
Average Child Poverty (IDACI) 40.9% of children in income-deprived families
Average Older Person Poverty (IDAOPI) 22.2% 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 Harlow 848 crimes · April 2026

High Crime Area

Harlow sees higher than average levels of reported crime relative to its population. Violence & sexual offences represents the most frequently recorded category. This pattern is not uncommon in densely populated urban areas and does not necessarily reflect the experience of most residents.

Violence & Sexual Offences 311
Anti-Social Behaviour 104
Shoplifting 68
Other Theft 65
Public Order 57
Vehicle Crime 54
Criminal Damage & Arson 51
Drugs 44
Burglary 38
Bicycle Theft 17
Other Crime 16
Theft from Person 9
Weapons 8
Robbery 6
Local Policing
Essex Harlow Town Centre 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

Roydon Train Station 3.1 miles
Sawbridgeworth Train Station 4 miles
Rye House Train Station 4.3 miles
St Margarets (Herts) Train Station 4.8 miles
Broxbourne Train Station 5.2 miles
Ware (Herts) Train Station 6.5 miles

Location

Local Government

District Harlow
County Essex
Ward Old Harlow
Constituency Harlow
Parish Harlow, unparished area
Region East of England

Home Ownership in Harlow

Of the 39,718 households in and around Harlow, 56% are owned, 28% are socially rented and 15% are privately rented. Home ownership here is lower than the England and Wales average of 63%.

Owned 56% Social rented 28% Private rented 15%

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

Frequently Asked Questions about Harlow

What is the population of Harlow?
Harlow has a population of approximately 97,930 residents, based on the latest census figures for the surrounding postcode area.
What is the average house price in Harlow?
The average property in and around Harlow sold for about £367,250, based on HM Land Registry Price Paid records. That is around 5% above the England and Wales average of £349,091.
Is Harlow a deprived area?
Harlow 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 Harlow?
Harlow is covered by the CM17, CM18, CM19, CM20 postcode districts.
How many schools are there in Harlow?
There are 12 schools within easy reach of Harlow, spanning primary, secondary and other phases.
Where is the nearest train station to Harlow?
The nearest railway station to Harlow is Roydon Train Station, about 3.1 miles away.