Layer Breton on the map

Layer Breton built-up area

Built-up area0.4 km² (0.2 sq mi)

Location in EssexLayer Breton sits where the marker shows within the county.

40,954
Population
13,601
Households
5 / 10
Deprivation decile
Around average
12
Schools nearby
£58,488
Avg. household income
1,061
Businesses
854
People per km²
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About Layer Breton

Layer Breton is a small village located in Essex, England, within the CO2 postcode area. It is situated approximately three miles from the city of Colchester, making it a convenient location for those seeking a quieter lifestyle while still having access to urban amenities. The village features a mix of residential properties and open countryside, providing a pleasant environment for residents and visitors alike.

The local community is served by essential amenities, including a primary school and a few small shops. Layer Breton is also close to various walking paths and green spaces, allowing for outdoor activities and leisurely strolls. The village's proximity to Colchester means that residents can easily enjoy the historical attractions and services offered by the larger town while returning to the peaceful atmosphere of Layer Breton at the end of the day.

School Ratings in Layer Breton

Families in Layer Breton have access to 48 local schools. A further 14 schools hold a Good rating.

House Prices in Layer Breton

Homes sell for an average of £278K locally. Most of the housing is made up of terraced houses, averaging £255K.

Crime and Anti-Social Behaviour in Layer Breton

Crime in the area is higher than the national average. Anti-social behaviour is the leading concern across Layer Breton, with 91 incidents recorded in May 2026.

Deprivation and Employment in Layer Breton

The 2025 Index of Multiple Deprivation places Layer Breton 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.

Property Prices 5,485 sales

Average Price £278K
£1K , £6.01M
Detached £425K 838
Semi £291K 1,331
Terraced £255K 1,627
Flat £178K 1,494

Household Income in Layer Breton ONS 2023

The average total household income in Layer Breton is approximately £58,488 a year before tax, 6% above the national average of £55,302. After tax and benefits, the average disposable (net) household income is around £42,753. These are modelled estimates from the Office for National Statistics for the financial year ending 2023.

Layer Breton £58,488
England & Wales avg. £55,302

Net (after tax) household income averages £42,753.

Businesses in Layer Breton ONS 2025

There are approximately 1,061 active businesses based in Layer Breton, around 26 for every 1,000 residents. The local economy is dominated by small firms: about 90% are micro-businesses employing fewer than 10 people, while 18 are larger employers with 50 or more staff. Figures are from the Office for National Statistics UK Business Counts.

1,061 Total businesses
26 Per 1,000 residents
Micro, 0-9 90%
Small, 10-49 9%
Medium, 50-249 2%
Large, 250+ 0%

Deprivation and Employment in Layer Breton IMD 2025

Deprivation levels in Layer Breton 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
5/10
Income
5/10
Employment
5/10
Education
5/10
Health
4/10
Housing
5/10
Living Environment
7/10
Children 0-15 21%
Working age 66%
Older 65+ 13%
8,716 Children (0-15) 21%
26,960 Working Age 66%
5,287 Older (65+) 13%
Average Child Poverty (IDACI) 38.1% of children in income-deprived families
Average Older Person Poverty (IDAOPI) 25.3% 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 Layer Breton 714 crimes · May 2026

High Crime Area

Crime figures for Layer Breton are higher than the England and Wales average, with violence & sexual offences the most prevalent offence recorded. Urban density and footfall contribute to elevated reporting in areas like this. Ongoing investment in policing and community safety programmes aims to improve the picture.

Violence & Sexual Offences 317
Anti-Social Behaviour 91
Shoplifting 77
Public Order 59
Other Theft 43
Criminal Damage & Arson 31
Vehicle Crime 21
Drugs 16
Other Crime 16
Weapons 12
Burglary 10
Robbery 10
Bicycle Theft 7
Theft from Person 4
Local Policing
Essex Colchester Rural South 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

Marks Tey Train Station 3.8 miles
Kelvedon Train Station 5.1 miles
Colchester Town Train Station 5.2 miles
Hythe (Essex) Train Station 5.6 miles
Colchester Train Station 5.7 miles
Wivenhoe Train Station 6 miles

Location

Local Government

District Colchester
County Essex
Ward Berechurch
Constituency Colchester
Parish Colchester, unparished area
Region East of England

Home Ownership in Layer Breton

Of the 16,457 households in and around Layer Breton, 55% are owned, 18% are socially rented and 27% are privately rented. Home ownership here is lower than the England and Wales average of 63%.

Owned 55% Social rented 18% Private rented 27%

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

Frequently Asked Questions about Layer Breton

What is the population of Layer Breton?
Layer Breton has a population of approximately 40,954 residents, based on the latest census figures for the surrounding postcode area.
What is the average house price in Layer Breton?
The average property in and around Layer Breton sold for about £277,682, based on HM Land Registry Price Paid records. That is around 20% below the England and Wales average of £349,091.
Is Layer Breton a deprived area?
Layer Breton sits around the national average for deprivation, with an Index of Multiple Deprivation decile of 5 out of 10, where 1 is the most deprived and 10 the least deprived.
What postcodes cover Layer Breton?
Layer Breton is covered by the CO2 postcode district.
How many schools are there in Layer Breton?
There are 12 schools within easy reach of Layer Breton, spanning primary, secondary and other phases.
Where is the nearest train station to Layer Breton?
The nearest railway station to Layer Breton is Marks Tey Train Station, about 3.8 miles away.