Purleigh on the map

Purleigh built-up area

Built-up area0.3 km² (0.1 sq mi)

Location in EssexPurleigh 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 Purleigh

Purleigh is a village located in Essex, England, within the CM3 postcode area. It lies approximately three miles south of the town of Chelmsford and is part of the district of Maldon. The village features a mix of residential properties, including traditional houses and modern developments, providing a sense of community for its residents.

The surrounding countryside offers opportunities for walking and enjoying the outdoors. Purleigh is also home to a local primary school and a few small businesses, catering to the needs of the village. The area is well-connected, with nearby road access making it convenient for commuting to larger towns and cities in Essex.

School Ratings in Purleigh

There are 31 schools in and around Purleigh. A further 18 schools hold a Good rating.

House Prices in Purleigh

The average property price is £499K, with detached homes making up the majority of the housing stock at around £599K.

Crime and Anti-Social Behaviour in Purleigh

Recorded crime levels are lower than the national average. Burglary is prevalent across Purleigh, with 3 recorded incidents in April 2026.

Deprivation and Employment in Purleigh

Purleigh sits around the middle of the national deprivation scale, according to the 2025 Index of Multiple Deprivation. Employment levels are strong, with low rates of working-age exclusion from the labour market. Household incomes are broadly in line with the national average.

Healthcare in Purleigh

There are 4 GP surgeries within three miles of Purleigh, the nearest being Community Nursing Services (2.8 miles away).

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 Purleigh ONS 2023

The average total household income in Purleigh 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.

Purleigh £68,867
England & Wales avg. £55,302

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

Businesses in Purleigh ONS 2025

There are approximately 3,040 active businesses based in Purleigh, 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 Purleigh IMD 2025

Purleigh 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
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 Purleigh 18 crimes · April 2026

Low Crime Area

Purleigh records relatively low levels of reported crime compared to national averages. Violence & sexual offences is the most commonly logged offence type, though overall numbers remain modest. The area is generally considered a safe and settled town with a strong sense of community.

Violence & Sexual Offences 8
Burglary 3
Vehicle Crime 2
Anti-Social Behaviour 1
Criminal Damage & Arson 1
Drugs 1
Weapons 1
Public Order 1
Local Policing
Essex Purleigh 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

North Fambridge Train Station 2 miles
South Woodham Ferrers Train Station 3.5 miles
Althorne (Essex) Train Station 5.2 miles
Battlesbridge Train Station 5.6 miles
Hockley Train Station 6.1 miles
Hatfield Peverel Train Station 6.7 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 Purleigh

Of the 22,583 households in and around Purleigh, 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 Purleigh.

Frequently Asked Questions about Purleigh

What is the population of Purleigh?
Purleigh 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 Purleigh?
The average property in and around Purleigh 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 Purleigh a deprived area?
Purleigh 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 Purleigh?
Purleigh is covered by the CM3 postcode district.
How many schools are there in Purleigh?
There are 12 schools within easy reach of Purleigh, spanning primary, secondary and other phases.
Where is the nearest train station to Purleigh?
The nearest railway station to Purleigh is North Fambridge Train Station, about 2 miles away.