Rayleigh on the map
Built-up area8.6 km² (3.3 sq mi)
Location in EssexRayleigh sits where the marker shows within the county.
About Rayleigh
Rayleigh is a town located in Essex, England, within the SS6 postcode area. It has a mix of residential and commercial areas, offering a variety of shops, cafes, and services for local residents and visitors. The town centre features a selection of high street retailers alongside independent businesses, providing a range of options for shopping and dining.
One notable feature of Rayleigh is its historical architecture, including the 13th-century St. Nicholas Church, which is a prominent landmark in the area. The town is also home to Rayleigh Mount, a site that offers views of the surrounding landscape and serves as a reminder of the town's past. With its community events and local amenities, Rayleigh serves as a practical base for those exploring Essex.
School Ratings in Rayleigh
Rayleigh is served by 134 schools. A further 5 schools hold a Good rating.
House Prices in Rayleigh
Property prices average £428K across the area, and semi-detached homes are the most common property type, typically selling for £383K.
Crime and Anti-Social Behaviour in Rayleigh
Local crime rates sit broadly in line with national averages. Anti-social behaviour accounts for the highest share in Rayleigh, with 25 incidents logged in April 2026.
Deprivation and Employment in Rayleigh
Rayleigh falls within the least deprived areas nationally, based on the 2025 Index of Multiple Deprivation. The area benefits from strong employment, with few residents involuntarily out of work. Income levels across the area tend to be higher than the national average.
Healthcare in Rayleigh
There are 25 GP surgeries within three miles of Rayleigh, the nearest being Audley Mills Surgery (0.5 miles away).
Local Data for Rayleigh
Dig deeper into the area around Rayleigh with our free postcode tools.
Property Prices 4,637 sales
Schools & Education 134 within 5 miles View all schools
Ofsted ratings for schools in the SS6 postcode area.
Household Income in Rayleigh ONS 2023
The average total household income in Rayleigh is approximately £64,299 a year before tax, 16% above the national average of £55,302. After tax and benefits, the average disposable (net) household income is around £44,326. These are modelled estimates from the Office for National Statistics for the financial year ending 2023.
Net (after tax) household income averages £44,326.
Businesses in Rayleigh ONS 2025
There are approximately 1,452 active businesses based in Rayleigh, around 43 for every 1,000 residents. The local economy is dominated by small firms: about 89% are micro-businesses employing fewer than 10 people, while 19 are larger employers with 50 or more staff. Figures are from the Office for National Statistics UK Business Counts.
Deprivation and Employment in Rayleigh IMD 2025
The 2025 Index of Multiple Deprivation ranks Rayleigh among the least deprived parts of England. Residents generally enjoy good access to employment and higher than average household incomes. Education and health outcomes in the area also compare favourably with the rest of the country.
Crime in Rayleigh 219 crimes · April 2026
Rayleigh experiences crime rates that are roughly comparable to the national picture. Violence & sexual offences is the most reported category, consistent with broader patterns across similar communities. Day-to-day life here reflects the usual mix of challenges found in any established town.
Crime figures depend on reporting by individual police forces and may not reflect the full picture in all areas.
Nearest Train Stations 6 stations
Location
Nearby Towns & Villages 12 found
Local Government
Home Ownership in Rayleigh
Of the 13,728 households in and around Rayleigh, 82% are owned, 7% are socially rented and 10% are privately rented. Home ownership here is higher than the England and Wales average of 63%.
Tenure from the 2021 Census (ONS), for the postcode districts covering Rayleigh.