Southend-on-Sea on the map

Southend-on-Sea built-up area

Built-up area36.1 km² (13.9 sq mi)

Location in EssexSouthend-on-Sea sits where the marker shows within the county.

66,454
Population
27,286
Households
4 / 10
Deprivation decile
Around average
12
Schools nearby
£53,373
Avg. household income
2,010
Businesses
914
People per km²
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About Southend-on-Sea

Southend-on-Sea is a seaside town located in Essex, England, with the postcode area SS0. It is well-known for its long pebble beach and the iconic Southend Pier, which is the longest pleasure pier in the world, stretching over 1.3 miles into the Thames Estuary. The town offers various attractions, including amusement arcades, a sea life centre, and a range of shops and restaurants along the seafront.

In addition to its coastal attractions, Southend-on-Sea has several parks and gardens, providing spaces for relaxation and outdoor activities. The town is also home to cultural venues such as the Cliffs Pavilion and the Southend Museum, which showcase local art and history. With its mix of leisure activities and community events, Southend-on-Sea is a popular destination for both day-trippers and holidaymakers.

School Ratings in Southend-on-Sea

There are 99 schools in and around Southend-on-Sea. Summercourt Children's Centre, Southend High School for Boys and Westcliff High School for Girls are each rated Outstanding by Ofsted. A further 9 schools hold a Good rating.

House Prices in Southend-on-Sea

The average property price is £318K, with semi-detached homes making up the majority of the housing stock at around £334K.

Crime and Anti-Social Behaviour in Southend-on-Sea

Recorded crime levels are higher than the national average. Anti-social behaviour is prevalent across Southend-on-Sea, with 166 recorded incidents in April 2026.

Deprivation and Employment in Southend-on-Sea

Southend-on-Sea 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 Southend-on-Sea

There are 59 GP surgeries within three miles of Southend-on-Sea, the nearest being Dr F Khan Carnavon Road Surgery (165 yards away).

Property Prices 8,972 sales

Average Price £318K
£1K , £16M
Detached £486K 1,263
Semi £334K 2,742
Terraced £292K 2,369
Flat £184K 2,254

Household Income in Southend-on-Sea ONS 2023

The average total household income in Southend-on-Sea is approximately £53,373 a year before tax, 3% below the national average of £55,302. After tax and benefits, the average disposable (net) household income is around £40,339. These are modelled estimates from the Office for National Statistics for the financial year ending 2023.

Southend-on-Sea £53,373
England & Wales avg. £55,302

Net (after tax) household income averages £40,339.

Businesses in Southend-on-Sea ONS 2025

There are approximately 2,010 active businesses based in Southend-on-Sea, around 30 for every 1,000 residents. The local economy is dominated by small firms: about 91% are micro-businesses employing fewer than 10 people, while 35 are larger employers with 50 or more staff. Figures are from the Office for National Statistics UK Business Counts.

2,010 Total businesses
30 Per 1,000 residents
Micro, 0-9 91%
Small, 10-49 7%
Medium, 50-249 2%
Large, 250+ 0%

Deprivation and Employment in Southend-on-Sea IMD 2025

Southend-on-Sea 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
5/10
Employment
4/10
Education
5/10
Health
4/10
Housing
8/10
Living Environment
3/10
Children 0-15 20%
Working age 62%
Older 65+ 18%
13,234 Children (0-15) 20%
41,375 Working Age 62%
11,851 Older (65+) 18%
Average Child Poverty (IDACI) 38% of children in income-deprived families
Average Older Person Poverty (IDAOPI) 21.9% 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 Southend-on-Sea 1,284 crimes · April 2026

High Crime Area

Southend-on-Sea 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 559
Anti-Social Behaviour 166
Criminal Damage & Arson 99
Shoplifting 99
Public Order 79
Vehicle Crime 75
Other Theft 67
Drugs 55
Burglary 35
Other Crime 14
Robbery 12
Weapons 11
Bicycle Theft 9
Theft from Person 4
Local Policing
Essex Southend Central 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

Southend Victoria Train Station 0.4 miles
Southend Central Train Station 0.8 miles
Westcliff Train Station 0.8 miles
Southend East Train Station 1.3 miles
Chalkwell Train Station 1.5 miles
Rochford Train Station 2.5 miles

Location

Local Government

District Southend-on-Sea
Ward Blenheim Park
Constituency Southend West
Parish Southend-on-Sea, unparished area
Region East of England

Home Ownership in Southend-on-Sea

Of the 28,184 households in and around Southend-on-Sea, 60% are owned, 18% are socially rented and 21% are privately rented. Home ownership here is lower than the England and Wales average of 63%.

Owned 60% Social rented 18% Private rented 21%

Tenure from the 2021 Census (ONS), for the postcode districts covering Southend-on-Sea.

Frequently Asked Questions about Southend-on-Sea

What is the population of Southend-on-Sea?
Southend-on-Sea has a population of approximately 66,454 residents, based on the latest census figures for the surrounding postcode area.
What is the average house price in Southend-on-Sea?
The average property in and around Southend-on-Sea sold for about £318,112, based on HM Land Registry Price Paid records. That is around 9% below the England and Wales average of £349,091.
Is Southend-on-Sea a deprived area?
Southend-on-Sea 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 Southend-on-Sea?
Southend-on-Sea is covered by the SS2, SS22, SS3, SS99 postcode districts.
How many schools are there in Southend-on-Sea?
There are 12 schools within easy reach of Southend-on-Sea, spanning primary, secondary and other phases.
Where is the nearest train station to Southend-on-Sea?
The nearest railway station to Southend-on-Sea is Southend Victoria Train Station, about 0.4 miles away.