West Mersea on the map

West Mersea built-up area

Built-up area2.8 km² (1.1 sq mi)

Location in EssexWest Mersea sits where the marker shows within the county.

27,785
Population
12,058
Households
6 / 10
Deprivation decile
Around average
4
Schools nearby
£58,922
Avg. household income
1,395
Businesses
223
People per km²
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About West Mersea

West Mersea is a small town located in Essex, England, within the CO5 postcode area. It is situated on Mersea Island, which is accessible via a causeway that connects it to the mainland. The town is known for its coastal scenery and offers a range of outdoor activities, including sailing and walking along the shoreline. The local beach provides a pleasant spot for families and visitors to enjoy the sea.

The town features a selection of shops, cafes, and restaurants, many of which focus on seafood, reflecting the area's maritime heritage. West Mersea is also home to a number of parks and green spaces, making it suitable for leisurely strolls. The annual Mersea Island Festival showcases local produce and crafts, providing an opportunity for residents and visitors to engage with the community.

School Ratings in West Mersea

There are 4 schools in and around West Mersea. A further 8 schools hold a Good rating.

House Prices in West Mersea

The average property price is £408K, with detached homes making up the majority of the housing stock at around £506K.

Crime and Anti-Social Behaviour in West Mersea

Recorded crime levels are lower than the national average. Other theft is prevalent across West Mersea, with 1 recorded incidents in May 2026.

Deprivation and Employment in West Mersea

West Mersea 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 West Mersea

There is 1 GP surgery within three miles of West Mersea, the nearest being West Mersea Surgery (0.2 miles away).

Property Prices 4,567 sales

Average Price £408K
£1K , £13.8M
Detached £506K 2,070
Semi £336K 1,303
Terraced £303K 566
Flat £206K 446

Household Income in West Mersea ONS 2023

The average total household income in West Mersea is approximately £58,922 a year before tax, 7% above the national average of £55,302. After tax and benefits, the average disposable (net) household income is around £42,122. These are modelled estimates from the Office for National Statistics for the financial year ending 2023.

West Mersea £58,922
England & Wales avg. £55,302

Net (after tax) household income averages £42,122.

Businesses in West Mersea ONS 2025

There are approximately 1,395 active businesses based in West Mersea, around 50 for every 1,000 residents. The local economy is dominated by small firms: about 90% are micro-businesses employing fewer than 10 people, while 20 are larger employers with 50 or more staff. Figures are from the Office for National Statistics UK Business Counts.

1,395 Total businesses
50 Per 1,000 residents
Micro, 0-9 90%
Small, 10-49 9%
Medium, 50-249 1%
Large, 250+ 0%

Deprivation and Employment in West Mersea IMD 2025

West Mersea 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
6/10
Income
7/10
Employment
7/10
Education
6/10
Health
7/10
Housing
3/10
Living Environment
6/10
Children 0-15 15%
Working age 57%
Older 65+ 28%
4,260 Children (0-15) 15%
15,819 Working Age 57%
7,707 Older (65+) 28%
Average Child Poverty (IDACI) 25.3% of children in income-deprived families
Average Older Person Poverty (IDAOPI) 10% 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 West Mersea 4 crimes · May 2026

Low Crime Area

West Mersea 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 3
Other Theft 1
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

Wivenhoe Train Station 5.9 miles
Alresford (Essex) Train Station 6.4 miles
Hythe (Essex) Train Station 7.4 miles
Colchester Town Train Station 7.7 miles
Great Bentley Train Station 8.2 miles
Colchester Train Station 8.8 miles

Location

Local Government

District Colchester
County Essex
Ward Tiptree
Constituency Witham
Parish Tiptree
Region East of England

Home Ownership in West Mersea

Of the 12,088 households in and around West Mersea, 79% are owned, 8% are socially rented and 12% are privately rented. Home ownership here is higher than the England and Wales average of 63%.

Owned 79% Social rented 8% Private rented 12%

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

Frequently Asked Questions about West Mersea

What is the population of West Mersea?
West Mersea has a population of approximately 27,785 residents, based on the latest census figures for the surrounding postcode area.
What is the average house price in West Mersea?
The average property in and around West Mersea sold for about £407,913, based on HM Land Registry Price Paid records. That is around 17% above the England and Wales average of £349,091.
Is West Mersea a deprived area?
West Mersea sits around the national average for deprivation, with an Index of Multiple Deprivation decile of 6 out of 10, where 1 is the most deprived and 10 the least deprived.
What postcodes cover West Mersea?
West Mersea is covered by the CO5 postcode district.
How many schools are there in West Mersea?
There are 4 schools within easy reach of West Mersea, spanning primary, secondary and other phases.
Where is the nearest train station to West Mersea?
The nearest railway station to West Mersea is Wivenhoe Train Station, about 5.9 miles away.