Lee on the map

Location in Greater LondonLee sits where the marker shows within the county.

30,735
Population
11,578
Households
5 / 10
Deprivation decile
Around average
12
Schools nearby
£77,004
Avg. household income
899
Businesses
6,218
People per km²
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About Lee

Lee is a suburb located in the London Borough of Lewisham, in Greater London, England. It lies within the postcode area SE12 and is well-served by public transport, with a railway station providing direct services to central London. The area features a mix of residential housing, including Victorian and Edwardian homes, which contribute to its character. Local amenities include shops, schools, and parks, making it a convenient place for families and commuters alike.

The surrounding green spaces, such as Manor House Gardens, offer opportunities for outdoor activities and relaxation. Lee also has a number of community events throughout the year, fostering a sense of local involvement. The proximity to larger urban centres ensures that residents can easily access a wide range of cultural and recreational options while enjoying the quieter pace of suburban life.

School Ratings in Lee

Lee is served by 564 schools. A further 4 schools hold a Good rating.

House Prices in Lee

Property prices average £515K across the area, and flats are the most common property type, typically selling for £302K.

Crime and Anti-Social Behaviour in Lee

Local crime rates sit higher than national averages. Anti-social behaviour accounts for the highest share in Lee, with 255 incidents logged in May 2026.

Deprivation and Employment in Lee

Based on the 2025 Index of Multiple Deprivation, Lee falls within the mid-range nationally for overall deprivation. Working-age employment is around the national average for the area. Income levels locally sit close to the national average.

Healthcare in Lee

There are 72 GP surgeries within three miles of Lee, the nearest being Nightingale Surgery (0.2 miles away).

Property Prices 2,772 sales

Average Price £515K
£1K , £99.24M
Detached £879K 134
Semi £619K 535
Terraced £519K 994
Flat £302K 1,029

Household Income in Lee ONS 2023

The average total household income in Lee is approximately £77,004 a year before tax, 39% above the national average of £55,302. After tax and benefits, the average disposable (net) household income is around £52,401. These are modelled estimates from the Office for National Statistics for the financial year ending 2023.

Lee £77,004
England & Wales avg. £55,302

Net (after tax) household income averages £52,401.

Businesses in Lee ONS 2025

There are approximately 899 active businesses based in Lee, around 29 for every 1,000 residents. The local economy is dominated by small firms: about 96% are micro-businesses employing fewer than 10 people, while 4 are larger employers with 50 or more staff. Figures are from the Office for National Statistics UK Business Counts.

899 Total businesses
29 Per 1,000 residents
Micro, 0-9 96%
Small, 10-49 4%
Medium, 50-249 0%
Large, 250+ 0%

Deprivation and Employment in Lee IMD 2025

The 2025 Index of Multiple Deprivation places Lee in the mid-range nationally. Employment and income levels are close to the England average, with a mix of opportunities across sectors. Overall living conditions are comparable to similar areas across the country.

Overall Deprivation
5/10
Income
4/10
Employment
5/10
Education
7/10
Health
6/10
Housing
4/10
Living Environment
3/10
Children 0-15 21%
Working age 66%
Older 65+ 13%
6,517 Children (0-15) 21%
20,189 Working Age 66%
4,032 Older (65+) 13%
Average Child Poverty (IDACI) 35.9% of children in income-deprived families
Average Older Person Poverty (IDAOPI) 27.4% 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 Lee 1,352 crimes · May 2026

High Crime Area

Reported crime in Lee is above the national average when measured per capita. Violence & sexual offences dominates the figures, a trend mirrored in many urban centres. Local policing teams work actively in the area, and community initiatives continue to address key concerns.

Violence & Sexual Offences 407
Anti-Social Behaviour 255
Shoplifting 250
Vehicle Crime 99
Other Theft 73
Public Order 66
Burglary 53
Drugs 53
Robbery 37
Bicycle Theft 14
Other Crime 14
Weapons 13
Theft from Person 12
Criminal Damage & Arson 6
Local Policing
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

Hither Green Train Station 0.2 miles
Lee (London) Train Station 0.6 miles
Blackheath Train Station 0.9 miles
Ladywell Train Station 1.1 miles
Lewisham Train Station 1.3 miles
Catford Train Station 1.6 miles

Location

Local Government

District Lewisham
Ward Lee Green
Constituency Lewisham East
Parish Lewisham, unparished area
Region London

Home Ownership in Lee

Of the 12,197 households in and around Lee, 55% are owned, 24% are socially rented and 21% are privately rented. Home ownership here is lower than the England and Wales average of 63%.

Owned 55% Social rented 24% Private rented 21%

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

Frequently Asked Questions about Lee

What is the population of Lee?
Lee has a population of approximately 30,735 residents, based on the latest census figures for the surrounding postcode area.
What is the average house price in Lee?
The average property in and around Lee sold for about £514,759, based on HM Land Registry Price Paid records. That is around 47% above the England and Wales average of £349,091.
Is Lee a deprived area?
Lee 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 Lee?
Lee is covered by the SE12 postcode district.
How many schools are there in Lee?
There are 12 schools within easy reach of Lee, spanning primary, secondary and other phases.
Where is the nearest train station to Lee?
The nearest railway station to Lee is Hither Green Train Station, about 0.2 miles away.