Purley on the map
Location in Greater LondonPurley sits where the marker shows within the county.
About Purley
Purley is a suburban town located in the London Borough of Croydon, within Greater London. It lies approximately 12 miles south of central London and is easily accessible by train, with Purley station offering direct services to London Victoria and London Bridge. The area is primarily residential, featuring a mix of housing styles, including Victorian and Edwardian properties, as well as modern developments.
The town centre provides a selection of shops, cafes, and restaurants, catering to the local community. Purley also has several parks and green spaces, such as Purley Park and the nearby Coulsdon Common, which offer opportunities for outdoor activities. Additionally, the area is served by various schools and amenities, making it a practical choice for families and commuters alike.
School Ratings in Purley
Purley is served by 288 schools. Purley Nursery School, Beaumont Primary School and Riddlesdown Collegiate are each rated Outstanding by Ofsted. A further 6 schools hold a Good rating.
House Prices in Purley
Property prices average £579K across the area, and flats are the most common property type, typically selling for £327K.
Crime and Anti-Social Behaviour in Purley
Local crime rates sit higher than national averages. Anti-social behaviour accounts for the highest share in Purley, with 82 incidents logged in April 2026.
Deprivation and Employment in Purley
Purley falls within the least deprived areas nationally, based on the 2025 Index of Multiple Deprivation. Working-age employment is around the national average for the area. Income levels locally sit close to the national average.
Healthcare in Purley
There are 35 GP surgeries within three miles of Purley, the nearest being Keston Medical Practice (0.2 miles away).
Local Data for Purley
Dig deeper into the area around Purley with our free postcode tools.
Property Prices 5,042 sales
Schools & Education 12 nearby View all schools
Ofsted ratings for schools in the CR8 postcode area.
Household Income in Purley ONS 2023
The average total household income in Purley is approximately £88,106 a year before tax, 59% above the national average of £55,302. After tax and benefits, the average disposable (net) household income is around £56,949. These are modelled estimates from the Office for National Statistics for the financial year ending 2023.
Net (after tax) household income averages £56,949.
Businesses in Purley ONS 2025
There are approximately 1,583 active businesses based in Purley, around 45 for every 1,000 residents. The local economy is dominated by small firms: about 93% are micro-businesses employing fewer than 10 people, while 18 are larger employers with 50 or more staff. Figures are from the Office for National Statistics UK Business Counts.
Deprivation and Employment in Purley IMD 2025
The 2025 Index of Multiple Deprivation ranks Purley 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 Purley 428 crimes · April 2026
Reported crime in Purley 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.
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 Purley
Of the 13,507 households in and around Purley, 74% are owned, 10% are socially rented and 17% 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 Purley.