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 287 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 £602K across the area, and flats are the most common property type, typically selling for £333K.

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 71 incidents logged in January 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.

Broadband and Mobile Internet in Purley

Most properties in Purley can access superfast or ultrafast broadband. 4G coverage is extensive and 5G is increasingly available across the area. For the latest speed predictions, visit Ofcom's broadband checker.

Property Prices 5,416 sales

Average Price £602K
£3K £12.65M
Detached £916K 1,531
Semi £591K 1,002
Terraced £449K 668
Flat £333K 1,949

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.

Overall Deprivation
8/10
Income
7/10
Employment
7/10
Education
8/10
Health
8/10
Housing
6/10
Living Environment
6/10
9,619 Children (0-15) 19%
31,236 Working Age 62%
12,036 Older (60+) 24%
Average Child Poverty (IDACI) 24.2% of children in income-deprived families
Average Older Person Poverty (IDAOPI) 12.4% 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 Purley 445 crimes · January 2026

High Crime Area

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.

148 Violence & Sexual Offences
71 Anti-Social Behaviour
53 Vehicle Crime
37 Shoplifting
31 Criminal Damage & Arson
27 Burglary
22 Robbery
19 Public Order
15 Other Theft
14 Drugs
5 Theft from Person
3 Other Crime
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

Reedham (London) Train Station 0.7 miles
Riddlesdown Train Station 0.7 miles
Purley Oaks Train Station 1 miles
Kenley Train Station 1 miles
South Croydon Train Station 2 miles
Waddon Train Station 2.1 miles

Location

Local Government

District Croydon
County Surrey
Ward Purley Oaks & Riddlesdown
Constituency Croydon South
Parish Croydon, unparished area
Region London

Notable & Famous People from Purley 4 people

Colin Sell
Pianist
British musician
Haig Oundjian
Figure skater
British figure skater
Nigel Harman
Actor
British actor
Shelagh Fraser
Writer
British actress (1920-2000)