Lea Valley on the map

Lea Valley built-up area

Built-up area0.3 km² (0.1 sq mi)

Location in HertfordshireLea Valley sits where the marker shows within the county.

30,579
Population
11,672
Households
9 / 10
Deprivation decile
Among least deprived
12
Schools nearby
£89,743
Avg. household income
1,971
Businesses
1,337
People per km²
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About Lea Valley

Lea Valley, located in Hertfordshire, England, is a natural area that offers a variety of outdoor activities. The valley stretches along the River Lea, providing opportunities for walking, cycling, and birdwatching. The landscape includes parks and nature reserves, making it a suitable destination for those who enjoy spending time in nature.

The area is also home to several small towns and villages, where visitors can find local shops and eateries. The proximity to London makes Lea Valley an accessible location for day trips. Additionally, the valley supports a range of wildlife, adding to its appeal for nature enthusiasts. Overall, Lea Valley serves as a pleasant retreat for individuals and families looking to escape the busyness of urban life.

School Ratings in Lea Valley

Lea Valley is served by 76 schools. Batford Nursery School, The Grove Infant and Nursery School, Roundwood Park School and Sir John Lawes School are each rated Outstanding by Ofsted. A further 7 schools hold a Good rating.

House Prices in Lea Valley

Property prices average £893K across the area, and detached homes are the most common property type, typically selling for £1.3M.

Crime and Anti-Social Behaviour in Lea Valley

Local crime rates sit broadly in line with national averages. Anti-social behaviour accounts for the highest share in Lea Valley, with 33 incidents logged in April 2026.

Deprivation and Employment in Lea Valley

Lea Valley falls within the least deprived areas nationally, based on the 2025 Index of Multiple Deprivation. The area benefits from strong employment, with few residents involuntarily out of work. Income levels across the area tend to be higher than the national average.

Healthcare in Lea Valley

There are 5 GP surgeries within three miles of Lea Valley, the nearest being Elms Medical Practice (1.2 miles away).

Property Prices 4,248 sales

Average Price £893K
£1K , £17.66M
Detached £1.35M 1,401
Semi £825K 1,125
Terraced £616K 667
Flat £422K 908

Household Income in Lea Valley ONS 2023

The average total household income in Lea Valley is approximately £89,743 a year before tax, 62% above the national average of £55,302. After tax and benefits, the average disposable (net) household income is around £62,535. These are modelled estimates from the Office for National Statistics for the financial year ending 2023.

Lea Valley £89,743
England & Wales avg. £55,302

Net (after tax) household income averages £62,535.

Businesses in Lea Valley ONS 2025

There are approximately 1,971 active businesses based in Lea Valley, around 64 for every 1,000 residents. The local economy is dominated by small firms: about 93% are micro-businesses employing fewer than 10 people, while 16 are larger employers with 50 or more staff. Figures are from the Office for National Statistics UK Business Counts.

1,971 Total businesses
64 Per 1,000 residents
Micro, 0-9 93%
Small, 10-49 6%
Medium, 50-249 1%
Large, 250+ 0%

Deprivation and Employment in Lea Valley IMD 2025

The 2025 Index of Multiple Deprivation ranks Lea Valley 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
9/10
Income
9/10
Employment
9/10
Education
10/10
Health
9/10
Housing
8/10
Living Environment
7/10
Children 0-15 24%
Working age 58%
Older 65+ 18%
7,298 Children (0-15) 24%
17,886 Working Age 58%
5,402 Older (65+) 18%
Above Average Child Poverty (IDACI) 9.6% of children in income-deprived families
Above Average Older Person Poverty (IDAOPI) 6.7% 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 Lea Valley 133 crimes · April 2026

Average Crime Area

Lea Valley experiences crime rates that are roughly comparable to the national picture. Anti-social behaviour is the most reported category, consistent with broader patterns across similar communities. Day-to-day life here reflects the usual mix of challenges found in any established town.

Anti-Social Behaviour 33
Violence & Sexual Offences 24
Other Theft 16
Shoplifting 16
Vehicle Crime 12
Criminal Damage & Arson 11
Burglary 6
Public Order 4
Other Crime 4
Bicycle Theft 2
Drugs 2
Robbery 2
Weapons 1
Local Policing
Hertfordshire Harpenden and Rural 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

Harpenden Train Station 1.4 miles
Luton Airport Parkway Train Station 4.4 miles
St Albans City Train Station 5.1 miles
Luton Train Station 5.4 miles
Welwyn Garden City Train Station 5.4 miles
St Albans Abbey Train Station 5.6 miles

Location

Local Government

District St Albans
County Hertfordshire
Ward Sandridge & Wheathampstead
Constituency Hitchin and Harpenden
Parish Wheathampstead
Region East of England

Home Ownership in Lea Valley

Of the 11,752 households in and around Lea Valley, 78% are owned, 8% are socially rented and 14% are privately rented. Home ownership here is higher than the England and Wales average of 63%.

Owned 78% Social rented 8% Private rented 14%

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

Frequently Asked Questions about Lea Valley

What is the population of Lea Valley?
Lea Valley has a population of approximately 30,579 residents, based on the latest census figures for the surrounding postcode area.
What is the average house price in Lea Valley?
The average property in and around Lea Valley sold for about £893,236, based on HM Land Registry Price Paid records. That is around 156% above the England and Wales average of £349,091.
Is Lea Valley a deprived area?
Lea Valley sits among the least deprived areas in England, with an Index of Multiple Deprivation decile of 9 out of 10, where 1 is the most deprived and 10 the least deprived.
What postcodes cover Lea Valley?
Lea Valley is covered by the AL5 postcode district.
How many schools are there in Lea Valley?
There are 12 schools within easy reach of Lea Valley, spanning primary, secondary and other phases.
Where is the nearest train station to Lea Valley?
The nearest railway station to Lea Valley is Harpenden Train Station, about 1.4 miles away.