Lea on the map

Location in LancashireLea sits where the marker shows within the county.

82,055
Population
33,307
Households
5 / 10
Deprivation decile
Around average
12
Schools nearby
£47,539
Avg. household income
2,653
Businesses
1,489
People per km²
Create a free area profile for LeaDownload or embed an infographic of these statistics

About Lea

Lea is a village located in Lancashire, England, within the PR2 postcode area. It is situated just a few miles from the city of Preston, providing easy access to urban amenities while maintaining its own distinct character. The area is primarily residential, with a mix of traditional and modern housing, making it suitable for families and individuals alike.

The village features a number of local facilities, including shops and schools, catering to the needs of its residents. Lea is also close to various parks and green spaces, offering opportunities for outdoor activities. The nearby River Ribble adds to the local landscape, providing a pleasant setting for walks. Public transport links are available, connecting Lea to Preston and surrounding areas, making it a convenient location for commuters.

School Ratings in Lea

Lea is served by 135 schools. Sure Start Preston East Children's Centre and Cedar Lodge School are each rated Outstanding by Ofsted. A further 18 schools hold a Good rating.

House Prices in Lea

Property prices average £219K across the area, and semi-detached homes are the most common property type, typically selling for £183K.

Crime and Anti-Social Behaviour in Lea

Local crime rates sit higher than national averages. Anti-social behaviour accounts for the highest share in Lea, with 170 incidents logged in April 2026.

Deprivation and Employment in Lea

Based on the 2025 Index of Multiple Deprivation, Lea 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 Lea

There are 21 GP surgeries within three miles of Lea, the nearest being The Park Medical Practice (1.2 miles away).

Property Prices 11,080 sales

Average Price £219K
£100 , £30M
Detached £301K 2,513
Semi £183K 4,267
Terraced £125K 3,074
Flat £89K 827

Household Income in Lea ONS 2023

The average total household income in Lea is approximately £47,539 a year before tax, 14% below the national average of £55,302. After tax and benefits, the average disposable (net) household income is around £35,389. These are modelled estimates from the Office for National Statistics for the financial year ending 2023.

Lea £47,539
England & Wales avg. £55,302

Net (after tax) household income averages £35,389.

Businesses in Lea ONS 2025

There are approximately 2,653 active businesses based in Lea, around 32 for every 1,000 residents. The local economy is dominated by small firms: about 88% are micro-businesses employing fewer than 10 people, while 55 are larger employers with 50 or more staff. Figures are from the Office for National Statistics UK Business Counts.

2,653 Total businesses
32 Per 1,000 residents
Micro, 0-9 88%
Small, 10-49 9%
Medium, 50-249 2%
Large, 250+ 1%

Deprivation and Employment in Lea IMD 2025

The 2025 Index of Multiple Deprivation places Lea 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
5/10
Employment
5/10
Education
5/10
Health
3/10
Housing
7/10
Living Environment
6/10
Children 0-15 20%
Working age 63%
Older 65+ 17%
16,307 Children (0-15) 20%
51,356 Working Age 63%
14,401 Older (65+) 18%
Average Child Poverty (IDACI) 38.1% of children in income-deprived families
Average Older Person Poverty (IDAOPI) 20.6% 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 1,127 crimes · April 2026

High Crime Area

Reported crime in Lea 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 408
Anti-Social Behaviour 170
Criminal Damage & Arson 86
Public Order 84
Shoplifting 84
Other Theft 83
Vehicle Crime 59
Drugs 43
Burglary 27
Other Crime 26
Weapons 19
Robbery 17
Bicycle Theft 14
Theft from Person 7
Local Policing
Lancashire Lea & Larches 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

Salwick Train Station 2.1 miles
Preston (Lancs) Train Station 2.6 miles
Lostock Hall Train Station 4.3 miles
Kirkham And Wesham Train Station 4.9 miles
Bamber Bridge Train Station 5.2 miles
Leyland Train Station 5.8 miles

Location

Local Government

District Preston
County Lancashire
Ward City Centre
Constituency Preston
Parish Preston, unparished area
Region North West

Home Ownership in Lea

Of the 34,644 households in and around Lea, 64% are owned, 18% are socially rented and 18% are privately rented. Home ownership here is in line with the England and Wales average of 63%.

Owned 64% Social rented 18% Private rented 18%

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

Frequently Asked Questions about Lea

What is the population of Lea?
Lea has a population of approximately 82,055 residents, based on the latest census figures for the surrounding postcode area.
What is the average house price in Lea?
The average property in and around Lea sold for about £218,672, based on HM Land Registry Price Paid records. That is around 37% below the England and Wales average of £349,091.
Is Lea a deprived area?
Lea 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 Lea?
Lea is covered by the PR2 postcode district.
How many schools are there in Lea?
There are 12 schools within easy reach of Lea, spanning primary, secondary and other phases.
Where is the nearest train station to Lea?
The nearest railway station to Lea is Salwick Train Station, about 2.1 miles away.