Merle Common on the map

Location in SurreyMerle Common sits where the marker shows within the county.

16,122
Population
6,014
Households
7 / 10
Deprivation decile
Around average
12
Schools nearby
£79,974
Avg. household income
806
Businesses
372
People per km²
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About Merle Common

Merle Common is a small village located in Surrey, England, within the postcode area RH8. It lies close to the larger town of Oxted and is surrounded by the natural beauty of the Surrey Hills. The area is primarily residential, featuring a mix of houses and green spaces, making it a peaceful place for families and individuals alike.

The village is well-connected by road and public transport, providing easy access to nearby towns and amenities. Local facilities include a few shops and community services, catering to the everyday needs of residents. For those who enjoy outdoor activities, the surrounding countryside offers various walking and cycling routes, allowing visitors to explore the scenic landscapes of the region.

School Ratings in Merle Common

There are 31 schools in and around Merle Common. Moor House School & College and Limpsfield Grange School are each rated Outstanding by Ofsted. A further 4 schools hold a Good rating.

House Prices in Merle Common

The average property price is £704K, with detached homes making up the majority of the housing stock at around £1.1M.

Crime and Anti-Social Behaviour in Merle Common

Recorded crime levels are broadly in line with the national average. Anti-social behaviour is prevalent across Merle Common, with 10 recorded incidents in April 2026.

Deprivation and Employment in Merle Common

Merle Common sits around the middle of the national deprivation scale, according to the 2025 Index of Multiple Deprivation. Employment levels are strong, with low rates of working-age exclusion from the labour market. Household incomes are generally above the national average.

Healthcare in Merle Common

There are 2 GP surgeries within three miles of Merle Common, the nearest being Oxted Health Centre (2.1 miles away).

Property Prices 2,073 sales

Average Price £704K
£2K , £5.18M
Detached £1.11M 650
Semi £586K 448
Terraced £456K 388
Flat £407K 470

Household Income in Merle Common ONS 2023

The average total household income in Merle Common is approximately £79,974 a year before tax, 45% above the national average of £55,302. After tax and benefits, the average disposable (net) household income is around £55,773. These are modelled estimates from the Office for National Statistics for the financial year ending 2023.

Merle Common £79,974
England & Wales avg. £55,302

Net (after tax) household income averages £55,773.

Businesses in Merle Common ONS 2025

There are approximately 806 active businesses based in Merle Common, around 50 for every 1,000 residents. The local economy is dominated by small firms: about 93% are micro-businesses employing fewer than 10 people, while 10 are larger employers with 50 or more staff. Figures are from the Office for National Statistics UK Business Counts.

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

Deprivation and Employment in Merle Common IMD 2025

Merle Common sits around the national average for deprivation according to the 2025 Index of Multiple Deprivation. Employment and income levels are broadly typical, reflecting a mixed local economy. The area offers a balance of residential and commercial activity common to most parts of England.

Overall Deprivation
7/10
Income
8/10
Employment
8/10
Education
7/10
Health
9/10
Housing
3/10
Living Environment
6/10
Children 0-15 20%
Working age 58%
Older 65+ 22%
3,186 Children (0-15) 20%
9,359 Working Age 58%
3,571 Older (65+) 22%
Above Average Child Poverty (IDACI) 16.6% of children in income-deprived families
Above Average Older Person Poverty (IDAOPI) 9.2% 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 Merle Common 76 crimes · April 2026

Average Crime Area

Reported crime levels in Merle Common sit broadly in line with national averages for a small town of this size. Violence & sexual offences accounts for the largest share of recorded offences. The profile is typical of a well-populated area with a mix of residential and commercial activity.

Violence & Sexual Offences 25
Anti-Social Behaviour 10
Shoplifting 10
Vehicle Crime 8
Criminal Damage & Arson 5
Other Theft 5
Public Order 5
Drugs 2
Bicycle Theft 1
Burglary 1
Weapons 1
Robbery 1
Theft from Person 1
Other Crime 1
Local Policing
Surrey Oxted, Limpsfield & Hurst Green
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

Hurst Green Train Station 1.2 miles
Oxted Train Station 2.2 miles
Edenbridge (Kent) Train Station 2.5 miles
Godstone Train Station 2.7 miles
Edenbridge Town Train Station 3 miles
Lingfield Train Station 3.7 miles

Location

Local Government

District Tandridge
County Surrey
Ward Oxted North and Tandridge
Constituency East Surrey
Parish Oxted
Region South East

Home Ownership in Merle Common

Of the 6,432 households in and around Merle Common, 75% are owned, 13% are socially rented and 12% are privately rented. Home ownership here is higher than the England and Wales average of 63%.

Owned 75% Social rented 13% Private rented 12%

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

Frequently Asked Questions about Merle Common

What is the population of Merle Common?
Merle Common has a population of approximately 16,122 residents, based on the latest census figures for the surrounding postcode area.
What is the average house price in Merle Common?
The average property in and around Merle Common sold for about £704,028, based on HM Land Registry Price Paid records. That is around 102% above the England and Wales average of £349,091.
Is Merle Common a deprived area?
Merle Common sits around the national average for deprivation, with an Index of Multiple Deprivation decile of 7 out of 10, where 1 is the most deprived and 10 the least deprived.
What postcodes cover Merle Common?
Merle Common is covered by the RH8 postcode district.
How many schools are there in Merle Common?
There are 12 schools within easy reach of Merle Common, spanning primary, secondary and other phases.
Where is the nearest train station to Merle Common?
The nearest railway station to Merle Common is Hurst Green Train Station, about 1.2 miles away.