Least deprived places to live in Essex
Essex’s 14 areas ranked by deprivation (imd decile, 10 = least deprived) — least deprived areas. Every figure from IoD2025 (MHCLG), 2025. Indicative, not a valuation.
| # | Area | Deprivation (IMD decile, 10 = least deprived) (/10) |
|---|---|---|
| 1 | Uttlesford | 8.0/10 |
| 2 | Brentwood | 7.5/10 |
| 3 | Rochford | 7.3/10 |
| 4 | Chelmsford | 7.0/10 |
| 5 | Epping Forest | 6.6/10 |
| 6 | Maldon | 6.2/10 |
| 7 | Colchester | 6.0/10 |
| 8 | Braintree | 6.0/10 |
| 9 | Castle Point | 5.9/10 |
| 10 | Basildon | 5.3/10 |
| 11 | Thurrock | 5.1/10 |
| 12 | Southend-on-Sea | 4.5/10 |
| 13 | Harlow | 4.5/10 |
| 14 | Tendring | 3.5/10 |
Source: IoD2025 (MHCLG) · 2025. Ranked highest first.
Other Essex rankings
House prices5-year house-price growthPrice per square metreAffordability (price vs local earnings)Crime rateSchools rated Good or OutstandingGigabit broadband availabilityFastest train to the cityCouncil tax (Band D)Air quality — NO₂Air quality — PM2.5Flood risk (in a flood zone)Life satisfactionUnemployment rateHome ownershipDegree-level educationResidents in good healthMedian age