Chelmsford

High earnings in Chelmsford compete with a steep cost of living that makes home ownership a significant hurdle. A median house costs 9 times annual pay, a ratio that reflects the pressure of a market where property prices are higher than 75% of England authorities. Renting is similarly demanding, consuming 37.9% of gross median earnings. While weekly pay is strong at £878.30, it must stretch to cover these housing costs alongside a Band D council tax bill of £2,300. The area offers a lower deprivation score than the regional median, suggesting a stable environment for those who can clear the initial financial barrier to entry. This location suits high-earning professionals who prioritise relative economic stability over housing affordability.

Written from the indicators on this page, 2026-10 data.

Colour shows quintile position against 361 UK Local Authorities. Green is the best position for someone moving here; red is the worst. Direction is set per indicator — higher pay, lower rent, less crime, less deprivation are all green.