Cleanest air in Essex
Essex’s 14 areas ranked by air quality — no₂ — cleanest air. Every figure from DEFRA air quality + EA Flood Map for Planning, 2023–24. Indicative, not a valuation.
| # | Area | Air quality — NO₂ (µg/m³) |
|---|---|---|
| 1 | Uttlesford | 7.1 |
| 2 | Braintree | 7.6 |
| 3 | Maldon | 7.7 |
| 4 | Tendring | 8.3 |
| 5 | Rochford | 8.8 |
| 6 | Chelmsford | 8.9 |
| 7 | Colchester | 9.3 |
| 8 | Southend-on-Sea | 9.6 |
| 9 | Castle Point | 9.8 |
| 10 | Brentwood | 10.0 |
| 11 | Harlow | 10.4 |
| 12 | Basildon | 10.8 |
| 13 | Epping Forest | 11.6 |
| 14 | Thurrock | 13.2 |
Source: DEFRA air quality + EA Flood Map for Planning · 2023–24. Ranked lowest 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)Deprivation (IMD decile, 10 = least deprived)Air quality — PM2.5Flood risk (in a flood zone)Life satisfactionUnemployment rateHome ownershipDegree-level educationResidents in good healthMedian age