Cleanest air for fine particles in Essex
Essex’s 14 areas ranked by air quality — pm2.5 — cleanest air. Every figure from DEFRA air quality + EA Flood Map for Planning, 2023–24. Indicative, not a valuation.
| # | Area | Air quality — PM2.5 (µg/m³) |
|---|---|---|
| 1 | Tendring | 6.6 |
| 2 | Maldon | 6.7 |
| 3 | Uttlesford | 6.8 |
| 4 | Braintree | 6.9 |
| 5 | Colchester | 7.0 |
| 6 | Rochford | 7.1 |
| 7 | Chelmsford | 7.1 |
| 8 | Brentwood | 7.2 |
| 9 | Southend-on-Sea | 7.2 |
| 10 | Castle Point | 7.2 |
| 11 | Basildon | 7.3 |
| 12 | Harlow | 7.4 |
| 13 | Epping Forest | 7.5 |
| 14 | Thurrock | 7.8 |
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 — NO₂Flood risk (in a flood zone)Life satisfactionUnemployment rateHome ownershipDegree-level educationResidents in good healthMedian age