What is the air quality in Essex?

In Essex, the highest modelled annual-mean concentrations across the authority in 2024 were 10 μg/m³ for PM2.5 and 33 μg/m³ for NO2 (DEFRA UK-AIR compliance data). For comparison, the WHO 2021 annual-mean guideline values are 5 μg/m³ (PM2.5) and 10 μg/m³ (NO2), and the UK statutory limit values are 20 μg/m³ (PM2.5) and 40 μg/m³ (NO2).

How does Essex compare to other areas?

Essex ranks 104 of 145 on the Gera Healthy-Place Index, with 103 areas scoring higher. Its pillar sub-scores (0–100, higher = better) are 44.9 for air quality, 55 for life expectancy and 81.1 for GP access. The healthiest-ranked area overall is Rutland (92.9 / 100).

Where does this data for Essex come from?

Air quality is DEFRA UK-AIR Local Authority annual-mean data (2024); life expectancy is the ONS estimate for Essex (ONS code E10000012); GP access is the share of CQC-rated GP practices rated Good or Outstanding. All three are Open Government Licence v3.0. The composite is computed by Gera and the underlying figures are unaltered — none is estimated.

Is Essex a Healthy Place to Live?

Essex (East of England) ranks 104 of 145 English upper-tier local authorities on the Gera Healthy-Place Index — among the mid-table.

Is Essex a healthy place to live?

Essex scores 57.5 out of 100 on the Gera Healthy-Place Index, ranking 104 of 145 English upper-tier local authorities (1 = healthiest). It records a maximum modelled 10 μg/m³ PM2.5 and 33 μg/m³ NO2 (DEFRA 2024), life expectancy of 82.0 years (ONS), and 94.2% of GP practices rated Good or Outstanding (CQC).

Source:Gera Healthy-Place Index — composite of DEFRA + ONS + CQC open data·as of Air 2024 calendar year; life expectancy 2017-19; GP ratings 2026-06-01updated annually (last: 19 June 2026)

Gera Healthy-Place Index57.5 / 100Essex ranks 104 of 145. Air 44.9/100, life expectancy 55/100, GP access 81.1/100 (each normalised across the included areas).How this index is calculated

Healthy-Place pillars for Essex — DEFRA + ONS + CQC (OGL v3.0)
Pillar	Real figure	Sub-score (0–100)
Air quality (DEFRA)	max 10 μg/m³ PM2.5, 33 μg/m³ NO2	44.9 / 100
Life expectancy (ONS)	82.0 years	55 / 100
GP access (CQC)	94.2% (131 of 139 rated practices)	81.1 / 100

Essex air quality vs published limits (DEFRA 2024)
Pollutant	Essex (max annual mean)	WHO 2021 guideline	UK limit value
PM2.5	10 μg/m³	5 μg/m³	20 μg/m³
NO2	33 μg/m³	10 μg/m³	40 μg/m³

Re-weight what matters — is Essex right for you?

Adjust the sliders for air quality, life expectancy and GP access; the ranking re-computes live and shows where this area lands under your own priorities.

Your area (upper-tier local authority)

What matters to you? (re-weight the pillars)Air quality (DEFRA)40%Life expectancy (ONS)35%GP access (CQC)25%

Weights are normalised automatically. Defaults: 40% air, 35% life expectancy, 25% GP access.

Under your weighting, Essex scores 57.5 / 100 and ranks 104 of 145 English upper-tier local authorities.

Air (max PM2.5 / NO2)

10 / 33 μg/m³

sub-score 44.9/100

Life expectancy

82.0 years

sub-score 55/100

GP practices Good/Outstanding

94.2%

sub-score 81.1/100

Wherever you live, a GeraClinic UK-registered clinician can see you by secure video — useful where local GP access is stretched.

See a GeraClinic doctor

Top 5 healthiest places under your weighting

1. Rutland92.9 / 100
2. Wokingham79.4 / 100
3. Dorset79.1 / 100
4. Richmond upon Thames79.1 / 100
5. Bracknell Forest79 / 100

Air quality by district in Essex

Other East of England areas, ranked

Essex: frequently asked questions

Is Essex a healthy place to live?: Essex scores 57.5 / 100 on the Gera Healthy-Place Index, ranking 104 of 145 English upper-tier local authorities (1 = healthiest). It records a maximum modelled annual-mean of 10 μg/m³ PM2.5 and 33 μg/m³ NO2 (DEFRA 2024), life expectancy of 82.0 years (ONS) and 94.2% of its GP practices rated Good or Outstanding by the CQC.
What is the air quality in Essex?: In Essex, the highest modelled annual-mean concentrations across the authority in 2024 were 10 μg/m³ for PM2.5 and 33 μg/m³ for NO2 (DEFRA UK-AIR compliance data). For comparison, the WHO 2021 annual-mean guideline values are 5 μg/m³ (PM2.5) and 10 μg/m³ (NO2), and the UK statutory limit values are 20 μg/m³ (PM2.5) and 40 μg/m³ (NO2).
How does Essex compare to other areas?: Essex ranks 104 of 145 on the Gera Healthy-Place Index, with 103 areas scoring higher. Its pillar sub-scores (0–100, higher = better) are 44.9 for air quality, 55 for life expectancy and 81.1 for GP access. The healthiest-ranked area overall is Rutland (92.9 / 100).
Where does this data for Essex come from?: Air quality is DEFRA UK-AIR Local Authority annual-mean data (2024); life expectancy is the ONS estimate for Essex (ONS code E10000012); GP access is the share of CQC-rated GP practices rated Good or Outstanding. All three are Open Government Licence v3.0. The composite is computed by Gera and the underlying figures are unaltered — none is estimated.

Healthcare in Essex

Wherever Essex ranks, a GeraClinic UK-registered clinician can see you by secure video — useful where local GP access is stretched. Often same-day.

See a GeraClinic doctor How GeraClinic works

Contains public sector information published by Gera Systems and licensed under the Open Government Licence v3.0 (source data). Source: Gera Healthy-Place Index — composite of DEFRA + ONS + CQC open data (Air 2024 calendar year; life expectancy 2017-19; GP ratings 2026-06-01, published 19 June 2026).

Reference: the included-area mean is 9.4 μg/m³ PM2.5, 26.8 μg/m³ NO2, 81.4 years life expectancy, 95.9% GP practices Good/Outstanding. Healthiest overall: Rutland (92.9/100). See the methodology.