Claimant Count in EssexLocal Authorities Ranked
Essex had 39,510 people claiming out-of-work benefits in Apr 2026.
All 14 local authorities in Essex, ranked by claimants, % of residents aged 16 to 64. Data: Office for National Statistics (2026), Open Government Licence v3.0.
Open the interactive map| Rank | Local authority | Claimants, % of residents aged 16 to 64 |
|---|---|---|
| 1 | Harlow | 4.6% |
| 2 | Southend-on-Sea | 4.4% |
| 3 | Thurrock | 4.4% |
| 4 | Tendring | 4.2% |
| 5 | Basildon | 3.8% |
| 6 | Colchester | 3.1% |
| 7 | Epping Forest | 3.1% |
| 8 | Chelmsford | 2.8% |
| 9 | Braintree | 2.7% |
| 10 | Brentwood | 2.6% |
| 11 | Castle Point | 2.5% |
| 12 | Maldon | 2.5% |
| 13 | Rochford | 2.3% |
| 14 | Uttlesford | 2.0% |