Often known locally simply as Stanford, the town is located 24 miles (38.4 km) east of Charing Cross in London.

[2] Other notable figures are author Emma Robinson, comedian Phill Jupitus and television and radio presenter Rylan Clark.

As Stanford-le-Hope grows in size, it has started to incorporate neighbouring settlements such as Corringham, Mucking and Fobbing, the latter of which was the scene of one of the uprisings which led to the Peasants' Revolt.

Many residents also travel along the nearby A13 to work in the Lakeside Shopping Centre, as well as the industrial and commercial businesses along the north bank of the Thames running west towards the Port of London.

The Shell site ceased operating in 1999 and has since been redeveloped as the London Gateway deepwater container port, with attendant logistics and commercial development.

[8] As of 2021[update], Stanford-le-Hope is represented on Thurrock Council by seven councillors from the Conservative Party – Shane Hebb, Terry Piccolo, James Halden, Gary Collins, Jack Duffin, Shane Ralph and Alex Anderson, and one Thurrock Independent councillor, Gary Byrne.