South Grays is in the Borough of Thurrock. Grays has a mixture of architecture such as post-war council estates that can be seen on Sherfield Road or as well as detached houses seen on New Road. The neighbourhood is home to South Essex College, a Higher Education College, which has a £45 million campus just a two-minute walk from Grays station. As well as being surrounded by vast open green space, one can get to inner city London, London Bridge, in less than 50 minutes via Grays station.

Grays is the administrative centre of Thurrock and was named after wealthy British aristocrat Henry De Gray who purchased and named the area in 1195. The Parish Church of St Peter and St Paul is in this neighbourhood. The Church existed from the early 11th century and records show that it was given to the Knights Hospitallers of St. John of Jerusalem by William de Ferrers between 1152 and 1159. Grays is the largest town in the borough of Thurrock. The 1834 Poor Law Act meant that Grays amongst other local parishes became part of the Orsett Union. The Orsett Union was an amalgamation of local Parishes meant to look after the poor and destitute of the area.

Famous British comedian and actor, Russel Brand, is from Grays. Classic 1988 American live action film 1988, Who Framed Roger Rabbit, used Grays as a filming location.

Grays is one of the 30 UK places that exceed the limit of 10 micrograms per cubic metre, making it one of the UK’s most polluted areas. Plans to build a £27 million underpass on Grays high street could collapse due to Network Rail reducing its monetary commitments to the scheme.

In 2018, construction began on the development of a new supported housing complex in Thurrock for young people with autism. Taking place at Medina Road in Grays, the development aimed to deliver six new fully adapted standard homes for people who live with autism. The development was the first of its kind for Thurrock and also aimed to provide a 24 hour a day personalised care and support service for residents. While a multitude of agents were involved in the project, including Thurrock Council, Peabody, The Autism Action Group and the Homes and Communities Agency, in 2020 it was announced that the council would take control of the development because it did not have enough residential support services. While a completion date has not been announced, the council has stated that the project is nearing completion.

In 2020, Thurrock Council approved plans to expand the Lakeside Shopping Centre. The proposal includes the development of a new multi-storey parking facility, a new public square, a new and larger bus station (replacing one that will be demolished), as well as more pedestrian and cycle paths. It is estimated the scheme could create roughly 2,900 permanent jobs once finished and provide between 30 and 40 new stores and restaurants. Around 1,500 temporary construction jobs would also be made during development. In 2021, the Lakeside scheme seemed to have transformed into something more ambitious, exploring its potential to be transformed into a town centre with green methods of transport, like cycling and walking.