1996–97 Essex Senior Football League

The 1996–97 season was the 26th in the history of Essex Senior Football League a football competition in England.

The league featured 13 clubs which competed in the league last season, along with two new clubs:
 * Ilford, returned to the league system after leaving the Spartan League in 1994
 * Saffron Walden Town, resigned from the Isthmian League

Ford United were champions, winning their second Essex Senior League title and were promoted to the Isthmian League.