Kempston on the map

Kempston built-up area

Built-up area5.5 km² (2.1 sq mi)

Location in BedfordshireKempston sits where the marker shows within the county.

56,762
Population
17,446
Households
5 / 10
Deprivation decile
Around average
12
Schools nearby
£56,748
Avg. household income
1,733
Businesses
1,449
People per km²
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About Kempston

Kempston is a town located in Bedfordshire, England, within the MK42 postcode area. It lies just to the south of Bedford and is easily accessible via the A421 road. The town features a mix of residential areas and local amenities, including shops, schools, and parks. The nearby River Great Ouse provides opportunities for leisurely walks and outdoor activities.

The community in Kempston is diverse, with various events and activities taking place throughout the year. The town is served by public transport, making it convenient for those commuting to Bedford or further afield. With its combination of local services and proximity to larger urban areas, Kempston offers a practical option for families and individuals looking for a place to live in Bedfordshire.

School Ratings in Kempston

There are 77 schools in and around Kempston. Cherry Trees Nursery School, Peter Pan Nursery School and Bedford Free School are each rated Outstanding by Ofsted. A further 14 schools hold a Good rating.

House Prices in Kempston

The average property price is £326K, with semi-detached homes making up the majority of the housing stock at around £289K.

Crime and Anti-Social Behaviour in Kempston

Recorded crime levels are higher than the national average. Shoplifting is prevalent across Kempston, with 150 recorded incidents in May 2026.

Deprivation and Employment in Kempston

Kempston sits around the middle of the national deprivation scale, according to the 2025 Index of Multiple Deprivation. Employment levels are broadly typical for the area, sitting close to the national average. Household incomes are broadly in line with the national average.

Healthcare in Kempston

There are 34 GP surgeries within three miles of Kempston, the nearest being King Street Surgery (0.5 miles away).

Local Data for Kempston

Dig deeper into the area around Kempston with our free postcode tools.

Food Hygiene Ratings Hygiene scores for cafes, takeaways and shops Nearest GP Surgery Find the GP surgeries closest to a postcode Compare Areas Put two areas head to head House Prices Recent sale prices and trends

Property Prices 7,531 sales

Average Price £326K
£850 , £50.26M
Detached £408K 1,552
Semi £289K 2,289
Terraced £252K 2,141
Flat £186K 1,291

Schools & Education 12 nearby View all schools

42 Primary
13 Secondary
22 Other
Outstanding 3
Good 14
Requires improvement 1

Ofsted ratings for schools in the MK42 postcode area.

St John's School Not applicable Good 0.3 miles Grange Academy Not applicable Good 0.3 miles Rivertree Free School Not applicable 0.5 miles Camestone School Primary Good 0.5 miles Daisy Hill Family Hub (Bedford Borough) 0.6 miles Bedford Road Primary Academy Primary 0.6 miles Queen's Park Academy Primary Good 0.6 miles Peter Pan Nursery School Nursery Outstanding 0.6 miles Cauldwell School Primary 0.6 miles Westfield Primary School Primary Good 0.7 miles Queens Park Family Hub (Bedford Borough) 0.7 miles Greys Education Centre Not applicable 0.8 miles

Household Income in Kempston ONS 2023

The average total household income in Kempston is approximately £56,748 a year before tax, 3% above the national average of £55,302. After tax and benefits, the average disposable (net) household income is around £42,543. These are modelled estimates from the Office for National Statistics for the financial year ending 2023.

Kempston £56,748
England & Wales avg. £55,302

Net (after tax) household income averages £42,543.

Businesses in Kempston ONS 2025

There are approximately 1,733 active businesses based in Kempston, around 31 for every 1,000 residents. The local economy is dominated by small firms: about 87% are micro-businesses employing fewer than 10 people, while 53 are larger employers with 50 or more staff. Figures are from the Office for National Statistics UK Business Counts.

1,733 Total businesses
31 Per 1,000 residents
Micro, 0-9 87%
Small, 10-49 10%
Medium, 50-249 2%
Large, 250+ 1%

Deprivation and Employment in Kempston IMD 2025

Kempston sits around the national average for deprivation according to the 2025 Index of Multiple Deprivation. Employment and income levels are broadly typical, reflecting a mixed local economy. The area offers a balance of residential and commercial activity common to most parts of England.

Overall Deprivation
5/10
Income
4/10
Employment
5/10
Education
4/10
Health
4/10
Housing
5/10
Living Environment
7/10
Children 0-15 22%
Working age 66%
Older 65+ 12%
12,495 Children (0-15) 22%
37,249 Working Age 66%
7,014 Older (65+) 12%
Average Child Poverty (IDACI) 41.5% of children in income-deprived families
Average Older Person Poverty (IDAOPI) 22% of over-60s in income-deprived households
Data from English Indices of Deprivation 2025 · Contains public sector information licensed under the Open Government Licence v3.0

Crime in Kempston 993 crimes · May 2026

High Crime Area

Kempston sees higher than average levels of reported crime relative to its population. Violence & sexual offences represents the most frequently recorded category. This pattern is not uncommon in densely populated urban areas and does not necessarily reflect the experience of most residents.

Violence & Sexual Offences 323
Shoplifting 150
Anti-Social Behaviour 148
Criminal Damage & Arson 67
Other Theft 64
Public Order 60
Drugs 44
Vehicle Crime 44
Burglary 25
Other Crime 20
Weapons 14
Robbery 14
Bicycle Theft 13
Theft from Person 7
Local Policing
Bedfordshire Kingsbrook, Kempston, Cauldwell Visit force website →
Data from data.police.uk · Contains public sector information licensed under the Open Government Licence v3.0
Crime figures depend on reporting by individual police forces and may not reflect the full picture in all areas.

Nearest Train Stations 6 stations

Bedford Train Station 0.9 miles
Bedford St Johns Train Station 1 miles
Kempston Hardwick Train Station 2.6 miles
Stewartby Train Station 3.9 miles
Millbrook (Bedfordshire) Train Station 5.3 miles
Lidlington Train Station 6.5 miles

Location

Nearby Towns & Villages 12 found

South End 0.6 miles Queen's Park 0.6 miles Bedford 1.4 miles Kempston Church End 1.4 miles Green End 1.4 miles Biddenham 1.4 miles Elstow 1.8 miles Fenlake 1.9 miles Box End 1.9 miles Eastcotts 2 miles Harrowden 2 miles Gibraltar 2.2 miles

Local Government

District Bedford
Ward Cauldwell
Constituency Bedford
Parish Bedford, unparished area
Region East of England

Home Ownership in Kempston

Of the 22,030 households in and around Kempston, 59% are owned, 22% are socially rented and 20% are privately rented. Home ownership here is lower than the England and Wales average of 63%.

Owned 59% Social rented 22% Private rented 20%

Tenure from the 2021 Census (ONS), for the postcode districts covering Kempston.

Frequently Asked Questions about Kempston

What is the population of Kempston?
Kempston has a population of approximately 56,762 residents, based on the latest census figures for the surrounding postcode area.
What is the average house price in Kempston?
The average property in and around Kempston sold for about £326,349, based on HM Land Registry Price Paid records. That is around 7% below the England and Wales average of £349,091.
Is Kempston a deprived area?
Kempston sits around the national average for deprivation, with an Index of Multiple Deprivation decile of 5 out of 10, where 1 is the most deprived and 10 the least deprived.
What postcodes cover Kempston?
Kempston is covered by the MK42 postcode district.
How many schools are there in Kempston?
There are 12 schools within easy reach of Kempston, spanning primary, secondary and other phases.
Where is the nearest train station to Kempston?
The nearest railway station to Kempston is Bedford Train Station, about 0.9 miles away.

Streets in MK42 30 shown View all streets

A600 4 Abbey Close 2 Abbey Fields 3 Abbott Crescent 2 Acacia Road 3 Acorn Way 1 Adams Close 2 Addison Close 1 Alamein Avenue 2 Alburgh Close 3 Alder Close 3 Althorpe Street 1 Ampthill Road 13 Ampthill Street 4 Arkwright Road 4 Armstrong Drive 2 Arnold Way 1 Ashdale Avenue 1 Aspley Road 1 Aston Road 2 Austin Canons 2 Austin Gardens 1 Aviation Way 1 Avocet Road 1 Baker Drive 1 Baldwin Walk 1 Balliol Road 6 Bamford Road 6 Banks Close 1 Barford Avenue 3

Postcodes in MK42 50 shown View all postcodes

MK42 0AA MK42 0AB MK42 0AD MK42 0AE MK42 0AF MK42 0AG MK42 0AH MK42 0AJ MK42 0AL MK42 0AN MK42 0AP MK42 0AQ MK42 0AR MK42 0AS MK42 0AT MK42 0AU MK42 0AW MK42 0AX MK42 0AY MK42 0AZ MK42 0BA MK42 0BE MK42 0BF MK42 0BG MK42 0BH MK42 0BJ MK42 0BN MK42 0BP MK42 0BS MK42 0BT MK42 0BU MK42 0BW MK42 0BX MK42 0BY MK42 0BZ MK42 0DA MK42 0DB MK42 0DD MK42 0DE MK42 0DF MK42 0DG MK42 0DH MK42 0DJ MK42 0DL MK42 0DN MK42 0DP MK42 0DQ MK42 0DR MK42 0DS MK42 0DT