Alciston on the map

Location in East SussexAlciston sits where the marker shows within the county.

12,091
Population
5,435
Households
6 / 10
Deprivation decile
Around average
12
Schools nearby
£51,008
Avg. household income
702
Businesses
274
People per km²
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About Alciston

Alciston is a small village located in East Sussex, within the BN26 postcode area of England. It lies just north of the A27 road, close to the town of Lewes, and is surrounded by rolling countryside typical of the South Downs. The village has a long history, with evidence of settlement dating back to Saxon times, and features a mix of traditional stone and brick buildings. The Church of St Mary, a Grade I listed building, is a notable landmark and reflects the village’s medieval heritage. Alciston is situated near the River Ouse, which adds to the rural character of the area. The village is quiet and residential, with a small community and limited amenities, making it a peaceful place to live or visit. It is well-connected to nearby towns and cities by road and rail, offering access to both countryside and urban facilities.

School Ratings in Alciston

Families in Alciston have access to 18 local schools. Polegate Primary School is rated Outstanding by Ofsted.

House Prices in Alciston

Homes sell for an average of £368K locally. Most of the housing is made up of semi-detached homes, averaging £319K.

Crime and Anti-Social Behaviour in Alciston

Crime in the area is broadly in line with the national average. Anti-social behaviour is the leading concern across Alciston, with 17 incidents recorded in May 2026.

Deprivation and Employment in Alciston

The 2025 Index of Multiple Deprivation places Alciston around the national average for deprivation. Employment rates locally are in line with what is seen across England. Average incomes in the area are typical for England.

Property Prices 2,111 sales

Average Price £368K
£850 , £20.69M
Detached £499K 579
Semi £319K 882
Terraced £292K 282
Flat £167K 252

Household Income in Alciston ONS 2023

The average total household income in Alciston is approximately £51,008 a year before tax, 8% below the national average of £55,302. After tax and benefits, the average disposable (net) household income is around £39,309. These are modelled estimates from the Office for National Statistics for the financial year ending 2023.

Alciston £51,008
England & Wales avg. £55,302

Net (after tax) household income averages £39,309.

Businesses in Alciston ONS 2025

There are approximately 702 active businesses based in Alciston, around 58 for every 1,000 residents. The local economy is dominated by small firms: about 92% are micro-businesses employing fewer than 10 people, while 8 are larger employers with 50 or more staff. Figures are from the Office for National Statistics UK Business Counts.

702 Total businesses
58 Per 1,000 residents
Micro, 0-9 92%
Small, 10-49 6%
Medium, 50-249 1%
Large, 250+ 1%

Deprivation and Employment in Alciston IMD 2025

Deprivation levels in Alciston are around the national average based on the 2025 Index of Multiple Deprivation. Employment is accessible for most residents and household incomes reflect the broader national picture. The area maintains a steady balance between affordability and quality of life.

Overall Deprivation
6/10
Income
7/10
Employment
6/10
Education
6/10
Health
7/10
Housing
4/10
Living Environment
7/10
Children 0-15 16%
Working age 55%
Older 65+ 29%
1,916 Children (0-15) 16%
6,692 Working Age 55%
3,486 Older (65+) 29%
Average Child Poverty (IDACI) 28.6% of children in income-deprived families
Average Older Person Poverty (IDAOPI) 10.8% 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 Alciston 71 crimes · May 2026

Average Crime Area

Crime in Alciston is around the national average, with anti-social behaviour representing the most common offence type. These figures are characteristic of a small town with an active centre and diverse population, and are neither unusually high nor particularly low.

Anti-Social Behaviour 17
Violence & Sexual Offences 17
Shoplifting 12
Criminal Damage & Arson 6
Public Order 5
Other Theft 3
Vehicle Crime 3
Other Crime 3
Burglary 2
Robbery 2
Drugs 1
Local Policing
Sussex Alfriston, Alciston, Berwick, Ripe and Chalvington
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

Berwick (Sussex) Train Station 1.6 miles
Glynde Train Station 3.5 miles
Bishopstone (Sussex) Train Station 4.1 miles
Seaford (Sussex) Train Station 4.2 miles
Newhaven Town Train Station 4.3 miles
Southease Train Station 4.4 miles

Location

Local Government

District Wealden
County East Sussex
Ward Polegate North
Constituency Lewes
Parish Polegate
Region South East

Home Ownership in Alciston

Of the 5,490 households in and around Alciston, 76% are owned, 8% are socially rented and 15% are privately rented. Home ownership here is higher than the England and Wales average of 63%.

Owned 76% Social rented 8% Private rented 15%

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

Frequently Asked Questions about Alciston

What is the population of Alciston?
Alciston has a population of approximately 12,091 residents, based on the latest census figures for the surrounding postcode area.
What is the average house price in Alciston?
The average property in and around Alciston sold for about £368,185, based on HM Land Registry Price Paid records. That is around 5% above the England and Wales average of £349,091.
Is Alciston a deprived area?
Alciston sits around the national average for deprivation, with an Index of Multiple Deprivation decile of 6 out of 10, where 1 is the most deprived and 10 the least deprived.
What postcodes cover Alciston?
Alciston is covered by the BN26 postcode district.
How many schools are there in Alciston?
There are 12 schools within easy reach of Alciston, spanning primary, secondary and other phases.
Where is the nearest train station to Alciston?
The nearest railway station to Alciston is Berwick (Sussex) Train Station, about 1.6 miles away.