Forest Row on the map

Forest Row built-up area

Built-up area2.1 km² (0.8 sq mi)

Location in East SussexForest Row sits where the marker shows within the county.

5,197
Population
1,809
Households
7 / 10
Deprivation decile
Around average
12
Schools nearby
£69,854
Avg. household income
296
Businesses
152
People per km²
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About Forest Row

Forest Row is a village located in East Sussex, England, within the postcode area RH18. It lies close to the Ashdown Forest, a large area of woodland that offers various walking and cycling routes. The village has a mix of residential properties, local shops, and amenities, catering to both residents and visitors.

In addition to its natural surroundings, Forest Row features several community events throughout the year, fostering a sense of togetherness among its inhabitants. The village is also home to a number of cafes and restaurants, providing options for dining. With its proximity to larger towns and cities, Forest Row serves as a convenient base for exploring the surrounding countryside.

School Ratings in Forest Row

There are 25 schools in and around Forest Row. A further 2 schools hold a Good rating.

House Prices in Forest Row

The average property price is £606K, with detached homes making up the majority of the housing stock at around £830K.

Crime and Anti-Social Behaviour in Forest Row

Recorded crime levels are higher than the national average. Anti-social behaviour is prevalent across Forest Row, with 21 recorded incidents in May 2026.

Deprivation and Employment in Forest Row

Forest Row sits around the middle of the national deprivation scale, according to the 2025 Index of Multiple Deprivation. Employment levels are strong, with low rates of working-age exclusion from the labour market. Household incomes are generally above the national average.

Healthcare in Forest Row

There is 1 GP surgery within three miles of Forest Row, the nearest being Ashdown Forest Health Centre (0.3 miles away).

Property Prices 546 sales

Average Price £606K
£4K , £6M
Detached £830K 222
Semi £463K 113
Terraced £391K 74
Flat £238K 91

Household Income in Forest Row ONS 2023

The average total household income in Forest Row is approximately £69,854 a year before tax, 26% above the national average of £55,302. After tax and benefits, the average disposable (net) household income is around £50,052. These are modelled estimates from the Office for National Statistics for the financial year ending 2023.

Forest Row £69,854
England & Wales avg. £55,302

Net (after tax) household income averages £50,052.

Businesses in Forest Row ONS 2025

There are approximately 296 active businesses based in Forest Row, around 57 for every 1,000 residents. The local economy is dominated by small firms: about 93% are micro-businesses employing fewer than 10 people, while 3 are larger employers with 50 or more staff. Figures are from the Office for National Statistics UK Business Counts.

296 Total businesses
57 Per 1,000 residents
Micro, 0-9 93%
Small, 10-49 6%
Medium, 50-249 1%
Large, 250+ 0%

Deprivation and Employment in Forest Row IMD 2025

Forest Row 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
7/10
Income
8/10
Employment
8/10
Education
6/10
Health
9/10
Housing
3/10
Living Environment
4/10
Children 0-15 19%
Working age 57%
Older 65+ 24%
735 Children (0-15) 19%
2,263 Working Age 57%
957 Older (65+) 24%
Above Average Child Poverty (IDACI) 18.1% of children in income-deprived families
Above Average Older Person Poverty (IDAOPI) 8.9% 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 Forest Row 54 crimes · May 2026

High Crime Area

Forest Row sees higher than average levels of reported crime relative to its population. Anti-social behaviour 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.

Anti-Social Behaviour 21
Shoplifting 11
Violence & Sexual Offences 10
Other Theft 4
Criminal Damage & Arson 3
Public Order 3
Burglary 1
Vehicle Crime 1
Local Policing
Sussex Forest Row
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

East Grinstead Train Station 3.2 miles
Dormans Train Station 4.6 miles
Cowden (Kent) Train Station 5.5 miles
Ashurst (Kent) Train Station 5.8 miles
Lingfield Train Station 6.1 miles
Hever Train Station 6.7 miles

Location

Local Government

District Wealden
County East Sussex
Ward Forest Row
Constituency Wealden
Parish Forest Row
Region South East

Home Ownership in Forest Row

Of the 2,161 households in and around Forest Row, 72% are owned, 8% are socially rented and 20% are privately rented. Home ownership here is higher than the England and Wales average of 63%.

Owned 72% Social rented 8% Private rented 20%

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

Frequently Asked Questions about Forest Row

What is the population of Forest Row?
Forest Row has a population of approximately 5,197 residents, based on the latest census figures for the surrounding postcode area.
What is the average house price in Forest Row?
The average property in and around Forest Row sold for about £605,538, based on HM Land Registry Price Paid records. That is around 73% above the England and Wales average of £349,091.
Is Forest Row a deprived area?
Forest Row sits around the national average for deprivation, with an Index of Multiple Deprivation decile of 7 out of 10, where 1 is the most deprived and 10 the least deprived.
What postcodes cover Forest Row?
Forest Row is covered by the RH18 postcode district.
How many schools are there in Forest Row?
There are 12 schools within easy reach of Forest Row, spanning primary, secondary and other phases.
Where is the nearest train station to Forest Row?
The nearest railway station to Forest Row is East Grinstead Train Station, about 3.2 miles away.