Preston on the map

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

299,624
Population
119,470
Households
6 / 10
Deprivation decile
Around average
12
Schools nearby
£48,170
Avg. household income
12,167
Businesses
401
People per km²
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About Preston

Preston is a suburb located in East Sussex, England, within the BN1 postcode area. It lies to the north of Brighton and is primarily a residential area. The suburb features a mix of housing, including Victorian and Edwardian properties, which contribute to its character. Preston Park, one of the largest parks in Brighton, is situated nearby and offers green spaces, playgrounds, and sports facilities for local residents.

The area is well-connected by public transport, making it easy to access Brighton city centre and other surrounding areas. Local amenities include shops, cafes, and schools, catering to the needs of families and individuals alike. Preston also has a number of community events throughout the year, fostering a sense of local engagement. Overall, it serves as a practical and pleasant place to live for those who appreciate proximity to urban conveniences while enjoying a more suburban environment.

School Ratings in Preston

Families in Preston have access to 105 local schools. Hollingdean Sure Start Children's Centre is rated Outstanding by Ofsted. A further 18 schools hold a Good rating.

House Prices in Preston

Homes sell for an average of £244K locally. Most of the housing is made up of semi-detached homes, averaging £190K.

Crime and Anti-Social Behaviour in Preston

Crime in the area is broadly in line with the national average. Anti-social behaviour is the leading concern across Preston, with 315 incidents recorded in May 2026.

Deprivation and Employment in Preston

The 2025 Index of Multiple Deprivation places Preston 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.

Healthcare in Preston

There are 63 GP surgeries within three miles of Preston, the nearest being Brighton And Hove Federation (0.2 miles away).

Property Prices 46,814 sales

Average Price £244K
£100 , £54.4M
Detached £332K 14,248
Semi £190K 15,304
Terraced £132K 11,341
Flat £108K 3,202

Household Income in Preston ONS 2023

The average total household income in Preston is approximately £48,170 a year before tax, 13% below the national average of £55,302. After tax and benefits, the average disposable (net) household income is around £35,745. These are modelled estimates from the Office for National Statistics for the financial year ending 2023.

Preston £48,170
England & Wales avg. £55,302

Net (after tax) household income averages £35,745.

Businesses in Preston ONS 2025

There are approximately 12,167 active businesses based in Preston, around 41 for every 1,000 residents. The local economy is dominated by small firms: about 89% are micro-businesses employing fewer than 10 people, while 237 are larger employers with 50 or more staff. Figures are from the Office for National Statistics UK Business Counts.

12,167 Total businesses
41 Per 1,000 residents
Micro, 0-9 89%
Small, 10-49 9%
Medium, 50-249 2%
Large, 250+ 0%

Deprivation and Employment in Preston IMD 2025

Deprivation levels in Preston 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
6/10
Employment
6/10
Education
7/10
Health
6/10
Housing
6/10
Living Environment
4/10
Children 0-15 18%
Working age 62%
Older 65+ 20%
54,260 Children (0-15) 18%
187,093 Working Age 62%
58,307 Older (65+) 19%
Average Child Poverty (IDACI) 28.4% of children in income-deprived families
Average Older Person Poverty (IDAOPI) 22.2% 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 Preston 1,822 crimes · May 2026

Average Crime Area

Crime in Preston is around the national average, with violence & sexual offences representing the most common offence type. These figures are characteristic of a city with an active centre and diverse population, and are neither unusually high nor particularly low.

Violence & Sexual Offences 699
Anti-Social Behaviour 315
Criminal Damage & Arson 150
Shoplifting 137
Public Order 113
Other Theft 100
Vehicle Crime 82
Burglary 60
Drugs 58
Other Crime 49
Bicycle Theft 23
Weapons 16
Robbery 13
Theft from Person 7
Local Policing
Sussex Preston Park
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

London Road (Brighton) Train Station 0.7 miles
Brighton Train Station 1 miles
Hove Train Station 1.2 miles
Aldrington Train Station 1.5 miles
Portslade Train Station 2.5 miles
Falmer Train Station 2.5 miles

Location

Local Government

District Preston
County Lancashire
Ward Fishwick & Frenchwood
Constituency Preston
Parish Preston, unparished area
Region North West

Home Ownership in Preston

Of the 125,852 households in and around Preston, 69% are owned, 13% are socially rented and 18% are privately rented. Home ownership here is higher than the England and Wales average of 63%.

Owned 69% Social rented 13% Private rented 18%

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

Frequently Asked Questions about Preston

What is the population of Preston?
Preston has a population of approximately 299,624 residents, based on the latest census figures for the surrounding postcode area.
What is the average house price in Preston?
The average property in and around Preston sold for about £243,794, based on HM Land Registry Price Paid records. That is around 30% below the England and Wales average of £349,091.
Is Preston a deprived area?
Preston 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 Preston?
Preston is covered by the PR0, PR1, PR11, PR2, PR3, PR4, PR5 postcode districts.
How many schools are there in Preston?
There are 12 schools within easy reach of Preston, spanning primary, secondary and other phases.
Where is the nearest train station to Preston?
The nearest railway station to Preston is London Road (Brighton) Train Station, about 0.7 miles away.