Preston on the map

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

299,624
Population
119,470
Households
7 / 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 small village located in Gloucestershire, England, within the postcode area GL7. It is surrounded by the scenic Cotswold countryside, which is known for its rolling hills and picturesque landscapes. The village features a mix of traditional stone cottages and more modern homes, providing a glimpse into both its historical and contemporary architecture.

The local community is close-knit, with a few amenities available for residents and visitors alike. There is a parish church that serves as a focal point for community events and gatherings. The surrounding area offers opportunities for walking and enjoying the natural beauty of the Cotswolds, making it a pleasant place for those who appreciate the outdoors.

School Ratings in Preston

Preston is served by 19 schools. Fairford Church of England Primary School and Powell's Church of England Primary School are each rated Outstanding by Ofsted. A further 16 schools hold a Good rating.

House Prices in Preston

Property prices average £244K across the area, and semi-detached homes are the most common property type, typically selling for £190K.

Crime and Anti-Social Behaviour in Preston

Local crime rates sit broadly in line with national averages. Anti-social behaviour accounts for the highest share in Preston, with 237 incidents logged in April 2026.

Deprivation and Employment in Preston

Based on the 2025 Index of Multiple Deprivation, Preston falls within the mid-range nationally for overall deprivation. The area benefits from strong employment, with few residents involuntarily out of work. Income levels across the area tend to be higher than the national average.

Healthcare in Preston

There are 6 GP surgeries within three miles of Preston, the nearest being Duke Of Gloucester Medical Centre (0.8 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

The 2025 Index of Multiple Deprivation places Preston in the mid-range nationally. Employment and income levels are close to the England average, with a mix of opportunities across sectors. Overall living conditions are comparable to similar areas across the country.

Overall Deprivation
7/10
Income
8/10
Employment
8/10
Education
8/10
Health
9/10
Housing
4/10
Living Environment
5/10
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%
Above Average Child Poverty (IDACI) 18.5% of children in income-deprived families
Above Average Older Person Poverty (IDAOPI) 9.7% 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 1,634 crimes · April 2026

Average Crime Area

Preston experiences crime rates that are roughly comparable to the national picture. Violence & sexual offences is the most reported category, consistent with broader patterns across similar communities. Day-to-day life here reflects the usual mix of challenges found in any established city.

Violence & Sexual Offences 629
Anti-Social Behaviour 237
Criminal Damage & Arson 131
Other Theft 129
Public Order 106
Shoplifting 104
Vehicle Crime 83
Drugs 53
Burglary 45
Other Crime 43
Weapons 24
Bicycle Theft 21
Robbery 20
Theft from Person 9
Local Policing
Gloucestershire Cirencester Urban 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 1 stations

Kemble Train Station 4.1 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 7 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 Kemble Train Station, about 4.1 miles away.