Downe on the map

Location in Greater LondonDowne sits where the marker shows within the county.

48,288
Population
18,987
Households
8 / 10
Deprivation decile
Among least deprived
12
Schools nearby
£89,769
Avg. household income
2,029
Businesses
1,328
People per km²
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About Downe

Downe is a village located in the Greater London area, specifically within the BR6 postcode. It is situated approximately 15 miles southeast of central London, making it a convenient location for those who wish to enjoy a quieter lifestyle while remaining close to the capital. The village is known for its attractive countryside and is surrounded by several parks and nature reserves, providing ample opportunities for outdoor activities.

The village has a small selection of shops, cafes, and local amenities, catering to the needs of its residents. Downe is also home to the famous Down House, the former residence of Charles Darwin, which is now a museum dedicated to his life and work. The area is well-connected by public transport, allowing for easy access to nearby towns and the city.

School Ratings in Downe

Families in Downe have access to 99 local schools. Warren Road Primary School, Darrick Wood Infant & Nursery School and Newstead Wood School are each rated Outstanding by Ofsted. A further 8 schools hold a Good rating.

House Prices in Downe

Homes sell for an average of £603K locally. Most of the housing is made up of semi-detached homes, averaging £570K.

Crime and Anti-Social Behaviour in Downe

Crime in the area is higher than the national average. Anti-social behaviour is the leading concern across Downe, with 86 incidents recorded in May 2026.

Deprivation and Employment in Downe

The 2025 Index of Multiple Deprivation places Downe among the least deprived neighbourhoods in England. Working-age employment in the area is well above the national average. Residents in the area generally earn above the national average.

Healthcare in Downe

There are 13 GP surgeries within three miles of Downe, the nearest being Bank House Surgery (1.8 miles away).

Property Prices 6,054 sales

Average Price £603K
£1K , £21M
Detached £888K 1,631
Semi £570K 2,103
Terraced £445K 1,229
Flat £304K 906

Household Income in Downe ONS 2023

The average total household income in Downe is approximately £89,769 a year before tax, 62% above the national average of £55,302. After tax and benefits, the average disposable (net) household income is around £56,609. These are modelled estimates from the Office for National Statistics for the financial year ending 2023.

Downe £89,769
England & Wales avg. £55,302

Net (after tax) household income averages £56,609.

Businesses in Downe ONS 2025

There are approximately 2,029 active businesses based in Downe, around 42 for every 1,000 residents. The local economy is dominated by small firms: about 93% are micro-businesses employing fewer than 10 people, while 19 are larger employers with 50 or more staff. Figures are from the Office for National Statistics UK Business Counts.

2,029 Total businesses
42 Per 1,000 residents
Micro, 0-9 93%
Small, 10-49 5%
Medium, 50-249 0%
Large, 250+ 2%

Deprivation and Employment in Downe IMD 2025

According to the 2025 Index of Multiple Deprivation, Downe experiences very low levels of deprivation. The local economy supports strong employment and incomes are above the national average. Access to services, education and healthcare in the area is generally good.

Overall Deprivation
8/10
Income
8/10
Employment
8/10
Education
8/10
Health
9/10
Housing
7/10
Living Environment
6/10
Children 0-15 19%
Working age 59%
Older 65+ 22%
9,009 Children (0-15) 19%
28,469 Working Age 59%
10,803 Older (65+) 22%
Above Average Child Poverty (IDACI) 15.6% of children in income-deprived families
Above Average Older Person Poverty (IDAOPI) 8.6% 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 Downe 392 crimes · May 2026

High Crime Area

Crime figures for Downe are higher than the England and Wales average, with violence & sexual offences the most prevalent offence recorded. Urban density and footfall contribute to elevated reporting in areas like this. Ongoing investment in policing and community safety programmes aims to improve the picture.

Violence & Sexual Offences 128
Anti-Social Behaviour 86
Shoplifting 48
Vehicle Crime 33
Other Theft 29
Public Order 22
Burglary 12
Drugs 12
Robbery 7
Theft from Person 7
Other Crime 5
Bicycle Theft 1
Criminal Damage & Arson 1
Weapons 1
Local Policing
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

Chelsfield Train Station 2.6 miles
Orpington Train Station 3 miles
Knockholt Train Station 3.2 miles
Hayes (Kent) Train Station 3.6 miles
Petts Wood Train Station 3.9 miles
West Wickham Train Station 4.5 miles

Location

Local Government

District Bromley
County Kent
Ward Petts Wood & Knoll
Constituency Orpington
Parish Bromley, unparished area
Region London

Home Ownership in Downe

Of the 19,399 households in and around Downe, 82% are owned, 7% are socially rented and 11% are privately rented. Home ownership here is higher than the England and Wales average of 63%.

Owned 82% Social rented 7% Private rented 11%

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

Frequently Asked Questions about Downe

What is the population of Downe?
Downe has a population of approximately 48,288 residents, based on the latest census figures for the surrounding postcode area.
What is the average house price in Downe?
The average property in and around Downe sold for about £603,475, based on HM Land Registry Price Paid records. That is around 73% above the England and Wales average of £349,091.
Is Downe a deprived area?
Downe sits among the least deprived areas in England, with an Index of Multiple Deprivation decile of 8 out of 10, where 1 is the most deprived and 10 the least deprived.
What postcodes cover Downe?
Downe is covered by the BR6 postcode district.
How many schools are there in Downe?
There are 12 schools within easy reach of Downe, spanning primary, secondary and other phases.
Where is the nearest train station to Downe?
The nearest railway station to Downe is Chelsfield Train Station, about 2.6 miles away.