Forestdale on the map

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

168,797
Population
61,886
Households
4 / 10
Deprivation decile
Around average
12
Schools nearby
£72,307
Avg. household income
5,945
Businesses
5,434
People per km²
Create a free area profile for ForestdaleDownload or embed an infographic of these statistics

About Forestdale

Forestdale is a residential area located in the London Borough of Croydon, within Greater London. It is primarily known for its suburban environment, featuring a mix of housing types, including detached and semi-detached homes. The area is well-served by local amenities, including shops and schools, making it a convenient place for families.

Forestdale is also surrounded by green spaces, with parks and recreational areas nearby, providing opportunities for outdoor activities. The transport links are efficient, with bus services connecting residents to nearby Croydon town centre and other parts of London. Overall, Forestdale offers a practical living environment with access to essential services and leisure options.

School Ratings in Forestdale

There are 257 schools in and around Forestdale. Park Hill Infant School, St John's CofE Primary School and Harris Invictus Academy Croydon are each rated Outstanding by Ofsted. A further 32 schools hold a Good rating.

House Prices in Forestdale

The average property price is £503K, with flats making up the majority of the housing stock at around £277K.

Crime and Anti-Social Behaviour in Forestdale

Recorded crime levels are higher than the national average. Anti-social behaviour is prevalent across Forestdale, with 364 recorded incidents in May 2026.

Deprivation and Employment in Forestdale

Forestdale sits around the middle of the national deprivation scale, according to the 2025 Index of Multiple Deprivation. Employment levels are broadly typical for the area, sitting close to the national average. Household incomes are broadly in line with the national average.

Healthcare in Forestdale

There are 26 GP surgeries within three miles of Forestdale, the nearest being New Addington Group Practice (1 miles away).

Property Prices 16,362 sales

Average Price £503K
£100 , £201.15M
Detached £734K 800
Semi £477K 2,819
Terraced £397K 5,306
Flat £277K 6,443

Household Income in Forestdale ONS 2023

The average total household income in Forestdale is approximately £72,307 a year before tax, 31% above the national average of £55,302. After tax and benefits, the average disposable (net) household income is around £49,031. These are modelled estimates from the Office for National Statistics for the financial year ending 2023.

Forestdale £72,307
England & Wales avg. £55,302

Net (after tax) household income averages £49,031.

Businesses in Forestdale ONS 2025

There are approximately 5,945 active businesses based in Forestdale, around 35 for every 1,000 residents. The local economy is dominated by small firms: about 91% are micro-businesses employing fewer than 10 people, while 94 are larger employers with 50 or more staff. Figures are from the Office for National Statistics UK Business Counts.

5,945 Total businesses
35 Per 1,000 residents
Micro, 0-9 91%
Small, 10-49 8%
Medium, 50-249 1%
Large, 250+ 0%

Deprivation and Employment in Forestdale IMD 2025

Forestdale 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
4/10
Income
4/10
Employment
4/10
Education
5/10
Health
5/10
Housing
4/10
Living Environment
4/10
Children 0-15 21%
Working age 67%
Older 65+ 12%
36,082 Children (0-15) 21%
112,513 Working Age 67%
20,185 Older (65+) 12%
Average Child Poverty (IDACI) 45.2% of children in income-deprived families
Average Older Person Poverty (IDAOPI) 30.7% 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 Forestdale 1,840 crimes · May 2026

High Crime Area

Forestdale sees higher than average levels of reported crime relative to its population. Violence & sexual offences 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.

Violence & Sexual Offences 569
Anti-Social Behaviour 364
Shoplifting 231
Vehicle Crime 201
Public Order 106
Drugs 101
Other Theft 89
Burglary 70
Robbery 40
Theft from Person 28
Weapons 14
Other Crime 13
Bicycle Theft 8
Criminal Damage & Arson 6
Local Policing
Metropolitan Selsdon Vale and Forestdale 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 6 stations

Purley Oaks Train Station 2.5 miles
South Croydon Train Station 2.6 miles
Riddlesdown Train Station 2.6 miles
West Wickham Train Station 2.8 miles
Kenley Train Station 2.9 miles
Whyteleafe Train Station 3 miles

Location

Local Government

District Croydon
Ward New Addington South
Constituency Croydon Central
Parish Croydon, unparished area
Region London

Home Ownership in Forestdale

Of the 65,798 households in and around Forestdale, 49% are owned, 23% are socially rented and 29% are privately rented. Home ownership here is lower than the England and Wales average of 63%.

Owned 49% Social rented 23% Private rented 29%

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

Frequently Asked Questions about Forestdale

What is the population of Forestdale?
Forestdale has a population of approximately 168,797 residents, based on the latest census figures for the surrounding postcode area.
What is the average house price in Forestdale?
The average property in and around Forestdale sold for about £502,564, based on HM Land Registry Price Paid records. That is around 44% above the England and Wales average of £349,091.
Is Forestdale a deprived area?
Forestdale sits around the national average for deprivation, with an Index of Multiple Deprivation decile of 4 out of 10, where 1 is the most deprived and 10 the least deprived.
What postcodes cover Forestdale?
Forestdale is covered by the CR0 postcode district.
How many schools are there in Forestdale?
There are 12 schools within easy reach of Forestdale, spanning primary, secondary and other phases.
Where is the nearest train station to Forestdale?
The nearest railway station to Forestdale is Purley Oaks Train Station, about 2.5 miles away.