Preston on the map
Location in HertfordshirePreston sits where the marker shows within the county.
About Preston
Preston is a village located in Hertfordshire, England, within the SG4 postcode area. It is situated approximately three miles from the town of Hitchin and offers a mix of residential living and rural surroundings. The village features a number of local amenities, including a primary school, a village hall, and a few shops, catering to the needs of its residents.
The area is primarily characterised by its green spaces and agricultural land, providing opportunities for walking and enjoying the outdoors. Preston is served by local transport links, making it accessible for those commuting to nearby towns. The village has a close-knit community, with various events organised throughout the year, fostering a sense of belonging among its inhabitants.
School Ratings in Preston
There are 79 schools in and around Preston. NH8 Bluebell Family Centre and St Andrew's Church of England Voluntary Aided Primary School, Hitchin are each rated Outstanding by Ofsted. A further 10 schools hold a Good rating.
House Prices in Preston
The average property price is £244K, with semi-detached homes making up the majority of the housing stock at around £190K.
Crime and Anti-Social Behaviour in Preston
Recorded crime levels are broadly in line with the national average. Anti-social behaviour is prevalent across Preston, with 315 recorded incidents in May 2026.
Deprivation and Employment in Preston
According to the 2025 Index of Multiple Deprivation, Preston ranks among the least deprived areas in England. 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 Preston
There is 1 GP surgery within three miles of Preston, the nearest being Whitwell Surgery (2.2 miles away).
Local Data for Preston
Dig deeper into the area around Preston with our free postcode tools.
Property Prices 46,814 sales
Schools & Education 12 nearby View all schools
Ofsted ratings for schools in the SG4 postcode area.
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.
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.
Deprivation and Employment in Preston IMD 2025
Preston is one of the least deprived areas in England according to the 2025 Index of Multiple Deprivation. Employment opportunities are widely accessible and household incomes tend to sit comfortably above the national average. The area benefits from strong local services and a settled, established community.
Crime in Preston 1,822 crimes · May 2026
Reported crime levels in Preston sit broadly in line with national averages for a city of this size. Violence & sexual offences accounts for the largest share of recorded offences. The profile is typical of a well-populated area with a mix of residential and commercial activity.
Crime figures depend on reporting by individual police forces and may not reflect the full picture in all areas.
Nearest Train Stations 6 stations
Location
Nearby Towns & Villages 12 found
Local Government
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%.
Tenure from the 2021 Census (ONS), for the postcode districts covering Preston.