Kent spans about 3,711 km² (1,433 sq mi) in England.
Outline from Office for National Statistics and Ordnance Survey data, Open Government Licence v3.0.
Living in Kent
Kent is a county in the south east of England, known for its varied countryside, long coastline and historic role as a gateway between Britain and mainland Europe. Its landscape includes rolling farmland, chalk hills, river valleys and stretches of coastline along both the North Sea and the English Channel. Agriculture has long shaped the county, contributing to its reputation for orchards, hop gardens and productive farmland.
The county includes towns such as Maidstone, Canterbury, Ashford, Dover and Tunbridge Wells, each serving its surrounding area in different ways. Canterbury has a long religious and cultural history, while Dover has been closely linked to trade and defence through its port. Elsewhere, market towns and growing settlements support a mix of local employment, commuting and traditional community life.
Kent is influenced by both its rural setting and its strong transport connections, with roads, railways and ports linking it closely to London and beyond. Coastal paths, countryside walks and historic sites are widely enjoyed by residents and visitors alike. Overall, Kent offers a calm and balanced mix of countryside, historic towns and coastal influence, giving it a settled and enduring character within southern England.
Kent at a Glance
House Prices in Kent
The average sold price in Kent is £381,463 across 61,344 recorded sales, making it the 14th most expensive of 69 counties.
Source: HM Land Registry Price Paid Data. Figures are averages of recorded sales.
People & Demographics
Age structure
Housing tenure
Source: ONS Census 2021 and model-based income estimates.
Schools in Kent 702
Source: Department for Education and Ofsted.
Amenities & Getting Around
Source: NHS, National Rail and Open Charge Map.
Frequently Asked Questions
How much are houses in Kent?
The average sold price in Kent is around £381,463. A detached home averages £577,232, a terraced home £292,927 and a flat £216,316.
What is the population of Kent?
Kent has a population of about 1,852,764 people, at a density of 499 per square kilometre.
What is the average income in Kent?
The average household income in Kent is around £58,956 a year.
How many schools are there in Kent?
There are 702 schools in Kent.
Largest Towns in Kent 12
Location
Elevation & Terrain
Kent stretches from -7 ft at Hacklinge up to 751 ft at Knockholt, a span of 758 ft across 1,259 towns and villages. This reflects notably varied terrain, with clear contrasts between lower valleys and higher ground.
Deprivation Index (IMD)
Average deprivation scores across 76 postcode areas in Kent. Higher deciles (closer to 10) indicate less deprivation.
Main Towns in Kent 60
Kent has 1,259 towns, villages and localities in total. The main towns are shown below. You can also browse the full A to Z of every place in Kent.
Postcode Areas in Kent 6
Kent is served by 6 postcode areas. Each area contains multiple postcode districts covering different parts of the county.