Ashford on the map

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

157,873
Population
55,721
Households
5 / 10
Deprivation decile
Around average
12
Schools nearby
£60,836
Avg. household income
6,916
Businesses
304
People per km²
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About Ashford

Ashford is a market town in the county of Kent, located in south-east England. It lies within the TN23 postcode area and serves as a key transport hub, with a mainline railway station connecting it to London and other major cities. The town has a long history, with evidence of settlement dating back to Roman times, and it remains an important centre for trade and commerce in the region. Ashford is also home to the Ashford Designer Outlet, a large shopping destination that attracts visitors from across the area. The town has developed significantly in recent decades, with modern retail and leisure facilities complementing its traditional high street. Its position near the M20 motorway makes it easily accessible for those travelling by car. Ashford retains a strong sense of community and offers a range of cultural and recreational activities for residents and visitors alike.

School Ratings in Ashford

There are 45 schools in and around Ashford. Ray Allen Children's Centre and Great Chart Primary School are each rated Outstanding by Ofsted. A further 11 schools hold a Good rating.

House Prices in Ashford

The average property price is £402K, with detached homes making up the majority of the housing stock at around £527K.

Crime and Anti-Social Behaviour in Ashford

Recorded crime levels are higher than the national average. Anti-social behaviour is prevalent across Ashford, with 356 recorded incidents in April 2026.

Deprivation and Employment in Ashford

Ashford 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 Ashford

There are 44 GP surgeries within three miles of Ashford, the nearest being Sydenham House Medical Centre (0.7 miles away).

Property Prices 22,219 sales

Average Price £402K
£100 , £50M
Detached £527K 6,240
Semi £355K 6,130
Terraced £285K 5,360
Flat £207K 3,253

Household Income in Ashford ONS 2023

The average total household income in Ashford is approximately £60,836 a year before tax, 10% above the national average of £55,302. After tax and benefits, the average disposable (net) household income is around £44,213. These are modelled estimates from the Office for National Statistics for the financial year ending 2023.

Ashford £60,836
England & Wales avg. £55,302

Net (after tax) household income averages £44,213.

Businesses in Ashford ONS 2025

There are approximately 6,916 active businesses based in Ashford, around 44 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.

6,916 Total businesses
44 Per 1,000 residents
Micro, 0-9 91%
Small, 10-49 7%
Medium, 50-249 1%
Large, 250+ 1%

Deprivation and Employment in Ashford IMD 2025

Ashford 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
5/10
Income
5/10
Employment
5/10
Education
5/10
Health
6/10
Housing
4/10
Living Environment
8/10
Children 0-15 20%
Working age 62%
Older 65+ 18%
31,250 Children (0-15) 20%
97,688 Working Age 62%
28,939 Older (65+) 18%
Average Child Poverty (IDACI) 35.9% of children in income-deprived families
Average Older Person Poverty (IDAOPI) 24.2% 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 Ashford 1,729 crimes · April 2026

High Crime Area

Ashford 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 597
Anti-Social Behaviour 356
Criminal Damage & Arson 160
Shoplifting 156
Other Theft 142
Public Order 64
Drugs 62
Burglary 51
Vehicle Crime 48
Other Crime 47
Weapons 19
Bicycle Theft 11
Robbery 8
Theft from Person 8
Local Policing
Kent Victoria
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

Ashford International Train Station 0.5 miles
Wye Train Station 3.9 miles
Pluckley Train Station 5.2 miles
Charing (Kent) Train Station 5.3 miles
Ham Street Train Station 5.5 miles
Appledore (Kent) Train Station 8.1 miles

Location

Local Government

District Ashford
County Kent
Ward Downs North
Constituency Ashford
Parish Chilham
Region South East

Home Ownership in Ashford

Of the 63,126 households in and around Ashford, 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 Ashford.

Frequently Asked Questions about Ashford

What is the population of Ashford?
Ashford has a population of approximately 157,873 residents, based on the latest census figures for the surrounding postcode area.
What is the average house price in Ashford?
The average property in and around Ashford sold for about £402,055, based on HM Land Registry Price Paid records. That is around 15% above the England and Wales average of £349,091.
Is Ashford a deprived area?
Ashford sits around the national average for deprivation, with an Index of Multiple Deprivation decile of 5 out of 10, where 1 is the most deprived and 10 the least deprived.
What postcodes cover Ashford?
Ashford is covered by the TN23, TN24, TN25, TN26, TN27, TW15 postcode districts.
How many schools are there in Ashford?
There are 12 schools within easy reach of Ashford, spanning primary, secondary and other phases.
Where is the nearest train station to Ashford?
The nearest railway station to Ashford is Ashford International Train Station, about 0.5 miles away.