Bearsted on the map

Bearsted built-up area

Built-up area2.7 km² (1.0 sq mi)

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

36,328
Population
12,751
Households
7 / 10
Deprivation decile
Around average
12
Schools nearby
£63,108
Avg. household income
1,934
Businesses
1,002
People per km²
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About Bearsted

Bearsted is a village located in the county of Kent, within the ME14 postcode area of England. It lies to the north of the town of Maidstone and is situated along the A229 road, making it accessible from nearby urban centres. The village has a mix of residential properties, including both modern developments and older, traditional homes. Bearsted is known for its community spirit and local amenities, such as shops, schools, and places of worship. It is also home to Bearsted railway station, which provides regular services to London and other parts of Kent. The surrounding area features open countryside and green spaces, offering a peaceful environment for residents. The village has a long history, with evidence of settlement dating back to medieval times.

School Ratings in Bearsted

Families in Bearsted have access to 71 local schools. Leigh Academy Bearsted, Leigh Academy Snowfields, Invicta Grammar School and School of Science and Technology Maidstone are each rated Outstanding by Ofsted. A further 5 schools hold a Good rating.

House Prices in Bearsted

Homes sell for an average of £385K locally. Most of the housing is made up of flats, averaging £202K.

Crime and Anti-Social Behaviour in Bearsted

Crime in the area is higher than the national average. Anti-social behaviour is the leading concern across Bearsted, with 150 incidents recorded in April 2026.

Deprivation and Employment in Bearsted

The 2025 Index of Multiple Deprivation places Bearsted around the national average for deprivation. Employment rates locally are in line with what is seen across England. Average incomes in the area are typical for England.

Healthcare in Bearsted

There are 17 GP surgeries within three miles of Bearsted, the nearest being Bearsted (0.2 miles away).

Property Prices 5,332 sales

Average Price £385K
£100 , £25M
Detached £584K 1,058
Semi £398K 1,192
Terraced £284K 1,247
Flat £202K 1,554

Household Income in Bearsted ONS 2023

The average total household income in Bearsted is approximately £63,108 a year before tax, 14% above the national average of £55,302. After tax and benefits, the average disposable (net) household income is around £43,955. These are modelled estimates from the Office for National Statistics for the financial year ending 2023.

Bearsted £63,108
England & Wales avg. £55,302

Net (after tax) household income averages £43,955.

Businesses in Bearsted ONS 2025

There are approximately 1,934 active businesses based in Bearsted, around 53 for every 1,000 residents. The local economy is dominated by small firms: about 89% are micro-businesses employing fewer than 10 people, while 31 are larger employers with 50 or more staff. Figures are from the Office for National Statistics UK Business Counts.

1,934 Total businesses
53 Per 1,000 residents
Micro, 0-9 89%
Small, 10-49 9%
Medium, 50-249 1%
Large, 250+ 1%

Deprivation and Employment in Bearsted IMD 2025

Deprivation levels in Bearsted are around the national average based on the 2025 Index of Multiple Deprivation. Employment is accessible for most residents and household incomes reflect the broader national picture. The area maintains a steady balance between affordability and quality of life.

Overall Deprivation
7/10
Income
7/10
Employment
7/10
Education
6/10
Health
7/10
Housing
4/10
Living Environment
6/10
Children 0-15 18%
Working age 64%
Older 65+ 18%
6,661 Children (0-15) 18%
23,158 Working Age 64%
6,514 Older (65+) 18%
Average Child Poverty (IDACI) 27% of children in income-deprived families
Average Older Person Poverty (IDAOPI) 15.1% 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 Bearsted 706 crimes · April 2026

High Crime Area

Crime figures for Bearsted 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 239
Anti-Social Behaviour 150
Shoplifting 81
Criminal Damage & Arson 61
Public Order 38
Drugs 33
Other Theft 32
Other Crime 21
Burglary 13
Vehicle Crime 13
Robbery 8
Weapons 7
Bicycle Theft 6
Theft from Person 4
Local Policing
Kent Bearsted & Downswood
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

Bearsted Train Station 0.4 miles
Maidstone East Train Station 2.3 miles
Maidstone Barracks Train Station 2.5 miles
Hollingbourne Train Station 2.6 miles
East Farleigh Train Station 3.8 miles
Barming Train Station 4.1 miles

Location

Local Government

District Maidstone
County Kent
Ward High Street
Constituency Maidstone and The Weald
Parish Maidstone, unparished area
Region South East

Home Ownership in Bearsted

Of the 14,750 households in and around Bearsted, 68% are owned, 9% are socially rented and 23% are privately rented. Home ownership here is higher than the England and Wales average of 63%.

Owned 68% Social rented 9% Private rented 23%

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

Frequently Asked Questions about Bearsted

What is the population of Bearsted?
Bearsted has a population of approximately 36,328 residents, based on the latest census figures for the surrounding postcode area.
What is the average house price in Bearsted?
The average property in and around Bearsted sold for about £385,471, based on HM Land Registry Price Paid records. That is around 10% above the England and Wales average of £349,091.
Is Bearsted a deprived area?
Bearsted sits around the national average for deprivation, with an Index of Multiple Deprivation decile of 7 out of 10, where 1 is the most deprived and 10 the least deprived.
What postcodes cover Bearsted?
Bearsted is covered by the ME14 postcode district.
How many schools are there in Bearsted?
There are 12 schools within easy reach of Bearsted, spanning primary, secondary and other phases.
Where is the nearest train station to Bearsted?
The nearest railway station to Bearsted is Bearsted Train Station, about 0.4 miles away.