Bluewater on the map

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

15,012
Population
5,766
Households
5 / 10
Deprivation decile
Around average
12
Schools nearby
£66,934
Avg. household income
629
Businesses
2,125
People per km²
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About Bluewater

Bluewater is a large retail and leisure complex located in Kent, England, within the DA9 postcode area. It is one of the largest shopping centres in the UK, featuring a wide range of high-street and designer stores, along with a cinema, restaurants, and a hotel. The site is easily accessible by road and rail, with direct train services from London to Bluewater station, making it a convenient destination for shoppers from across the south-east. The development includes extensive car parking and is situated near the M25 motorway, which aids in connectivity. The area around Bluewater has undergone significant transformation since its opening, with new residential and commercial developments emerging nearby. It remains a major retail hub in the region, attracting visitors from across England and beyond.

School Ratings in Bluewater

Bluewater is served by 153 schools. A further 1 school holds a Good rating.

House Prices in Bluewater

Property prices average £403K across the area, and flats are the most common property type, typically selling for £214K.

Crime and Anti-Social Behaviour in Bluewater

Local crime rates sit higher than national averages. Shoplifting accounts for the highest share in Bluewater, with 199 incidents logged in April 2026.

Deprivation and Employment in Bluewater

Based on the 2025 Index of Multiple Deprivation, Bluewater falls within the mid-range nationally for overall deprivation. Working-age employment is around the national average for the area. Income levels locally sit close to the national average.

Healthcare in Bluewater

There are 14 GP surgeries within three miles of Bluewater, the nearest being West Kent And Medway Bowel Cancer Screening Centre (0.9 miles away).

Property Prices 2,652 sales

Average Price £403K
£6K , £168M
Detached £508K 220
Semi £398K 453
Terraced £351K 761
Flat £214K 1,166

Household Income in Bluewater ONS 2023

The average total household income in Bluewater is approximately £66,934 a year before tax, 21% above the national average of £55,302. After tax and benefits, the average disposable (net) household income is around £48,582. These are modelled estimates from the Office for National Statistics for the financial year ending 2023.

Bluewater £66,934
England & Wales avg. £55,302

Net (after tax) household income averages £48,582.

Businesses in Bluewater ONS 2025

There are approximately 629 active businesses based in Bluewater, around 42 for every 1,000 residents. The local economy is dominated by small firms: about 88% are micro-businesses employing fewer than 10 people, while 23 are larger employers with 50 or more staff. Figures are from the Office for National Statistics UK Business Counts.

629 Total businesses
42 Per 1,000 residents
Micro, 0-9 88%
Small, 10-49 9%
Medium, 50-249 3%
Large, 250+ 0%

Deprivation and Employment in Bluewater IMD 2025

The 2025 Index of Multiple Deprivation places Bluewater in the mid-range nationally. Employment and income levels are close to the England average, with a mix of opportunities across sectors. Overall living conditions are comparable to similar areas across the country.

Overall Deprivation
5/10
Income
5/10
Employment
6/10
Education
6/10
Health
6/10
Housing
3/10
Living Environment
7/10
Children 0-15 22%
Working age 69%
Older 65+ 9%
3,317 Children (0-15) 22%
10,357 Working Age 69%
1,345 Older (65+) 9%
Average Child Poverty (IDACI) 30.3% of children in income-deprived families
Average Older Person Poverty (IDAOPI) 17.8% 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 Bluewater 525 crimes · April 2026

High Crime Area

Reported crime in Bluewater is above the national average when measured per capita. Shoplifting dominates the figures, a trend mirrored in many urban centres. Local policing teams work actively in the area, and community initiatives continue to address key concerns.

Shoplifting 199
Violence & Sexual Offences 109
Anti-Social Behaviour 73
Criminal Damage & Arson 34
Vehicle Crime 25
Other Theft 18
Weapons 16
Burglary 13
Public Order 13
Other Crime 11
Drugs 9
Robbery 4
Theft from Person 1
Local Policing
Kent Ebbsfleet
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

Greenhithe For Bluewater Train Station 0.9 miles
Stone Crossing Train Station 1.1 miles
Swanscombe Train Station 1.5 miles
Ebbsfleet International Train Station 1.8 miles
Northfleet Train Station 2 miles
Dartford Train Station 2.7 miles

Location

Local Government

District Dartford
County Kent
Ward Stone Castle
Constituency Dartford
Parish Stone
Region South East

Home Ownership in Bluewater

Of the 6,260 households in and around Bluewater, 63% are owned, 10% are socially rented and 27% are privately rented. Home ownership here is in line with the England and Wales average of 63%.

Owned 63% Social rented 10% Private rented 27%

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

Frequently Asked Questions about Bluewater

What is the population of Bluewater?
Bluewater has a population of approximately 15,012 residents, based on the latest census figures for the surrounding postcode area.
What is the average house price in Bluewater?
The average property in and around Bluewater sold for about £402,804, based on HM Land Registry Price Paid records. That is around 15% above the England and Wales average of £349,091.
Is Bluewater a deprived area?
Bluewater 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 Bluewater?
Bluewater is covered by the DA9 postcode district.
How many schools are there in Bluewater?
There are 12 schools within easy reach of Bluewater, spanning primary, secondary and other phases.
Where is the nearest train station to Bluewater?
The nearest railway station to Bluewater is Greenhithe For Bluewater Train Station, about 0.9 miles away.