Borstal on the map
Location in KentBorstal sits where the marker shows within the county.
About Borstal
Borstal is a district within the town of Rochester in Kent, England, located in the ME1 postcode area. It lies to the north of the River Medway, close to the historic Rochester Castle and the cathedral. The area is primarily residential, with a mix of mid-20th century housing and some older properties. It is served by local shops, schools, and community facilities, and is well connected by road and rail, with Borstal railway station providing regular services to nearby towns and London. The area has a strong sense of community and is known for its proximity to the river and nearby green spaces. It is not far from the wider cultural and historical attractions of Rochester, including the castle and the cathedral, which are popular with visitors.
School Ratings in Borstal
Families in Borstal have access to 144 local schools. St Margaret's at Troy Town Children's Centre, Rochester Independent College and Sir Joseph Williamson's Mathematical School are each rated Outstanding by Ofsted. A further 10 schools hold a Good rating.
House Prices in Borstal
Homes sell for an average of £333K locally. Most of the housing is made up of terraced houses, averaging £300K.
Crime and Anti-Social Behaviour in Borstal
Crime in the area is higher than the national average. Anti-social behaviour is the leading concern across Borstal, with 214 incidents recorded in April 2026.
Deprivation and Employment in Borstal
The 2025 Index of Multiple Deprivation places Borstal 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 Borstal
There are 40 GP surgeries within three miles of Borstal, the nearest being Hmp Rochester (0.3 miles away).
Local Data for Borstal
Dig deeper into the area around Borstal with our free postcode tools.
Property Prices 4,940 sales
Schools & Education 144 within 5 miles View all schools
Ofsted ratings for schools in the ME1 postcode area.
Household Income in Borstal ONS 2023
The average total household income in Borstal is approximately £57,775 a year before tax, 4% above the national average of £55,302. After tax and benefits, the average disposable (net) household income is around £41,399. These are modelled estimates from the Office for National Statistics for the financial year ending 2023.
Net (after tax) household income averages £41,399.
Businesses in Borstal ONS 2025
There are approximately 1,473 active businesses based in Borstal, 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 22 are larger employers with 50 or more staff. Figures are from the Office for National Statistics UK Business Counts.
Deprivation and Employment in Borstal IMD 2025
Deprivation levels in Borstal 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.
Crime in Borstal 941 crimes · April 2026
Crime figures for Borstal 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.
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 Borstal
Of the 13,887 households in and around Borstal, 64% are owned, 16% are socially rented and 20% are privately rented. Home ownership here is in line with the England and Wales average of 63%.
Tenure from the 2021 Census (ONS), for the postcode districts covering Borstal.