About Chatham
Chatham is a town in the county of Kent, located in south-east England. It lies along the River Medway and is part of the Medway Towns conurbation. The town has a long maritime history, with the Royal Dockyard established here in the 16th century, which played a significant role in the development of the British Navy. Today, Chatham is known for its historic dockyard, now a visitor attraction, and the preserved ships, including HMS Gannet and HMS Cavalier. The town centre features a mix of modern and traditional buildings, with a high street offering a range of shops and eateries. Chatham is well connected by rail, with Chatham railway station providing regular services to London and other nearby towns. The postcode area for Chatham is ME5.
School Ratings in Chatham
Chatham is served by 143 schools. Bradfields Academy and The Rowans are each rated Outstanding by Ofsted. A further 9 schools hold a Good rating.
House Prices in Chatham
Property prices average £291K across the area, and terraced houses are the most common property type, typically selling for £252K.
Crime and Anti-Social Behaviour in Chatham
Local crime rates sit higher than national averages. Anti-social behaviour accounts for the highest share in Chatham, with 231 incidents logged in January 2026.
Deprivation and Employment in Chatham
Based on the 2025 Index of Multiple Deprivation, Chatham 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.
Broadband and Mobile Internet in Chatham
Most properties in Chatham can access superfast or ultrafast broadband. 4G coverage is extensive and 5G is increasingly available across the area. For the latest speed predictions, visit Ofcom's broadband checker.
Property Prices 12,032 sales
Schools & Education 12 nearby View all schools
Deprivation and Employment in Chatham IMD 2025
The 2025 Index of Multiple Deprivation places Chatham 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.
Crime in Chatham 1,265 crimes · January 2026
Reported crime in Chatham is above the national average when measured per capita. Violence & sexual offences 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.
Crime figures depend on reporting by individual police forces and may not reflect the full picture in all areas.