Chatham on the map
Built-up area13.9 km² (5.4 sq mi)
Location in KentChatham sits where the marker shows within the county.
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 145 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 £299K across the area, and terraced houses are the most common property type, typically selling for £253K.
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 301 incidents logged in April 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.
Healthcare in Chatham
There are 59 GP surgeries within three miles of Chatham, the nearest being The Churchill Clinic (126 yards away).
Local Data for Chatham
Dig deeper into the area around Chatham with our free postcode tools.
Property Prices 11,655 sales
Schools & Education 12 nearby View all schools
Ofsted ratings for schools in the ME5 postcode area.
Household Income in Chatham ONS 2023
The average total household income in Chatham is approximately £55,016 a year before tax, in line with the national average of £55,302. After tax and benefits, the average disposable (net) household income is around £40,030. These are modelled estimates from the Office for National Statistics for the financial year ending 2023.
Net (after tax) household income averages £40,030.
Businesses in Chatham ONS 2025
There are approximately 2,709 active businesses based in Chatham, around 31 for every 1,000 residents. The local economy is dominated by small firms: about 91% are micro-businesses employing fewer than 10 people, while 32 are larger employers with 50 or more staff. Figures are from the Office for National Statistics UK Business Counts.
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 1,401 crimes · April 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.
Nearest Train Stations 6 stations
Location
Nearby Towns & Villages 12 found
Local Government
Home Ownership in Chatham
Of the 34,432 households in and around Chatham, 63% are owned, 15% are socially rented and 21% 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 Chatham.