Folkestone on the map

Folkestone built-up area

Built-up area12.7 km² (4.9 sq mi)

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

65,929
Population
28,638
Households
4 / 10
Deprivation decile
Around average
12
Schools nearby
£53,282
Avg. household income
2,154
Businesses
883
People per km²
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About Folkestone

Folkestone is a coastal town located in Kent, England, within the postcode area CT19. It features a mix of residential and commercial areas, with a variety of shops, restaurants, and cafés that cater to both locals and visitors. The town has a long pebble beach, which is popular for walks and leisure activities, and the promenade offers a pleasant space for relaxation and enjoyment of the sea views.

The town is also home to the Folkestone Harbour, which has undergone significant redevelopment in recent years. This area includes various attractions, such as art installations and events that take place throughout the year. Folkestone is well-connected by road and rail, making it an accessible destination for those looking to explore the Kent coastline or travel to nearby towns and cities.

School Ratings in Folkestone

Families in Folkestone have access to 39 local schools. The Beacon Folkestone is rated Outstanding by Ofsted. A further 13 schools hold a Good rating.

House Prices in Folkestone

Homes sell for an average of £305K locally. Most of the housing is made up of terraced houses, averaging £259K.

Crime and Anti-Social Behaviour in Folkestone

Crime in the area is higher than the national average. Anti-social behaviour is the leading concern across Folkestone, with 138 incidents recorded in May 2026.

Deprivation and Employment in Folkestone

The 2025 Index of Multiple Deprivation places Folkestone around the national average for deprivation. A higher proportion of working-age residents face employment challenges compared to the national picture. A larger share of residents live on lower incomes compared to the wider national picture.

Healthcare in Folkestone

There are 12 GP surgeries within three miles of Folkestone, the nearest being Invicta Health Connect Folkestone (0.5 miles away).

Property Prices 10,552 sales

Average Price £305K
£190 , £10.9M
Detached £498K 1,616
Semi £332K 2,151
Terraced £259K 3,213
Flat £204K 3,003

Household Income in Folkestone ONS 2023

The average total household income in Folkestone is approximately £53,282 a year before tax, 4% below the national average of £55,302. After tax and benefits, the average disposable (net) household income is around £39,151. These are modelled estimates from the Office for National Statistics for the financial year ending 2023.

Folkestone £53,282
England & Wales avg. £55,302

Net (after tax) household income averages £39,151.

Businesses in Folkestone ONS 2025

There are approximately 2,154 active businesses based in Folkestone, around 33 for every 1,000 residents. The local economy is dominated by small firms: about 90% are micro-businesses employing fewer than 10 people, while 33 are larger employers with 50 or more staff. Figures are from the Office for National Statistics UK Business Counts.

2,154 Total businesses
33 Per 1,000 residents
Micro, 0-9 90%
Small, 10-49 9%
Medium, 50-249 1%
Large, 250+ 0%

Deprivation and Employment in Folkestone IMD 2025

Deprivation levels in Folkestone 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
4/10
Income
3/10
Employment
3/10
Education
3/10
Health
3/10
Housing
6/10
Living Environment
5/10
Children 0-15 18%
Working age 62%
Older 65+ 20%
12,040 Children (0-15) 18%
40,603 Working Age 62%
13,285 Older (65+) 20%
Below Average Child Poverty (IDACI) 47.3% of children in income-deprived families
Average Older Person Poverty (IDAOPI) 27.4% 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 Folkestone 557 crimes · May 2026

High Crime Area

Crime figures for Folkestone 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 173
Anti-Social Behaviour 138
Shoplifting 51
Other Theft 44
Criminal Damage & Arson 38
Drugs 33
Public Order 18
Burglary 15
Vehicle Crime 14
Other Crime 12
Weapons 9
Bicycle Theft 5
Robbery 4
Theft from Person 3
Local Policing
Kent Broadmead
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

Folkestone Central Train Station 0.4 miles
Westenhanger Train Station 5.4 miles
Kearsney (Kent) Train Station 6.5 miles
Shepherds Well Train Station 7.8 miles
Snowdown Train Station 9.5 miles
Aylesham Train Station 10 miles

Location

Local Government

District Folkestone and Hythe
County Kent
Ward Broadmead
Constituency Folkestone and Hythe
Parish Folkestone
Region South East

Home Ownership in Folkestone

Of the 28,725 households in and around Folkestone, 60% are owned, 12% are socially rented and 28% are privately rented. Home ownership here is lower than the England and Wales average of 63%.

Owned 60% Social rented 12% Private rented 28%

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

Frequently Asked Questions about Folkestone

What is the population of Folkestone?
Folkestone has a population of approximately 65,929 residents, based on the latest census figures for the surrounding postcode area.
What is the average house price in Folkestone?
The average property in and around Folkestone sold for about £305,434, based on HM Land Registry Price Paid records. That is around 13% below the England and Wales average of £349,091.
Is Folkestone a deprived area?
Folkestone sits around the national average for deprivation, with an Index of Multiple Deprivation decile of 4 out of 10, where 1 is the most deprived and 10 the least deprived.
What postcodes cover Folkestone?
Folkestone is covered by the CT18, CT19, CT20, CT50 postcode districts.
How many schools are there in Folkestone?
There are 12 schools within easy reach of Folkestone, spanning primary, secondary and other phases.
Where is the nearest train station to Folkestone?
The nearest railway station to Folkestone is Folkestone Central Train Station, about 0.4 miles away.