Forstal on the map

Forstal built-up area

Built-up area0.6 km² (0.2 sq mi)

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

21,853
Population
8,293
Households
7 / 10
Deprivation decile
Around average
12
Schools nearby
£61,928
Avg. household income
859
Businesses
955
People per km²
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About Forstal

Forstal is a small village located in Kent, England, within the ME20 postcode area. It is situated near the larger town of Aylesford and is surrounded by the natural beauty of the Kent countryside. The village features a mix of residential properties and green spaces, making it a peaceful place to live or visit.

Local amenities are limited, but nearby Aylesford offers a range of shops, eateries, and services. Forstal is well-connected by road, providing easy access to the surrounding areas and the M20 motorway. The village's proximity to larger towns and the countryside makes it a suitable base for exploring the Kent region.

School Ratings in Forstal

There are 123 schools in and around Forstal. Valley Invicta Primary School At Aylesford is rated Outstanding by Ofsted. A further 4 schools hold a Good rating.

House Prices in Forstal

The average property price is £420K, with semi-detached homes making up the majority of the housing stock at around £365K.

Crime and Anti-Social Behaviour in Forstal

Recorded crime levels are higher than the national average. Anti-social behaviour is prevalent across Forstal, with 41 recorded incidents in April 2026.

Deprivation and Employment in Forstal

Forstal sits around the middle of the national deprivation scale, according to the 2025 Index of Multiple Deprivation. Employment levels are broadly typical for the area, sitting close to the national average. Household incomes are broadly in line with the national average.

Healthcare in Forstal

There are 24 GP surgeries within three miles of Forstal, the nearest being Heart Of Kent Hospice (0.5 miles away).

Property Prices 3,030 sales

Average Price £420K
£2K , £37.22M
Detached £537K 465
Semi £365K 1,149
Terraced £303K 945
Flat £218K 350

Household Income in Forstal ONS 2023

The average total household income in Forstal is approximately £61,928 a year before tax, 12% above the national average of £55,302. After tax and benefits, the average disposable (net) household income is around £43,435. These are modelled estimates from the Office for National Statistics for the financial year ending 2023.

Forstal £61,928
England & Wales avg. £55,302

Net (after tax) household income averages £43,435.

Businesses in Forstal ONS 2025

There are approximately 859 active businesses based in Forstal, around 39 for every 1,000 residents. The local economy is dominated by small firms: about 86% are micro-businesses employing fewer than 10 people, while 35 are larger employers with 50 or more staff. Figures are from the Office for National Statistics UK Business Counts.

859 Total businesses
39 Per 1,000 residents
Micro, 0-9 86%
Small, 10-49 10%
Medium, 50-249 3%
Large, 250+ 1%

Deprivation and Employment in Forstal IMD 2025

Forstal sits around the national average for deprivation according to the 2025 Index of Multiple Deprivation. Employment and income levels are broadly typical, reflecting a mixed local economy. The area offers a balance of residential and commercial activity common to most parts of England.

Overall Deprivation
7/10
Income
7/10
Employment
7/10
Education
6/10
Health
7/10
Housing
5/10
Living Environment
7/10
Children 0-15 19%
Working age 60%
Older 65+ 21%
4,235 Children (0-15) 19%
13,169 Working Age 60%
4,455 Older (65+) 20%
Average Child Poverty (IDACI) 23.6% of children in income-deprived families
Average Older Person Poverty (IDAOPI) 12.3% 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 Forstal 199 crimes · April 2026

High Crime Area

Forstal sees higher than average levels of reported crime relative to its population. Violence & sexual offences represents the most frequently recorded category. This pattern is not uncommon in densely populated urban areas and does not necessarily reflect the experience of most residents.

Violence & Sexual Offences 73
Anti-Social Behaviour 41
Criminal Damage & Arson 25
Vehicle Crime 14
Shoplifting 12
Other Theft 9
Public Order 9
Other Crime 6
Drugs 4
Burglary 3
Robbery 2
Bicycle Theft 1
Local Policing
Kent Aylesford North & North Downs
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

Aylesford Train Station 0.8 miles
Barming Train Station 1.1 miles
New Hythe Train Station 1.8 miles
Maidstone Barracks Train Station 1.9 miles
Maidstone East Train Station 2.1 miles
East Malling Train Station 2.3 miles

Location

Local Government

District Tonbridge and Malling
County Kent
Ward Larkfield South
Constituency Chatham and Aylesford
Parish East Malling and Larkfield
Region South East

Home Ownership in Forstal

Of the 8,934 households in and around Forstal, 73% are owned, 17% are socially rented and 10% are privately rented. Home ownership here is higher than the England and Wales average of 63%.

Owned 73% Social rented 17% Private rented 10%

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

Frequently Asked Questions about Forstal

What is the population of Forstal?
Forstal has a population of approximately 21,853 residents, based on the latest census figures for the surrounding postcode area.
What is the average house price in Forstal?
The average property in and around Forstal sold for about £420,355, based on HM Land Registry Price Paid records. That is around 20% above the England and Wales average of £349,091.
Is Forstal a deprived area?
Forstal sits around the national average for deprivation, with an Index of Multiple Deprivation decile of 7 out of 10, where 1 is the most deprived and 10 the least deprived.
What postcodes cover Forstal?
Forstal is covered by the ME20 postcode district.
How many schools are there in Forstal?
There are 12 schools within easy reach of Forstal, spanning primary, secondary and other phases.
Where is the nearest train station to Forstal?
The nearest railway station to Forstal is Aylesford Train Station, about 0.8 miles away.