Herne Bay on the map

Herne Bay built-up area

Built-up area5.3 km² (2.0 sq mi)

Location in KentHerne Bay sits where the marker shows within the county.

40,445
Population
16,448
Households
5 / 10
Deprivation decile
Around average
12
Schools nearby
£50,829
Avg. household income
1,241
Businesses
1,322
People per km²
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About Herne Bay

Herne Bay is a coastal town located in Kent, England, within the CT6 postcode area. It features a long pebble beach that stretches along the coastline, providing a pleasant area for walks and relaxation. The town is known for its Victorian architecture, with several buildings reflecting the style of that era. The pier, originally opened in 1832, offers a place for leisure activities and has undergone various renovations over the years.

In addition to its beach, Herne Bay has a range of amenities, including shops, cafes, and restaurants that cater to both locals and visitors. The town hosts several events throughout the year, contributing to a sense of community. Nearby, you can find parks and green spaces, making it suitable for families and those looking to enjoy outdoor activities. Overall, Herne Bay presents a blend of seaside charm and local culture.

School Ratings in Herne Bay

Families in Herne Bay have access to 32 local schools. Herne Church of England Infant and Nursery School and Herne Church of England Junior School are each rated Outstanding by Ofsted. A further 4 schools hold a Good rating.

House Prices in Herne Bay

Homes sell for an average of £352K locally. Most of the housing is made up of detached homes, averaging £422K.

Crime and Anti-Social Behaviour in Herne Bay

Crime in the area is broadly in line with the national average. Anti-social behaviour is the leading concern across Herne Bay, with 67 incidents recorded in April 2026.

Deprivation and Employment in Herne Bay

The 2025 Index of Multiple Deprivation places Herne Bay 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 Herne Bay

There are 7 GP surgeries within three miles of Herne Bay, the nearest being Park Surgery (0.3 miles away).

Property Prices 6,039 sales

Average Price £352K
£100 , £56.81M
Detached £422K 2,349
Semi £319K 1,586
Terraced £284K 859
Flat £188K 1,005

Household Income in Herne Bay ONS 2023

The average total household income in Herne Bay is approximately £50,829 a year before tax, 8% below the national average of £55,302. After tax and benefits, the average disposable (net) household income is around £37,805. These are modelled estimates from the Office for National Statistics for the financial year ending 2023.

Herne Bay £50,829
England & Wales avg. £55,302

Net (after tax) household income averages £37,805.

Businesses in Herne Bay ONS 2025

There are approximately 1,241 active businesses based in Herne Bay, around 31 for every 1,000 residents. The local economy is dominated by small firms: about 92% are micro-businesses employing fewer than 10 people, while 19 are larger employers with 50 or more staff. Figures are from the Office for National Statistics UK Business Counts.

1,241 Total businesses
31 Per 1,000 residents
Micro, 0-9 92%
Small, 10-49 7%
Medium, 50-249 2%
Large, 250+ 0%

Deprivation and Employment in Herne Bay IMD 2025

Deprivation levels in Herne Bay 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
5/10
Income
5/10
Employment
5/10
Education
5/10
Health
6/10
Housing
5/10
Living Environment
7/10
Children 0-15 17%
Working age 57%
Older 65+ 26%
6,747 Children (0-15) 17%
22,946 Working Age 57%
10,751 Older (65+) 27%
Average Child Poverty (IDACI) 33% of children in income-deprived families
Average Older Person Poverty (IDAOPI) 13.8% 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 Herne Bay 297 crimes · April 2026

Average Crime Area

Crime in Herne Bay is around the national average, with violence & sexual offences representing the most common offence type. These figures are characteristic of a town with an active centre and diverse population, and are neither unusually high nor particularly low.

Violence & Sexual Offences 118
Anti-Social Behaviour 67
Shoplifting 39
Criminal Damage & Arson 20
Burglary 14
Other Theft 10
Public Order 6
Vehicle Crime 5
Robbery 4
Other Crime 4
Bicycle Theft 3
Drugs 3
Weapons 3
Theft from Person 1
Local Policing
Kent Heron
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

Herne Bay Train Station 0.2 miles
Chestfield And Swalecliffe Train Station 2.4 miles
Whitstable Train Station 3.8 miles
Sturry Train Station 4.4 miles
Canterbury West Train Station 6 miles
Canterbury East Train Station 6.6 miles

Location

Local Government

District Canterbury
County Kent
Ward Greenhill
Constituency Herne Bay and Sandwich
Parish Canterbury, unparished area
Region South East

Home Ownership in Herne Bay

Of the 17,559 households in and around Herne Bay, 74% are owned, 8% are socially rented and 18% are privately rented. Home ownership here is higher than the England and Wales average of 63%.

Owned 74% Social rented 8% Private rented 18%

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

Frequently Asked Questions about Herne Bay

What is the population of Herne Bay?
Herne Bay has a population of approximately 40,445 residents, based on the latest census figures for the surrounding postcode area.
What is the average house price in Herne Bay?
The average property in and around Herne Bay sold for about £351,789, based on HM Land Registry Price Paid records. That is close to the England and Wales average of £349,091.
Is Herne Bay a deprived area?
Herne Bay sits around the national average for deprivation, with an Index of Multiple Deprivation decile of 5 out of 10, where 1 is the most deprived and 10 the least deprived.
What postcodes cover Herne Bay?
Herne Bay is covered by the CT6 postcode district.
How many schools are there in Herne Bay?
There are 12 schools within easy reach of Herne Bay, spanning primary, secondary and other phases.
Where is the nearest train station to Herne Bay?
The nearest railway station to Herne Bay is Herne Bay Train Station, about 0.2 miles away.