Highsted on the map

Highsted built-up area

Built-up area0.2 km² (0.1 sq mi)

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

29,283
Population
8,272
Households
6 / 10
Deprivation decile
Around average
12
Schools nearby
£61,289
Avg. household income
1,069
Businesses
226
People per km²
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About Highsted

Highsted is a small village located in the county of Kent, England, within the ME9 postcode area. It is situated close to the larger town of Sittingbourne, making it accessible while maintaining a quieter atmosphere. The village is primarily residential, offering a mix of traditional and modern homes.

The surrounding countryside provides opportunities for outdoor activities, including walking and cycling. Highsted is also near various local amenities, including shops and schools, which cater to the needs of its residents. The village is well-connected by road and public transport, allowing for easy travel to nearby towns and cities.

School Ratings in Highsted

There are 46 schools in and around Highsted. Rodmersham School is rated Outstanding by Ofsted. A further 7 schools hold a Good rating.

House Prices in Highsted

The average property price is £442K, with detached homes making up the majority of the housing stock at around £558K.

Crime and Anti-Social Behaviour in Highsted

Recorded crime levels are higher than the national average. Anti-social behaviour is prevalent across Highsted, with 92 recorded incidents in April 2026.

Deprivation and Employment in Highsted

Highsted 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 Highsted

There are 9 GP surgeries within three miles of Highsted, the nearest being Memorial Medical Centre (1.1 miles away).

Property Prices 2,960 sales

Average Price £442K
£300 , £51.93M
Detached £558K 1,003
Semi £331K 868
Terraced £270K 743
Flat £174K 164

Household Income in Highsted ONS 2023

The average total household income in Highsted is approximately £61,289 a year before tax, 11% above the national average of £55,302. After tax and benefits, the average disposable (net) household income is around £43,342. These are modelled estimates from the Office for National Statistics for the financial year ending 2023.

Highsted £61,289
England & Wales avg. £55,302

Net (after tax) household income averages £43,342.

Businesses in Highsted ONS 2025

There are approximately 1,069 active businesses based in Highsted, around 37 for every 1,000 residents. The local economy is dominated by small firms: about 92% are micro-businesses employing fewer than 10 people, while 11 are larger employers with 50 or more staff. Figures are from the Office for National Statistics UK Business Counts.

1,069 Total businesses
37 Per 1,000 residents
Micro, 0-9 92%
Small, 10-49 7%
Medium, 50-249 1%
Large, 250+ 0%

Deprivation and Employment in Highsted IMD 2025

Highsted 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
6/10
Income
7/10
Employment
6/10
Education
5/10
Health
7/10
Housing
3/10
Living Environment
7/10
Children 0-15 19%
Working age 61%
Older 65+ 20%
5,483 Children (0-15) 19%
17,925 Working Age 61%
5,875 Older (65+) 20%
Average Child Poverty (IDACI) 24.9% of children in income-deprived families
Average Older Person Poverty (IDAOPI) 11.3% 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 Highsted 419 crimes · April 2026

High Crime Area

Highsted 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 140
Anti-Social Behaviour 92
Shoplifting 58
Criminal Damage & Arson 34
Other Theft 26
Drugs 16
Public Order 14
Vehicle Crime 13
Other Crime 11
Burglary 6
Bicycle Theft 4
Weapons 2
Robbery 2
Theft from Person 1
Local Policing
Kent West 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

Sittingbourne Train Station 1.6 miles
Teynham Train Station 2.7 miles
Kemsley Train Station 3 miles
Newington Train Station 4.1 miles
Swale Train Station 4.7 miles
Harrietsham Train Station 6.1 miles

Location

Local Government

District Swale
County Kent
Ward West Downs
Constituency Sittingbourne and Sheppey
Parish Rodmersham
Region South East

Home Ownership in Highsted

Of the 11,347 households in and around Highsted, 77% are owned, 10% are socially rented and 13% are privately rented. Home ownership here is higher than the England and Wales average of 63%.

Owned 77% Social rented 10% Private rented 13%

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

Frequently Asked Questions about Highsted

What is the population of Highsted?
Highsted has a population of approximately 29,283 residents, based on the latest census figures for the surrounding postcode area.
What is the average house price in Highsted?
The average property in and around Highsted sold for about £441,585, based on HM Land Registry Price Paid records. That is around 26% above the England and Wales average of £349,091.
Is Highsted a deprived area?
Highsted sits around the national average for deprivation, with an Index of Multiple Deprivation decile of 6 out of 10, where 1 is the most deprived and 10 the least deprived.
What postcodes cover Highsted?
Highsted is covered by the ME9 postcode district.
How many schools are there in Highsted?
There are 12 schools within easy reach of Highsted, spanning primary, secondary and other phases.
Where is the nearest train station to Highsted?
The nearest railway station to Highsted is Sittingbourne Train Station, about 1.6 miles away.