Lower Bush on the map

Location in KentLower Bush sits where the marker shows within the county.

43,051
Population
15,703
Households
5 / 10
Deprivation decile
Around average
12
Schools nearby
£57,580
Avg. household income
1,723
Businesses
1,497
People per km²
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About Lower Bush

Lower Bush is a small locality located in Kent, England, within the ME2 postcode area. It is situated near the River Medway and is surrounded by the natural beauty of the Kent countryside. The area is primarily residential, with a mix of traditional and modern homes. Lower Bush offers a peaceful environment for those who appreciate a quieter lifestyle while still being within reach of nearby towns and amenities.

The locality is conveniently positioned for access to larger towns such as Rochester and Chatham, which provide a range of shops, restaurants, and recreational facilities. Lower Bush is also close to various walking paths and green spaces, making it suitable for outdoor activities. The local community is friendly, and the area is served by public transport, making it easy to explore the surrounding regions.

School Ratings in Lower Bush

Families in Lower Bush have access to 135 local schools. Bligh Children's Centre and Abbey Court Foundation Special School are each rated Outstanding by Ofsted. A further 14 schools hold a Good rating.

House Prices in Lower Bush

Homes sell for an average of £310K locally. Most of the housing is made up of terraced houses, averaging £261K.

Crime and Anti-Social Behaviour in Lower Bush

Crime in the area is higher than the national average. Anti-social behaviour is the leading concern across Lower Bush, with 106 incidents recorded in April 2026.

Deprivation and Employment in Lower Bush

The 2025 Index of Multiple Deprivation places Lower Bush 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 Lower Bush

There are 17 GP surgeries within three miles of Lower Bush, the nearest being Marlowe Park Medical Ctr. (1.5 miles away).

Property Prices 5,619 sales

Average Price £310K
£100 , £12.5M
Detached £484K 650
Semi £328K 1,845
Terraced £261K 2,229
Flat £183K 579

Household Income in Lower Bush ONS 2023

The average total household income in Lower Bush is approximately £57,580 a year before tax, 4% above the national average of £55,302. After tax and benefits, the average disposable (net) household income is around £41,482. These are modelled estimates from the Office for National Statistics for the financial year ending 2023.

Lower Bush £57,580
England & Wales avg. £55,302

Net (after tax) household income averages £41,482.

Businesses in Lower Bush ONS 2025

There are approximately 1,723 active businesses based in Lower Bush, around 40 for every 1,000 residents. The local economy is dominated by small firms: about 87% are micro-businesses employing fewer than 10 people, while 42 are larger employers with 50 or more staff. Figures are from the Office for National Statistics UK Business Counts.

1,723 Total businesses
40 Per 1,000 residents
Micro, 0-9 87%
Small, 10-49 11%
Medium, 50-249 2%
Large, 250+ 0%

Deprivation and Employment in Lower Bush IMD 2025

Deprivation levels in Lower Bush 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
6/10
Employment
6/10
Education
5/10
Health
6/10
Housing
3/10
Living Environment
6/10
Children 0-15 21%
Working age 63%
Older 65+ 16%
9,072 Children (0-15) 21%
27,104 Working Age 63%
6,876 Older (65+) 16%
Average Child Poverty (IDACI) 29.3% of children in income-deprived families
Average Older Person Poverty (IDAOPI) 16.2% 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 Lower Bush 551 crimes · April 2026

High Crime Area

Crime figures for Lower Bush 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 181
Anti-Social Behaviour 106
Shoplifting 55
Criminal Damage & Arson 50
Other Theft 48
Other Crime 27
Vehicle Crime 21
Public Order 20
Drugs 16
Burglary 14
Robbery 5
Weapons 4
Bicycle Theft 2
Theft from Person 2
Local Policing
Kent Cuxton, Halling and Riverside
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

Cuxton Train Station 1.2 miles
Sole Street Train Station 2.4 miles
Strood (Kent) Train Station 3 miles
Rochester Train Station 3.2 miles
Halling Train Station 3.3 miles
Higham Train Station 3.4 miles

Location

Local Government

District Medway
County Kent
Ward Cuxton and Halling
Constituency Rochester and Strood
Parish Cuxton
Region South East

Home Ownership in Lower Bush

Of the 16,812 households in and around Lower Bush, 71% are owned, 13% are socially rented and 16% are privately rented. Home ownership here is higher than the England and Wales average of 63%.

Owned 71% Social rented 13% Private rented 16%

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

Frequently Asked Questions about Lower Bush

What is the population of Lower Bush?
Lower Bush has a population of approximately 43,051 residents, based on the latest census figures for the surrounding postcode area.
What is the average house price in Lower Bush?
The average property in and around Lower Bush sold for about £309,720, based on HM Land Registry Price Paid records. That is around 11% below the England and Wales average of £349,091.
Is Lower Bush a deprived area?
Lower Bush 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 Lower Bush?
Lower Bush is covered by the ME2 postcode district.
How many schools are there in Lower Bush?
There are 12 schools within easy reach of Lower Bush, spanning primary, secondary and other phases.
Where is the nearest train station to Lower Bush?
The nearest railway station to Lower Bush is Cuxton Train Station, about 1.2 miles away.