Lower Island on the map

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

33,065
Population
14,493
Households
7 / 10
Deprivation decile
Around average
12
Schools nearby
£55,982
Avg. household income
1,379
Businesses
1,047
People per km²
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About Lower Island

Lower Island is located in Kent, England, within the CT5 postcode area. This area is primarily known for its coastal features and is part of the larger community of Whitstable. The island is accessible by foot during low tide, allowing visitors to explore the surrounding waters and enjoy the views of the coastline.

The region is characterised by its natural beauty, with opportunities for birdwatching and observing marine life. Lower Island is also a popular spot for local fishermen, who often cast their lines in the surrounding waters. The area is well-suited for those who appreciate outdoor activities and the simple pleasures of coastal life.

School Ratings in Lower Island

There are 32 schools in and around Lower Island. Whitstable and Seasalter Endowed Church of England Junior School is rated Outstanding by Ofsted. A further 6 schools hold a Good rating.

House Prices in Lower Island

The average property price is £434K, with detached homes making up the majority of the housing stock at around £565K.

Crime and Anti-Social Behaviour in Lower Island

Recorded crime levels are broadly in line with the national average. Anti-social behaviour is prevalent across Lower Island, with 64 recorded incidents in May 2026.

Deprivation and Employment in Lower Island

Lower Island 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 Lower Island

There are 6 GP surgeries within three miles of Lower Island, the nearest being Whitstable Medical Practice (1.3 miles away).

Property Prices 5,071 sales

Average Price £434K
£1K , £18.9M
Detached £565K 1,761
Semi £379K 1,448
Terraced £389K 895
Flat £245K 721

Household Income in Lower Island ONS 2023

The average total household income in Lower Island is approximately £55,982 a year before tax, in line with the national average of £55,302. After tax and benefits, the average disposable (net) household income is around £42,823. These are modelled estimates from the Office for National Statistics for the financial year ending 2023.

Lower Island £55,982
England & Wales avg. £55,302

Net (after tax) household income averages £42,823.

Businesses in Lower Island ONS 2025

There are approximately 1,379 active businesses based in Lower Island, around 42 for every 1,000 residents. The local economy is dominated by small firms: about 91% are micro-businesses employing fewer than 10 people, while 6 are larger employers with 50 or more staff. Figures are from the Office for National Statistics UK Business Counts.

1,379 Total businesses
42 Per 1,000 residents
Micro, 0-9 91%
Small, 10-49 8%
Medium, 50-249 0%
Large, 250+ 1%

Deprivation and Employment in Lower Island IMD 2025

Lower Island 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
6/10
Education
7/10
Health
7/10
Housing
5/10
Living Environment
8/10
Children 0-15 15%
Working age 56%
Older 65+ 29%
5,091 Children (0-15) 15%
18,440 Working Age 56%
9,526 Older (65+) 29%
Average Child Poverty (IDACI) 24.2% of children in income-deprived families
Average Older Person Poverty (IDAOPI) 11.6% 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 Island 244 crimes · May 2026

Average Crime Area

Reported crime levels in Lower Island sit broadly in line with national averages for a town of this size. Violence & sexual offences accounts for the largest share of recorded offences. The profile is typical of a well-populated area with a mix of residential and commercial activity.

Violence & Sexual Offences 68
Anti-Social Behaviour 64
Shoplifting 51
Criminal Damage & Arson 22
Other Theft 11
Burglary 6
Drugs 6
Vehicle Crime 6
Public Order 5
Other Crime 2
Bicycle Theft 1
Weapons 1
Robbery 1
Local Policing
Kent Gorrell
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

Whitstable Train Station 0.6 miles
Chestfield And Swalecliffe Train Station 2 miles
Herne Bay Train Station 4.2 miles
Canterbury West Train Station 5.7 miles
Sturry Train Station 5.9 miles
Canterbury East Train Station 6.2 miles

Location

Local Government

District Canterbury
County Kent
Ward Gorrell
Constituency Canterbury
Parish Canterbury, unparished area
Region South East

Home Ownership in Lower Island

Of the 14,786 households in and around Lower Island, 77% are owned, 8% are socially rented and 16% are privately rented. Home ownership here is higher than the England and Wales average of 63%.

Owned 77% Social rented 8% Private rented 16%

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

Frequently Asked Questions about Lower Island

What is the population of Lower Island?
Lower Island has a population of approximately 33,065 residents, based on the latest census figures for the surrounding postcode area.
What is the average house price in Lower Island?
The average property in and around Lower Island sold for about £434,452, based on HM Land Registry Price Paid records. That is around 24% above the England and Wales average of £349,091.
Is Lower Island a deprived area?
Lower Island 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 Lower Island?
Lower Island is covered by the CT5 postcode district.
How many schools are there in Lower Island?
There are 12 schools within easy reach of Lower Island, spanning primary, secondary and other phases.
Where is the nearest train station to Lower Island?
The nearest railway station to Lower Island is Whitstable Train Station, about 0.6 miles away.