Painter's Forstal on the map

Location in KentPainter's Forstal sits where the marker shows within the county.

27,481
Population
11,779
Households
5 / 10
Deprivation decile
Around average
12
Schools nearby
£58,012
Avg. household income
1,292
Businesses
232
People per km²
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About Painter's Forstal

Painter's Forstal is a small village located in Kent, England, within the ME13 postcode area. This rural community is situated near the larger town of Faversham, making it easily accessible for those wishing to explore both the countryside and nearby urban amenities. The village features a mix of residential homes and agricultural land, reflecting its traditional English village character.

The surrounding area offers opportunities for outdoor activities, including walking and cycling along local paths. Painter's Forstal is close to various historical sites and attractions in Kent, providing visitors with a chance to experience the region's culture and heritage. The village is served by local amenities, ensuring residents and visitors have access to essential services.

School Ratings in Painter's Forstal

There are 22 schools in and around Painter's Forstal. Hernhill Church of England Primary School and Sheldwich Primary School are each rated Outstanding by Ofsted. A further 8 schools hold a Good rating.

House Prices in Painter's Forstal

The average property price is £390K, with terraced houses making up the majority of the housing stock at around £309K.

Crime and Anti-Social Behaviour in Painter's Forstal

Recorded crime levels are broadly in line with the national average. Anti-social behaviour is prevalent across Painter's Forstal, with 26 recorded incidents in April 2026.

Deprivation and Employment in Painter's Forstal

Painter's 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 Painter's Forstal

There are 4 GP surgeries within three miles of Painter's Forstal, the nearest being Faversham Medical Practice (2.1 miles away).

Property Prices 4,439 sales

Average Price £390K
£750 , £40M
Detached £534K 1,062
Semi £352K 1,139
Terraced £309K 1,542
Flat £202K 441

Household Income in Painter's Forstal ONS 2023

The average total household income in Painter's Forstal is approximately £58,012 a year before tax, 5% above the national average of £55,302. After tax and benefits, the average disposable (net) household income is around £43,104. These are modelled estimates from the Office for National Statistics for the financial year ending 2023.

Painter's Forstal £58,012
England & Wales avg. £55,302

Net (after tax) household income averages £43,104.

Businesses in Painter's Forstal ONS 2025

There are approximately 1,292 active businesses based in Painter's Forstal, around 47 for every 1,000 residents. The local economy is dominated by small firms: about 90% are micro-businesses employing fewer than 10 people, while 12 are larger employers with 50 or more staff. Figures are from the Office for National Statistics UK Business Counts.

1,292 Total businesses
47 Per 1,000 residents
Micro, 0-9 90%
Small, 10-49 8%
Medium, 50-249 1%
Large, 250+ 1%

Deprivation and Employment in Painter's Forstal IMD 2025

Painter's 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
5/10
Income
6/10
Employment
6/10
Education
5/10
Health
6/10
Housing
4/10
Living Environment
5/10
Children 0-15 18%
Working age 60%
Older 65+ 22%
4,880 Children (0-15) 18%
16,447 Working Age 60%
6,158 Older (65+) 22%
Average Child Poverty (IDACI) 29.8% of children in income-deprived families
Average Older Person Poverty (IDAOPI) 15.2% 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 Painter's Forstal 135 crimes · April 2026

Average Crime Area

Reported crime levels in Painter's Forstal 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 48
Anti-Social Behaviour 26
Shoplifting 17
Criminal Damage & Arson 14
Robbery 7
Burglary 4
Other Theft 4
Other Crime 4
Drugs 3
Public Order 3
Bicycle Theft 2
Vehicle Crime 2
Weapons 1
Local Policing
Kent East 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

Faversham Train Station 2 miles
Selling Train Station 3.6 miles
Teynham Train Station 3.7 miles
Chilham Train Station 5.9 miles
Charing (Kent) Train Station 6.4 miles
Sittingbourne Train Station 6.5 miles

Location

Local Government

District Swale
County Kent
Ward East Downs
Constituency Faversham and Mid Kent
Parish Ospringe
Region South East

Home Ownership in Painter's Forstal

Of the 11,762 households in and around Painter's Forstal, 69% are owned, 15% are socially rented and 16% are privately rented. Home ownership here is higher than the England and Wales average of 63%.

Owned 69% Social rented 15% Private rented 16%

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

Frequently Asked Questions about Painter's Forstal

What is the population of Painter's Forstal?
Painter's Forstal has a population of approximately 27,481 residents, based on the latest census figures for the surrounding postcode area.
What is the average house price in Painter's Forstal?
The average property in and around Painter's Forstal sold for about £389,937, based on HM Land Registry Price Paid records. That is around 12% above the England and Wales average of £349,091.
Is Painter's Forstal a deprived area?
Painter's Forstal 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 Painter's Forstal?
Painter's Forstal is covered by the ME13 postcode district.
How many schools are there in Painter's Forstal?
There are 12 schools within easy reach of Painter's Forstal, spanning primary, secondary and other phases.
Where is the nearest train station to Painter's Forstal?
The nearest railway station to Painter's Forstal is Faversham Train Station, about 2 miles away.