Preston on the map

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

299,624
Population
119,470
Households
5 / 10
Deprivation decile
Around average
12
Schools nearby
£48,170
Avg. household income
12,167
Businesses
401
People per km²
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About Preston

Preston is a village located in Kent, England, within the postcode area CT3. It is situated approximately 6 miles from the city of Canterbury, making it easily accessible for those wishing to explore the surrounding areas. The village features a mix of residential homes and local amenities, including a primary school and a few shops that cater to the daily needs of the residents.

The surrounding countryside offers opportunities for walking and enjoying the natural landscape. Preston is also close to other villages and towns, providing a sense of community while remaining connected to larger urban areas. The village has a small church, which adds to its character and serves as a focal point for local gatherings. Overall, Preston presents a quiet lifestyle with the convenience of nearby facilities and attractions.

School Ratings in Preston

There are 24 schools in and around Preston. A further 7 schools hold a Good rating.

House Prices in Preston

The average property price is £244K, with semi-detached homes making up the majority of the housing stock at around £190K.

Crime and Anti-Social Behaviour in Preston

Recorded crime levels are broadly in line with the national average. Anti-social behaviour is prevalent across Preston, with 237 recorded incidents in April 2026.

Deprivation and Employment in Preston

Preston 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 Preston

There is 1 GP surgery within three miles of Preston, the nearest being Ash Surgery (2.7 miles away).

Property Prices 46,814 sales

Average Price £244K
£100 , £54.4M
Detached £332K 14,248
Semi £190K 15,304
Terraced £132K 11,341
Flat £108K 3,202

Household Income in Preston ONS 2023

The average total household income in Preston is approximately £48,170 a year before tax, 13% below the national average of £55,302. After tax and benefits, the average disposable (net) household income is around £35,745. These are modelled estimates from the Office for National Statistics for the financial year ending 2023.

Preston £48,170
England & Wales avg. £55,302

Net (after tax) household income averages £35,745.

Businesses in Preston ONS 2025

There are approximately 12,167 active businesses based in Preston, around 41 for every 1,000 residents. The local economy is dominated by small firms: about 89% are micro-businesses employing fewer than 10 people, while 237 are larger employers with 50 or more staff. Figures are from the Office for National Statistics UK Business Counts.

12,167 Total businesses
41 Per 1,000 residents
Micro, 0-9 89%
Small, 10-49 9%
Medium, 50-249 2%
Large, 250+ 0%

Deprivation and Employment in Preston IMD 2025

Preston 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
5/10
Education
5/10
Health
6/10
Housing
2/10
Living Environment
6/10
Children 0-15 18%
Working age 62%
Older 65+ 20%
54,260 Children (0-15) 18%
187,093 Working Age 62%
58,307 Older (65+) 19%
Average Child Poverty (IDACI) 31.8% of children in income-deprived families
Average Older Person Poverty (IDAOPI) 15.8% 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 Preston 1,634 crimes · April 2026

Average Crime Area

Reported crime levels in Preston sit broadly in line with national averages for a city 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 629
Anti-Social Behaviour 237
Criminal Damage & Arson 131
Other Theft 129
Public Order 106
Shoplifting 104
Vehicle Crime 83
Drugs 53
Burglary 45
Other Crime 43
Weapons 24
Bicycle Theft 21
Robbery 20
Theft from Person 9
Local Policing
Kent Little Stour & Ashstone
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

Minster Train Station 3.9 miles
Sturry Train Station 4.8 miles
Adisham Train Station 4.9 miles
Bekesbourne Train Station 5.2 miles
Sandwich Train Station 5.3 miles
Birchington-On-Sea Train Station 5.6 miles

Location

Local Government

District Preston
County Lancashire
Ward Fishwick & Frenchwood
Constituency Preston
Parish Preston, unparished area
Region North West

Home Ownership in Preston

Of the 125,852 households in and around Preston, 69% are owned, 13% are socially rented and 18% are privately rented. Home ownership here is higher than the England and Wales average of 63%.

Owned 69% Social rented 13% Private rented 18%

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

Frequently Asked Questions about Preston

What is the population of Preston?
Preston has a population of approximately 299,624 residents, based on the latest census figures for the surrounding postcode area.
What is the average house price in Preston?
The average property in and around Preston sold for about £243,794, based on HM Land Registry Price Paid records. That is around 30% below the England and Wales average of £349,091.
Is Preston a deprived area?
Preston 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 Preston?
Preston is covered by the PR0, PR1, PR11, PR2, PR3, PR4, PR5 postcode districts.
How many schools are there in Preston?
There are 12 schools within easy reach of Preston, spanning primary, secondary and other phases.
Where is the nearest train station to Preston?
The nearest railway station to Preston is Minster Train Station, about 3.9 miles away.