Rochester on the map
Built-up area14.8 km² (5.7 sq mi)
Location in KentRochester sits where the marker shows within the county.
About Rochester
Rochester, located in Kent, England, is a town with a significant historical background. It is known for its impressive castle, which dates back to the 11th century and offers insights into medieval architecture. The town also features the grand Rochester Cathedral, a site of worship since the 7th century, showcasing beautiful Norman and Gothic elements.
The High Street is lined with a variety of shops, cafes, and restaurants, providing a pleasant atmosphere for visitors and locals alike. Rochester hosts several events throughout the year, including the annual Dickens Festival, which celebrates the works of Charles Dickens, who spent part of his childhood in the area. The town's location along the River Medway adds to its appeal, offering scenic walks and views.
School Ratings in Rochester
Rochester is served by 141 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 Rochester
Property prices average £340K across the area, and terraced houses are the most common property type, typically selling for £279K.
Crime and Anti-Social Behaviour in Rochester
Local crime rates sit higher than national averages. Anti-social behaviour accounts for the highest share in Rochester, with 341 incidents logged in May 2026.
Deprivation and Employment in Rochester
Based on the 2025 Index of Multiple Deprivation, Rochester falls within the mid-range nationally for overall deprivation. Working-age employment is around the national average for the area. Income levels locally sit close to the national average.
Healthcare in Rochester
There are 29 GP surgeries within three miles of Rochester, the nearest being Court View Surgery (0.3 miles away).
Local Data for Rochester
Dig deeper into the area around Rochester with our free postcode tools.
Property Prices 14,763 sales
Schools & Education 12 nearby View all schools
Ofsted ratings for schools in the ME2 postcode area.
Household Income in Rochester ONS 2023
The average total household income in Rochester is approximately £57,903 a year before tax, 5% above the national average of £55,302. After tax and benefits, the average disposable (net) household income is around £41,365. These are modelled estimates from the Office for National Statistics for the financial year ending 2023.
Net (after tax) household income averages £41,365.
Businesses in Rochester ONS 2025
There are approximately 4,406 active businesses based in Rochester, 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 82 are larger employers with 50 or more staff. Figures are from the Office for National Statistics UK Business Counts.
Deprivation and Employment in Rochester IMD 2025
The 2025 Index of Multiple Deprivation places Rochester in the mid-range nationally. Employment and income levels are close to the England average, with a mix of opportunities across sectors. Overall living conditions are comparable to similar areas across the country.
Crime in Rochester 1,589 crimes · May 2026
Reported crime in Rochester is above the national average when measured per capita. Violence & sexual offences dominates the figures, a trend mirrored in many urban centres. Local policing teams work actively in the area, and community initiatives continue to address key concerns.
Crime figures depend on reporting by individual police forces and may not reflect the full picture in all areas.
Nearest Train Stations 6 stations
Location
Nearby Towns & Villages 12 found
Local Government
Home Ownership in Rochester
Of the 42,599 households in and around Rochester, 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%.
Tenure from the 2021 Census (ONS), for the postcode districts covering Rochester.