Sheerness on the map
Built-up area4.3 km² (1.7 sq mi)
Location in KentSheerness sits where the marker shows within the county.
About Sheerness
Sheerness is a town located on the Isle of Sheppey in Kent, England. It lies along the north coast of the island and is part of the Swale district. The town has a rich maritime heritage, with its origins dating back to the 16th century when it was established as a naval dockyard. Today, Sheerness features a mix of residential areas, shops, and local amenities, making it a functional place for its residents.
The town is home to Sheerness Port, which plays a significant role in trade and shipping activities. Visitors can enjoy the seafront, which offers views of the Thames Estuary and opportunities for leisurely walks. Additionally, Sheerness has several parks and green spaces, providing areas for recreation. The local community is active, with various events and activities taking place throughout the year, contributing to the town's sense of community.
School Ratings in Sheerness
Families in Sheerness have access to 20 local schools. A further 5 schools hold a Good rating.
House Prices in Sheerness
Homes sell for an average of £298K locally. Most of the housing is made up of terraced houses, averaging £205K.
Crime and Anti-Social Behaviour in Sheerness
Crime in the area is broadly in line with the national average. Anti-social behaviour is the leading concern across Sheerness, with 55 incidents recorded in April 2026.
Deprivation and Employment in Sheerness
The 2025 Index of Multiple Deprivation places Sheerness within the more deprived parts of England. A higher proportion of working-age residents face employment challenges compared to the national picture. Average incomes in the area are typical for England.
Healthcare in Sheerness
There are 8 GP surgeries within three miles of Sheerness, the nearest being Sheppey Healthy Living Centre (0.5 miles away).
Local Data for Sheerness
Dig deeper into the area around Sheerness with our free postcode tools.
Property Prices 5,406 sales
Schools & Education 12 nearby View all schools
Ofsted ratings for schools in the ME12 postcode area.
Household Income in Sheerness ONS 2023
The average total household income in Sheerness is approximately £45,954 a year before tax, 17% below the national average of £55,302. After tax and benefits, the average disposable (net) household income is around £35,600. These are modelled estimates from the Office for National Statistics for the financial year ending 2023.
Net (after tax) household income averages £35,600.
Businesses in Sheerness ONS 2025
There are approximately 1,065 active businesses based in Sheerness, around 25 for every 1,000 residents. The local economy is dominated by small firms: about 91% are micro-businesses employing fewer than 10 people, while 2 are larger employers with 50 or more staff. Figures are from the Office for National Statistics UK Business Counts.
Deprivation and Employment in Sheerness IMD 2025
According to the 2025 Index of Multiple Deprivation, Sheerness experiences higher levels of deprivation than much of England. Employment and income indicators fall below the national average, though the area benefits from targeted regeneration and community support programmes.
Crime in Sheerness 198 crimes · April 2026
Crime in Sheerness is around the national average, with violence & sexual offences representing the most common offence type. These figures are characteristic of a town with an active centre and diverse population, and are neither unusually high nor particularly low.
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 Sheerness
Of the 16,797 households in and around Sheerness, 65% are owned, 12% are socially rented and 23% are privately rented. Home ownership here is in line with the England and Wales average of 63%.
Tenure from the 2021 Census (ONS), for the postcode districts covering Sheerness.