Shepway on the map

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

54,962
Population
19,567
Households
5 / 10
Deprivation decile
Around average
12
Schools nearby
£56,454
Avg. household income
1,919
Businesses
1,357
People per km²
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About Shepway

Shepway is a district located in Kent, England, within the ME15 postcode area. It is known for its residential communities and local amenities, making it a convenient place for families and individuals alike. The area features a mix of housing, including modern developments and older properties, providing a range of options for potential residents.

In addition to housing, Shepway offers various facilities such as schools, parks, and shops, catering to the everyday needs of its inhabitants. The district is well-connected to nearby towns and cities, allowing for easy access to a wider array of services and attractions. Overall, Shepway presents a practical option for those looking to settle in Kent.

School Ratings in Shepway

Shepway is served by 70 schools. St Helens Montessori School and Leigh Academy Oaks are each rated Outstanding by Ofsted. A further 13 schools hold a Good rating.

House Prices in Shepway

Property prices average £444K across the area, and semi-detached homes are the most common property type, typically selling for £346K.

Crime and Anti-Social Behaviour in Shepway

Local crime rates sit higher than national averages. Anti-social behaviour accounts for the highest share in Shepway, with 158 incidents logged in April 2026.

Deprivation and Employment in Shepway

Based on the 2025 Index of Multiple Deprivation, Shepway 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 Shepway

There are 22 GP surgeries within three miles of Shepway, the nearest being The Medical Centre Group (0.1 miles away).

Property Prices 6,280 sales

Average Price £444K
£500 , £93.05M
Detached £527K 1,136
Semi £346K 2,213
Terraced £278K 1,870
Flat £184K 812

Household Income in Shepway ONS 2023

The average total household income in Shepway is approximately £56,454 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 £41,087. These are modelled estimates from the Office for National Statistics for the financial year ending 2023.

Shepway £56,454
England & Wales avg. £55,302

Net (after tax) household income averages £41,087.

Businesses in Shepway ONS 2025

There are approximately 1,919 active businesses based in Shepway, around 35 for every 1,000 residents. The local economy is dominated by small firms: about 91% are micro-businesses employing fewer than 10 people, while 28 are larger employers with 50 or more staff. Figures are from the Office for National Statistics UK Business Counts.

1,919 Total businesses
35 Per 1,000 residents
Micro, 0-9 91%
Small, 10-49 7%
Medium, 50-249 1%
Large, 250+ 1%

Deprivation and Employment in Shepway IMD 2025

The 2025 Index of Multiple Deprivation places Shepway 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.

Overall Deprivation
5/10
Income
5/10
Employment
5/10
Education
5/10
Health
6/10
Housing
3/10
Living Environment
8/10
Children 0-15 21%
Working age 62%
Older 65+ 17%
11,610 Children (0-15) 21%
33,808 Working Age 62%
9,541 Older (65+) 17%
Average Child Poverty (IDACI) 36.7% of children in income-deprived families
Average Older Person Poverty (IDAOPI) 20.7% 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 Shepway 693 crimes · April 2026

High Crime Area

Reported crime in Shepway 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.

Violence & Sexual Offences 236
Anti-Social Behaviour 158
Shoplifting 65
Criminal Damage & Arson 64
Other Theft 34
Public Order 34
Drugs 31
Vehicle Crime 17
Other Crime 16
Burglary 14
Robbery 8
Weapons 6
Bicycle Theft 5
Theft from Person 5
Local Policing
Kent Shepway
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

Maidstone East Train Station 1.9 miles
Maidstone Barracks Train Station 2.1 miles
Bearsted Train Station 2.1 miles
East Farleigh Train Station 2.4 miles
Barming Train Station 3.5 miles
Hollingbourne Train Station 3.9 miles

Location

Local Government

District Maidstone
County Kent
Ward Loose
Constituency Maidstone and The Weald
Parish Loose
Region South East

Home Ownership in Shepway

Of the 21,824 households in and around Shepway, 64% are owned, 22% are socially rented and 15% are privately rented. Home ownership here is in line with the England and Wales average of 63%.

Owned 64% Social rented 22% Private rented 15%

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

Frequently Asked Questions about Shepway

What is the population of Shepway?
Shepway has a population of approximately 54,962 residents, based on the latest census figures for the surrounding postcode area.
What is the average house price in Shepway?
The average property in and around Shepway sold for about £443,999, based on HM Land Registry Price Paid records. That is around 27% above the England and Wales average of £349,091.
Is Shepway a deprived area?
Shepway 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 Shepway?
Shepway is covered by the ME15 postcode district.
How many schools are there in Shepway?
There are 12 schools within easy reach of Shepway, spanning primary, secondary and other phases.
Where is the nearest train station to Shepway?
The nearest railway station to Shepway is Maidstone East Train Station, about 1.9 miles away.