Sittingbourne on the map

Sittingbourne built-up area

Built-up area13.9 km² (5.4 sq mi)

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

79,974
Population
27,619
Households
5 / 10
Deprivation decile
Around average
12
Schools nearby
£58,473
Avg. household income
2,815
Businesses
449
People per km²
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About Sittingbourne

Sittingbourne is a town located in Kent, England, within the ME10 postcode area. It serves as a key centre for commerce and transport in the region, with a railway station that connects it to London and other nearby towns. The town has a mix of modern amenities and historical sites, including the remnants of its industrial past.

The local economy has evolved over the years, with a variety of shops, restaurants, and services available to residents and visitors alike. Sittingbourne also offers several parks and recreational areas, providing opportunities for outdoor activities. The town's community is active, with events and markets held throughout the year, making it a lively place to live and visit.

School Ratings in Sittingbourne

Sittingbourne is served by 47 schools. Tunstall Church of England (Aided) Primary School is rated Outstanding by Ofsted. A further 16 schools hold a Good rating.

House Prices in Sittingbourne

Property prices average £349K across the area, and terraced houses are the most common property type, typically selling for £250K.

Crime and Anti-Social Behaviour in Sittingbourne

Local crime rates sit broadly in line with national averages. Anti-social behaviour accounts for the highest share in Sittingbourne, with 128 incidents logged in May 2026.

Deprivation and Employment in Sittingbourne

Based on the 2025 Index of Multiple Deprivation, Sittingbourne 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 Sittingbourne

There are 10 GP surgeries within three miles of Sittingbourne, the nearest being East Kent Drug And Alcohol Service (0.1 miles away).

Property Prices 10,764 sales

Average Price £349K
£300 , £51.93M
Detached £479K 2,195
Semi £308K 3,100
Terraced £250K 3,593
Flat £162K 1,319

Household Income in Sittingbourne ONS 2023

The average total household income in Sittingbourne is approximately £58,473 a year before tax, 6% above the national average of £55,302. After tax and benefits, the average disposable (net) household income is around £42,085. These are modelled estimates from the Office for National Statistics for the financial year ending 2023.

Sittingbourne £58,473
England & Wales avg. £55,302

Net (after tax) household income averages £42,085.

Businesses in Sittingbourne ONS 2025

There are approximately 2,815 active businesses based in Sittingbourne, around 35 for every 1,000 residents. The local economy is dominated by small firms: about 89% are micro-businesses employing fewer than 10 people, while 54 are larger employers with 50 or more staff. Figures are from the Office for National Statistics UK Business Counts.

2,815 Total businesses
35 Per 1,000 residents
Micro, 0-9 89%
Small, 10-49 9%
Medium, 50-249 2%
Large, 250+ 0%

Deprivation and Employment in Sittingbourne IMD 2025

The 2025 Index of Multiple Deprivation places Sittingbourne 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
4/10
Health
5/10
Housing
5/10
Living Environment
7/10
Children 0-15 20%
Working age 62%
Older 65+ 18%
16,088 Children (0-15) 20%
49,334 Working Age 62%
14,547 Older (65+) 18%
Average Child Poverty (IDACI) 34.1% of children in income-deprived families
Average Older Person Poverty (IDAOPI) 16.5% 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 Sittingbourne 463 crimes · May 2026

Average Crime Area

Sittingbourne experiences crime rates that are roughly comparable to the national picture. Violence & sexual offences is the most reported category, consistent with broader patterns across similar communities. Day-to-day life here reflects the usual mix of challenges found in any established town.

Violence & Sexual Offences 135
Anti-Social Behaviour 128
Shoplifting 70
Criminal Damage & Arson 30
Public Order 21
Vehicle Crime 20
Other Theft 18
Other Crime 12
Drugs 11
Burglary 6
Bicycle Theft 4
Weapons 3
Robbery 3
Theft from Person 2
Local Policing
Kent Homewood
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

Sittingbourne Train Station 0.2 miles
Kemsley Train Station 1.7 miles
Newington Train Station 3 miles
Teynham Train Station 3.2 miles
Swale Train Station 3.5 miles
Queenborough Train Station 5.4 miles

Location

Local Government

District Swale
County Kent
Ward Chalkwell
Constituency Sittingbourne and Sheppey
Parish Swale, unparished area
Region South East

Home Ownership in Sittingbourne

Of the 31,534 households in and around Sittingbourne, 71% are owned, 12% are socially rented and 17% are privately rented. Home ownership here is higher than the England and Wales average of 63%.

Owned 71% Social rented 12% Private rented 17%

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

Frequently Asked Questions about Sittingbourne

What is the population of Sittingbourne?
Sittingbourne has a population of approximately 79,974 residents, based on the latest census figures for the surrounding postcode area.
What is the average house price in Sittingbourne?
The average property in and around Sittingbourne sold for about £349,332, based on HM Land Registry Price Paid records. That is close to the England and Wales average of £349,091.
Is Sittingbourne a deprived area?
Sittingbourne 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 Sittingbourne?
Sittingbourne is covered by the ME10, ME9 postcode districts.
How many schools are there in Sittingbourne?
There are 12 schools within easy reach of Sittingbourne, spanning primary, secondary and other phases.
Where is the nearest train station to Sittingbourne?
The nearest railway station to Sittingbourne is Sittingbourne Train Station, about 0.2 miles away.