The Forstal on the map

Location in KentThe Forstal sits where the marker shows within the county.

19,165
Population
6,412
Households
6 / 10
Deprivation decile
Around average
46
Schools nearby
£65,065
Avg. household income
1,162
Businesses
120
People per km²
Create a free area profile for The ForstalDownload or embed an infographic of these statistics

About The Forstal

The Forstal is a small village located in Kent, England, within the TN25 postcode area. This area is primarily residential, offering a peaceful environment for its inhabitants. The village is surrounded by the natural beauty of the Kent countryside, making it an appealing location for those who appreciate rural living.

In terms of amenities, The Forstal has limited facilities, with a few local shops and services available to residents. For more extensive shopping and dining options, nearby towns such as Ashford provide a wider range of choices. The village is well-connected by road, making it accessible for those commuting to larger urban areas. Overall, The Forstal presents a simple, quiet lifestyle in a rural setting.

School Ratings in The Forstal

Families in The Forstal have access to 46 local schools. Challock Primary School is rated Outstanding by Ofsted. A further 12 schools hold a Good rating.

House Prices in The Forstal

Homes sell for an average of £447K locally. Most of the housing is made up of detached homes, averaging £533K.

Crime and Anti-Social Behaviour in The Forstal

Crime in the area is lower than the national average. Anti-social behaviour is the leading concern across The Forstal, with 13 incidents recorded in May 2026.

Deprivation and Employment in The Forstal

The 2025 Index of Multiple Deprivation places The Forstal around the national average for deprivation. Employment rates locally are in line with what is seen across England. Average incomes in the area are typical for England.

Healthcare in The Forstal

There are 32 GP surgeries within three miles of The Forstal, the nearest being Ek Spoa (1.1 miles away).

Property Prices 3,437 sales

Average Price £447K
£100 , £30M
Detached £533K 1,452
Semi £354K 853
Terraced £307K 666
Flat £195K 232

Household Income in The Forstal ONS 2023

The average total household income in The Forstal is approximately £65,065 a year before tax, 18% above the national average of £55,302. After tax and benefits, the average disposable (net) household income is around £46,693. These are modelled estimates from the Office for National Statistics for the financial year ending 2023.

The Forstal £65,065
England & Wales avg. £55,302

Net (after tax) household income averages £46,693.

Businesses in The Forstal ONS 2025

There are approximately 1,162 active businesses based in The Forstal, around 61 for every 1,000 residents. The local economy is dominated by small firms: about 92% are micro-businesses employing fewer than 10 people, while 15 are larger employers with 50 or more staff. Figures are from the Office for National Statistics UK Business Counts.

1,162 Total businesses
61 Per 1,000 residents
Micro, 0-9 92%
Small, 10-49 7%
Medium, 50-249 1%
Large, 250+ 0%

Deprivation and Employment in The Forstal IMD 2025

Deprivation levels in The Forstal are around the national average based on the 2025 Index of Multiple Deprivation. Employment is accessible for most residents and household incomes reflect the broader national picture. The area maintains a steady balance between affordability and quality of life.

Overall Deprivation
6/10
Income
7/10
Employment
6/10
Education
7/10
Health
7/10
Housing
2/10
Living Environment
5/10
Children 0-15 19%
Working age 59%
Older 65+ 22%
3,715 Children (0-15) 19%
11,235 Working Age 59%
4,213 Older (65+) 22%
Average Child Poverty (IDACI) 25% of children in income-deprived families
Average Older Person Poverty (IDAOPI) 14.9% 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 The Forstal 50 crimes · May 2026

Low Crime Area

Crime levels in The Forstal are lower than the England and Wales average. While violence & sexual offences is the most frequently recorded category, the overall picture is one of a settled and secure small town where serious incidents remain uncommon.

Violence & Sexual Offences 15
Anti-Social Behaviour 13
Other Theft 5
Criminal Damage & Arson 4
Shoplifting 4
Public Order 3
Burglary 2
Weapons 2
Vehicle Crime 1
Other Crime 1
Local Policing
Kent Mersham, Sevington South with Finberry
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

Ashford International Train Station 2.6 miles
Ham Street Train Station 4.5 miles
Wye Train Station 4.6 miles
Westenhanger Train Station 5.3 miles
Appledore (Kent) Train Station 7.4 miles
Pluckley Train Station 8 miles

Location

Local Government

District Ashford
County Kent
Ward Goat Lees
Constituency Ashford
Parish Boughton Aluph
Region South East

Home Ownership in The Forstal

Of the 7,768 households in and around The Forstal, 79% are owned, 8% are socially rented and 13% are privately rented. Home ownership here is higher than the England and Wales average of 63%.

Owned 79% Social rented 8% Private rented 13%

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

Frequently Asked Questions about The Forstal

What is the population of The Forstal?
The Forstal has a population of approximately 19,165 residents, based on the latest census figures for the surrounding postcode area.
What is the average house price in The Forstal?
The average property in and around The Forstal sold for about £447,428, based on HM Land Registry Price Paid records. That is around 28% above the England and Wales average of £349,091.
Is The Forstal a deprived area?
The Forstal sits around the national average for deprivation, with an Index of Multiple Deprivation decile of 6 out of 10, where 1 is the most deprived and 10 the least deprived.
What postcodes cover The Forstal?
The Forstal is covered by the TN25 postcode district.
How many schools are there in The Forstal?
There are 46 schools within 5 miles of The Forstal, spanning primary, secondary and other phases.
Where is the nearest train station to The Forstal?
The nearest railway station to The Forstal is Ashford International Train Station, about 2.6 miles away.