Kirkley on the map

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

39,098
Population
17,230
Households
5 / 10
Deprivation decile
Around average
12
Schools nearby
£45,322
Avg. household income
985
Businesses
1,172
People per km²
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About Kirkley

Kirkley is a coastal suburb located in Suffolk, England, within the NR33 postcode area. It lies just south of Lowestoft and is known for its proximity to the North Sea. The area features a mix of residential properties and local amenities, including shops and eateries. Kirkley also has a pleasant beach, where visitors can enjoy walks along the shore and take in the fresh sea air.

The suburb is served by several transport links, making it accessible for those wishing to explore the surrounding areas. Kirkley is home to a number of parks and green spaces, providing opportunities for outdoor activities. The local community is active, with various events and gatherings throughout the year, fostering a sense of belonging among residents. Overall, Kirkley offers a relaxed coastal lifestyle with easy access to both nature and urban conveniences.

School Ratings in Kirkley

There are 39 schools in and around Kirkley. Kirkley Family Hub is rated Outstanding by Ofsted. A further 11 schools hold a Good rating.

House Prices in Kirkley

The average property price is £232K, with terraced houses making up the majority of the housing stock at around £170K.

Crime and Anti-Social Behaviour in Kirkley

Recorded crime levels are broadly in line with the national average. Criminal damage & arson is prevalent across Kirkley, with 45 recorded incidents in April 2026.

Deprivation and Employment in Kirkley

Kirkley sits around the middle of the national deprivation scale, according to the 2025 Index of Multiple Deprivation. Employment levels are broadly typical for the area, sitting close to the national average. Household incomes are broadly in line with the national average.

Healthcare in Kirkley

There are 18 GP surgeries within three miles of Kirkley, the nearest being Kirkley Mill Health Centre (0.7 miles away).

Property Prices 5,762 sales

Average Price £232K
£999 , £10.84M
Detached £292K 1,795
Semi £211K 1,655
Terraced £170K 1,859
Flat £136K 193

Household Income in Kirkley ONS 2023

The average total household income in Kirkley is approximately £45,322 a year before tax, 18% below the national average of £55,302. After tax and benefits, the average disposable (net) household income is around £33,959. These are modelled estimates from the Office for National Statistics for the financial year ending 2023.

Kirkley £45,322
England & Wales avg. £55,302

Net (after tax) household income averages £33,959.

Businesses in Kirkley ONS 2025

There are approximately 985 active businesses based in Kirkley, around 25 for every 1,000 residents. The local economy is dominated by small firms: about 88% are micro-businesses employing fewer than 10 people, while 14 are larger employers with 50 or more staff. Figures are from the Office for National Statistics UK Business Counts.

985 Total businesses
25 Per 1,000 residents
Micro, 0-9 88%
Small, 10-49 10%
Medium, 50-249 1%
Large, 250+ 1%

Deprivation and Employment in Kirkley IMD 2025

Kirkley sits around the national average for deprivation according to the 2025 Index of Multiple Deprivation. Employment and income levels are broadly typical, reflecting a mixed local economy. The area offers a balance of residential and commercial activity common to most parts of England.

Overall Deprivation
5/10
Income
5/10
Employment
4/10
Education
3/10
Health
5/10
Housing
6/10
Living Environment
6/10
Children 0-15 16%
Working age 57%
Older 65+ 27%
6,332 Children (0-15) 16%
22,232 Working Age 57%
10,528 Older (65+) 27%
Average Child Poverty (IDACI) 38.2% of children in income-deprived families
Average Older Person Poverty (IDAOPI) 17.3% 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 Kirkley 306 crimes · April 2026

Average Crime Area

Reported crime levels in Kirkley sit broadly in line with national averages for a town of this size. Violence & sexual offences accounts for the largest share of recorded offences. The profile is typical of a well-populated area with a mix of residential and commercial activity.

Violence & Sexual Offences 116
Criminal Damage & Arson 45
Shoplifting 36
Anti-Social Behaviour 27
Vehicle Crime 22
Other Theft 17
Public Order 14
Burglary 10
Bicycle Theft 6
Drugs 5
Theft from Person 4
Robbery 2
Other Crime 2
Local Policing
Suffolk Pakefield and Whitton Visit force website →
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

Oulton Broad South Train Station 1.1 miles
Lowestoft Train Station 1.2 miles
Oulton Broad North Train Station 1.2 miles
Somerleyton Train Station 4.7 miles
Haddiscoe Train Station 6.4 miles
Beccles Train Station 6.9 miles

Location

Local Government

District East Suffolk
County Suffolk
Ward Kirkley & Pakefield
Constituency Waveney
Parish Lowestoft
Region East of England

Home Ownership in Kirkley

Of the 17,764 households in and around Kirkley, 69% are owned, 12% are socially rented and 19% are privately rented. Home ownership here is higher than the England and Wales average of 63%.

Owned 69% Social rented 12% Private rented 19%

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

Frequently Asked Questions about Kirkley

What is the population of Kirkley?
Kirkley has a population of approximately 39,098 residents, based on the latest census figures for the surrounding postcode area.
What is the average house price in Kirkley?
The average property in and around Kirkley sold for about £232,046, based on HM Land Registry Price Paid records. That is around 34% below the England and Wales average of £349,091.
Is Kirkley a deprived area?
Kirkley 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 Kirkley?
Kirkley is covered by the NR33 postcode district.
How many schools are there in Kirkley?
There are 12 schools within easy reach of Kirkley, spanning primary, secondary and other phases.
Where is the nearest train station to Kirkley?
The nearest railway station to Kirkley is Oulton Broad South Train Station, about 1.1 miles away.