Preston on the map

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

299,624
Population
119,470
Households
7 / 10
Deprivation decile
Around average
12
Schools nearby
£48,170
Avg. household income
12,167
Businesses
401
People per km²
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About Preston

Preston is a small village located in Wiltshire, England, falling within the SN15 postcode area. The village is primarily residential, featuring a mix of traditional and modern homes. The surrounding countryside offers opportunities for walking and enjoying the natural landscape, making it a pleasant area for those who appreciate outdoor activities.

Local amenities include a few shops and a pub, which serves as a social hub for residents. The village is well-connected to nearby towns, allowing for easy access to additional services and facilities. Preston’s community is friendly, and there are occasional local events that bring residents together, fostering a sense of belonging. Overall, it is a peaceful place to live or visit, with a simple charm that appeals to many.

School Ratings in Preston

Preston is served by 17 schools. A further 9 schools hold a Good rating.

House Prices in Preston

Property prices average £244K across the area, and semi-detached homes are the most common property type, typically selling for £190K.

Crime and Anti-Social Behaviour in Preston

Local crime rates sit broadly in line with national averages. Anti-social behaviour accounts for the highest share in Preston, with 315 incidents logged in May 2026.

Deprivation and Employment in Preston

Based on the 2025 Index of Multiple Deprivation, Preston falls within the mid-range nationally for overall deprivation. Working-age employment is around the national average for the area. Income levels across the area tend to be higher than the national average.

Healthcare in Preston

There is 1 GP surgery within three miles of Preston, the nearest being Lyneham Medical Centre (0.8 miles away).

Property Prices 46,814 sales

Average Price £244K
£100 , £54.4M
Detached £332K 14,248
Semi £190K 15,304
Terraced £132K 11,341
Flat £108K 3,202

Household Income in Preston ONS 2023

The average total household income in Preston is approximately £48,170 a year before tax, 13% below the national average of £55,302. After tax and benefits, the average disposable (net) household income is around £35,745. These are modelled estimates from the Office for National Statistics for the financial year ending 2023.

Preston £48,170
England & Wales avg. £55,302

Net (after tax) household income averages £35,745.

Businesses in Preston ONS 2025

There are approximately 12,167 active businesses based in Preston, around 41 for every 1,000 residents. The local economy is dominated by small firms: about 89% are micro-businesses employing fewer than 10 people, while 237 are larger employers with 50 or more staff. Figures are from the Office for National Statistics UK Business Counts.

12,167 Total businesses
41 Per 1,000 residents
Micro, 0-9 89%
Small, 10-49 9%
Medium, 50-249 2%
Large, 250+ 0%

Deprivation and Employment in Preston IMD 2025

The 2025 Index of Multiple Deprivation places Preston 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
7/10
Income
8/10
Employment
7/10
Education
7/10
Health
8/10
Housing
6/10
Living Environment
6/10
Children 0-15 18%
Working age 62%
Older 65+ 20%
54,260 Children (0-15) 18%
187,093 Working Age 62%
58,307 Older (65+) 19%
Average Child Poverty (IDACI) 21% of children in income-deprived families
Above Average Older Person Poverty (IDAOPI) 9.8% 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 Preston 1,822 crimes · May 2026

Average Crime Area

Preston 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 city.

Violence & Sexual Offences 699
Anti-Social Behaviour 315
Criminal Damage & Arson 150
Shoplifting 137
Public Order 113
Other Theft 100
Vehicle Crime 82
Burglary 60
Drugs 58
Other Crime 49
Bicycle Theft 23
Weapons 16
Robbery 13
Theft from Person 7
Local Policing
Wiltshire Wootton Bassett Rural 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 2 stations

Chippenham Train Station 7.7 miles
Swindon (Wilts) Train Station 8.2 miles

Location

Local Government

District Preston
County Lancashire
Ward Fishwick & Frenchwood
Constituency Preston
Parish Preston, unparished area
Region North West

Home Ownership in Preston

Of the 125,852 households in and around Preston, 69% are owned, 13% are socially rented and 18% are privately rented. Home ownership here is higher than the England and Wales average of 63%.

Owned 69% Social rented 13% Private rented 18%

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

Frequently Asked Questions about Preston

What is the population of Preston?
Preston has a population of approximately 299,624 residents, based on the latest census figures for the surrounding postcode area.
What is the average house price in Preston?
The average property in and around Preston sold for about £243,794, based on HM Land Registry Price Paid records. That is around 30% below the England and Wales average of £349,091.
Is Preston a deprived area?
Preston sits around the national average for deprivation, with an Index of Multiple Deprivation decile of 7 out of 10, where 1 is the most deprived and 10 the least deprived.
What postcodes cover Preston?
Preston is covered by the PR0, PR1, PR11, PR2, PR3, PR4, PR5 postcode districts.
How many schools are there in Preston?
There are 12 schools within easy reach of Preston, spanning primary, secondary and other phases.
Where is the nearest train station to Preston?
The nearest railway station to Preston is Chippenham Train Station, about 7.7 miles away.