Preston on the map

Location in East LothianPreston sits where the marker shows within the county.

299,624
Population
119,470
Households
£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 East Lothian, Scotland, with the postcode area EH32. It is situated close to the coast, making it a convenient spot for those looking to explore the nearby beaches. The village has a mix of residential homes and local amenities, providing a quiet atmosphere for its residents.

In addition to its coastal proximity, Preston is well-connected to other towns in East Lothian, allowing for easy travel to nearby attractions. The surrounding countryside offers opportunities for walking and enjoying the natural landscape. Overall, Preston serves as a peaceful location for those wishing to experience life in this part of Scotland.

House Prices in Preston

Homes sell for an average of £244K locally. Most of the housing is made up of semi-detached homes, averaging £190K.

Crime and Anti-Social Behaviour in Preston

Crime in the area is broadly in line with the national average. Anti-social behaviour is the leading concern across Preston, with 315 incidents recorded in May 2026.

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%

Crime in Preston 1,822 crimes · May 2026

Average Crime Area

Crime in Preston is around the national average, with violence & sexual offences representing the most common offence type. These figures are characteristic of a city with an active centre and diverse population, and are neither unusually high nor particularly low.

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
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

Prestonpans Train Station 0.5 miles
Wallyford Train Station 2.2 miles
Longniddry Train Station 3.3 miles
Musselburgh Train Station 4.4 miles
Brunstane Train Station 5.2 miles
Newtongrange Train Station 7.6 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.
What postcodes cover Preston?
Preston is covered by the PR0, PR1, PR11, PR2, PR3, PR4, PR5 postcode districts.
Where is the nearest train station to Preston?
The nearest railway station to Preston is Prestonpans Train Station, about 0.5 miles away.