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
Create a free area profile for PrestonDownload or embed an infographic of these statistics

About Preston

Preston is a small village located in East Lothian, Scotland, with a postcode area of EH40. The village lies close to the coast, offering easy access to local beaches and scenic coastal paths. It is surrounded by farmland, providing a picturesque backdrop for leisurely walks and outdoor activities. The area is well-connected by road, making it convenient for visitors to explore nearby towns and attractions.

In Preston, you will find a few local amenities, including a primary school and a small shop. The village has a close-knit community feel, with residents often engaging in local events and activities. For those interested in history, the nearby town of Cockenzie and Port Seton offers additional cultural experiences and historical sites worth exploring. Overall, Preston serves as a peaceful spot for those looking to enjoy the natural beauty of East Lothian.

House Prices in Preston

The average property price is £244K, with semi-detached homes making up the majority of the housing stock at around £190K.

Crime and Anti-Social Behaviour in Preston

Recorded crime levels are broadly in line with the national average. Anti-social behaviour is prevalent across Preston, with 237 recorded incidents in April 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 1,634 crimes · April 2026

Average Crime Area

Reported crime levels in Preston sit broadly in line with national averages for a city 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 629
Anti-Social Behaviour 237
Criminal Damage & Arson 131
Other Theft 129
Public Order 106
Shoplifting 104
Vehicle Crime 83
Drugs 53
Burglary 45
Other Crime 43
Weapons 24
Bicycle Theft 21
Robbery 20
Theft from Person 9
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 3 stations

Drem Train Station 5.1 miles
North Berwick Train Station 5.7 miles
Longniddry Train Station 9.3 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 Drem Train Station, about 5.1 miles away.