Dartford
Dartford DA18 Postcode Insights
DA1 is an area located in the Dartford Borough of Kent, England.
The postcode area consists of two postcode districts, DA1 1 and DA1 2, located approximately 12 miles east of Central London.
Covering the town centre of Dartford and the suburban areas of Stone and Crayford, DA1 also encompasses the high street shopping centre of The Orchards, as well as the River Thames border with Essex.
The area has a population of around 32,000 and is well served by public transport, with direct train connections to many nearby towns and even London itself.
It is also readily accessible via the A2 road and the M25 motorway, located just to the east.
DA1 is home to a variety of different types of housing, ranging from Victorian, to Edwardian and post-war dwellings, as well as a large selection of modern apartment blocks.
Additionally, the postcode area contains areas of industrial and commercial activity, including Dartford Science & Technology Park, and the historically significant Crossways Business Park.
In terms of leisure and culture facilities, DA1 contains a number of parks and conservation areas, such as Dartford Heath, as well as the open spaces of Crossways Hill, and nearby Bluewater Shopping Centre.
It is home to a number of schools, the main one being Dartford Grammar School which serves students from the surrounding area and beyond.
The area has a number of pubs, restaurants and cafes, as well as a cinema and a number of other recreational facilities.
For those looking for a day out, the area hosts numerous festivals throughout the year, including the weekly Crayford and Stone Farmers Market, and the annual St.
George’s Day festivities.
In addition to the local attractions, the architecture and atmosphere of DA1 make it a favoured spot for film and television production, with many scenes from the 2018 motion picture version of Mary Poppins and ITV’s Endeavour having been filmed here.
Miscellaneous
DA18 is well-equipped with amenities, including schools, parks, and leisure centres, which contribute to a high quality of life. The area is characterised by its green spaces, such as Erith Riverside Gardens and Belvedere Park, providing recreational opportunities for residents. The community is diverse and vibrant, making it an appealing choice for homebuyers and renters alike.
Population
Analysing the DA18 population's characteristics, including age distribution and cultural diversity provides valuable insights into the composition of a local community.
Demographics
The DA18 postcode is home to a diverse population. The average age of residents is 35.6 years, which is younger than the UK average of 40.7 years. The ethnic breakdown reveals a significant Black community at 44.9%, followed by White at 40.2%, Asian at 7.4%, and Mixed at 4.8%. This diversity contributes to a vibrant community atmosphere.

Population Growth
2%
per annum
Population growth means that the population of Dartford DA18 is increasing by 2% each year.
Across the UK, (England, Scotland, Northern Ireland and Wales), the average population grown from 2023-2024 is 0.66%.

Children
20%
of Dartford DA18 are under the age of 18 at the time of the Census 2021.

Retired
15%
of Dartford DA18 are retired at the time of the Census 2021.
Gender Ratio
49% male
51% female
Gender ratio in census data means the number of males for every 100 females in a population, helping us understand the balance between men and women in a specific area.
Age Distribution
50%
are adults
Age distribution refers to how different age groups are spread within a population, showing the number of people in each age range. This helps understand the population's structure and potential needs.
Age Distribution
"Age Distribution by 5-year bands" in the Census 2021 breaks down the population into groups based on age ranges, each spanning five years (e.g., 0-4, 5-9, 10-14, etc.). This helps to see how many people fall into each age group, providing a clear picture of the age structure in an area.
Line shows UK average.
56-57.5-59.3-57.2-56.4-56.8-56.2-55.9-56.9-57.8-58.4-56.5-55.2-53.3-52.9-52-51.1-50.5-
Living Arrangements
"Living Arrangements" in the Census 2021 refers to people's relationship status and how they live with others. It includes whether someone is married, in a civil partnership, cohabiting as a couple, separated, divorced, or single, and whether they live with a partner, alone, or with others.
Living in a couple (married)
7.5%
Living in a couple (separated)
6.4%
Living in a couple (cohabiting)
6.8%
Not living as a couple
6.9%
Line shows UK average.
6-7.5-6.4-6.8-6.9-
Legal Partnership
Legal partnership status of residents in the Dartford (DA18) district, offering insights into the diversity of relationship statuses in the area. This dataset classifies residents aged 16+ in England & Wales by their partnership status.
Line shows UK average.
45.7-35.6-0-4.4-10.3-4.1-
Gender Identity
"Gender Identity" in the Census 2021 refers to how people personally identify their gender, which may or may not align with the sex they were assigned at birth. It includes options like male, female, non-binary, or other identities, reflecting how individuals see themselves.
Same as sex registered at birth
45.7%
Different from sex registered at birth
35.6%
Line shows UK average.
45.7-35.6-35.6-35.4-0.1-0-
Deprivation
The age distribution in our postcode area offers a snapshot of its population composition, highlighting trends and diversity across different age groups.
Households by Deprivation Dimension
"Households by Deprivation Dimension" in the Census 2021 looks at how many households are deprived in one or more areas such as employment, education, health, or housing. It measures how many of these basic needs aren't fully met within a household, highlighting different levels of disadvantage.
Line shows UK average.
34-39-19.3-6.9-0.8-
Work & Employment
The work and employment statistics for Erith Da18 reflects the economic activities and job opportunities, which shapes the livelihoods of its residents.
Socio-Economics
The socio-economic landscape shows a mix of occupations, with 6.7% in higher managerial roles and 14.9% in lower managerial positions. A significant portion, 12.2%, are long-term unemployed or have never worked, indicating some economic challenges within the community. However, 36.9% of residents hold Level 4 qualifications, suggesting a well-educated population that may attract businesses and improve local economic conditions.
Income Levels
The average salary in DA18 is £28,608, slightly below the UK average of £29,669. This income level, combined with the area’s affordability, suggests that residents can maintain a reasonable standard of living, even in a city as expensive as London.

Employment Rate
70%
population in work

Unemployment Rate
5%
of the DA18 population
Occupation
"Occupation" in the Census 2021 refers to the type of job a person does, including their role or profession. It categorises people based on the kind of work they perform, such as being a manager, skilled tradesperson, machine operative etc, helping to understand the workforce's makeup.
Managers, directors and senior officials
6.3%
Professional occupations
17.3%
Associate professional and technical occupations
9.2%
Administrative and secretarial occupations
8%
Skilled trades occupations
8.6%
Caring, leisure and other service occupations
16%
Sales and customer service occupations
9.1%
Process, plant and machine operatives
9.3%
Elementary occupations
16.2%
Line shows UK average.
6.3-17.3-9.2-8-8.6-16-9.1-9.3-16.2-
Hours Worked
"Hours Worked" in the Census 2021 refers to the number of hours a person usually works each week in their job. It includes categories like full-time (usually 31 or more hours) and part-time (less than 31 hours), helping to understand work patterns in the population.
Part time (15 hrs or less)
11.1%
Part time (16-30 hrs)
21.1%
Full time (31-48 hrs)
59%
Line shows UK average.
32.2-11.1-21.1-67.8-59-8.8-
Unemployment History
This graph shows the unemployment history of the 5% of the population of Dartford DA18 aged 16 or older who were listed as being unemployed on Census Day (21st March 2021) by whether and when they were last empllyed.
Unemployed (less than 1 yr)
16.3%
Unemployed (more than 1 yr)
45.7%
Unemployed (never worked)
38%
Line shows UK average.
16.3-45.7-38-
Economic Activity Status
"Economic Activity Status" in the Census 2021 refers to whether people are working, looking for work, studying, retired, or otherwise not in the workforce. It shows who is employed, unemployed, self-employed, a student, retired, or unable to work, giving insight into the economic engagement of the population.
Economically active (exc students)
58.6%
Economically active (inc students)
4.9%
Looking after home/family
6.4%
Line shows UK average.
58.6-4.9-10.5-7.9-6.4-5.5-
Armed Forces
Percentage of people in the Dartford (DA18) district who have previously served in the UK Armed Forces. Note that the data excludes people who were currently serving in the UK armed forces on Census Day, 21st March 2021.
Reserve + regular forces
44.4%
Line shows UK average.
58.6-53.7-44.4-12.7-
NS-SEC Occupation
The National Statistics Socio-economic Classification (NS-SEC) shows people's socio-economic position in Dartford DA18, based on their occupation. The estimates are as at Census Day, which took place on 21 March 2021.
Intermediate Occupations
10.7%
Line shows UK average.
6.5-15.1-10.7-9.7-5.4-14.1-13.7-12.2-12.7-
Property & Housing
Property and housing statistics for the Dartford DA18 postcode area defines the living conditions and accommodation in the neighbourhood.
House Prices and Affordability
The average house price in DA18 is £347,790, which is more affordable compared to the overall London average of £477,553. This affordability, combined with lower rental costs, makes the area attractive for first-time buyers and renters. The property market offers a range of options, catering to various budgets and preferences.
Housing and Property Types
The housing landscape in DA18 is predominantly made up of flats, which account for 50.8% of properties, followed by terraced houses at 35.5%. The area also features 28.2% one-bedroom houses and 20.2% two-bedroom houses, making it suitable for various demographics, from singles to families. Additionally, 4% of homes are detached, providing options for those seeking more space.
Tenure of Homes
In DA18, the majority of residents live in social rented accommodation, which comprises 56.1% of the housing stock. This is significantly higher than the national average, indicating a need for affordable housing. The proportion of homes owned outright is 11.4%, while 16.3% are mortgaged. Private renting accounts for 14.6% of the housing market, suggesting a mix of long-term and transient residents.
House Types
Distribution of various house types, including detached, semi-detached, and terraced houses, across different the different postcode sectors in Dartford (DA18).
Line shows UK average.
3.6-8.4-36.4-50.8-0.5-
Size (Bedrooms)
This graph provides an insight into the distribution of house sizes in Dartford (DA18), showcasing the number of bedrooms across all properties in Dartford.
Line shows UK average.
27.1-20.6-30.9-21.4-
Number of Rooms
This graph provides an insight into the average number of rooms in properties within Dartford DA18 area. A room can be any room in a house apart from kitchens, bathrooms, toilets, halls/landings/conservatories and rooms used for storage.
Line shows UK average.
0.2-26.5-35.4-12.2-14-11-0.5-0.2-0-
Tenure
Tenure status of properties throughout the entire Dartford (DA18) postcode sector, presenting a breakdown of ownership, mortgage, rental, and other categories.
Line shows UK average.
11.7-16.5-0.4-56.2-
Household Size
The number of residents per household in the Dartford (DA18) district, offering insights into the demographic makeup of this postcode district.
Line shows UK average.
0-31.9-20.3-16.4-15-9.8-4.5-1.5-
Occupancy Rating (Bedrooms)
"Occupancy Rating (Bedrooms)" in the Census 2021 measures whether a household has more, fewer, or just the right number of bedrooms compared to what's needed for the number of people living there. A positive rating means extra bedrooms, zero means just enough, and a negative rating can indicate overcrowding.
Occupancy: +2 or more
17.1%
Occupancy: -2 or less
2.8%
Line shows UK average.
17.1-22.3-46.2-11.6-2.8-
Second Address Indicator
"Second Address Indicator" in the Census 2021 refers to whether a person has another address where they regularly stay, apart from their main home. This could include a second home, a place they stay for work, or a partner's home, indicating how people split their time between different locations.
Second address in the UK
1.9%
Second address outside UK
1.2%
Line shows UK average.
96.9-1.9-1.2-
Car or Van Availability
"Car or Van Availability" in the Census 2021 refers to the number of cars or vans available for use by members of a household. It indicates whether a household has access to one or more vehicles, or none at all, providing insight into transport options and dependency on personal vehicles.
Line shows UK average.
40.3-43.4-12.7-3.5-
Central Heating
"Central Heating" in the Census 2021 refers to whether a household has a central heating system and what type it is, such as gas, electric, or another source. It shows how homes are heated, indicating the comfort and energy efficiency of the housing.
Tank or bottled gas only
1.9%
Renewable energy only
0.1%
District/communal network
0.9%
2 or more types (exc renewable)
12.1%
2 or more types (inc renewable)
0.3%
Line shows UK average.
2.9-73.2-1.9-5.7-0-0-0-0.1-0.9-2.9-12.1-0.3-
Education
Schools, education, and learning in the Dartford DA18 area are pivotal aspects that shape the development and future prospects of our community's young residents.
Highest Level of Qualification
"Highest Level of Qualification" in the Census 2021 refers to the most advanced qualification or degree a person has achieved. It ranges from no qualifications to advanced degrees like a master's or doctorate, helping to show the education level of the population.
Level 1 and entry level
10.3%
Level 2 qualifications
12.5%
Level 3 qualifications
13.8%
Line shows UK average.
20-10.3-12.5-3.9-13.8-37.1-
School children & students
"Schoolchildren and Full-Time Students" in the Census 2021 refers to individuals who are either attending school or studying full-time at a college or university. This category includes young people in education and adults who are pursuing full-time studies.
Line shows UK average.
29.6-70.4-
Ethnicity
Ethnicity in Dartford DA18 contributes to its rich cultural tapestry, showcasing diversity and heritage within the community.
Ethnic Group
Range of ethnic groups in Dartford (DA18) postcode area, including Asian, Black, Mixed, White, and Other, providing a snapshot of the city's cultural diversity and demographics.
Line shows UK average.
0.4-2.9-1.4-0.2-38.5-4.8-38.5-0.5-2.4-
Country of Birth
"Country of birth" in the Census 2021 refers to the country where a person in DA18 was born, regardless of their current nationality or where they live when the census took place. It refers to the country in which they were born.
Middle East and Asia
5.1%
Americas and the Caribbean
1.7%
Antarctica and Oceania
0.1%
Line shows UK average.
59.6-7.8-1.5-24.1-5.1-1.7-0.1-0.1-
Length of Residence
"Length of residence" in the Census 2021 refers to the total amount of time a person born outside the UK has lived in the UK. It helps understand how long immigrants have been living in the country, whether continuously or in total over multiple periods.
Line shows UK average.
59.6-29.4-5.6-2.8-2.6-
Year of Arrival
"Year of arrival" in the Census 2021 refers to the year when someone who wasn't born in the UK first came to live in the UK. It helps track when people who were born abroad started living in the country.
Arrived 1951 to 1960
0.3%
Arrived 1981 to 1990
2.9%
Arrived 1991 to 2000
7.2%
Arrived 2001 to 2010
15.8%
Arrived 2011 to 2013
3.7%
Arrived 2014 to 2016
3.1%
Arrived 2017 to 2019
2.9%
Arrived 2020 to 2021
1.6%
Line shows UK average.
59.6-0-0.3-1-2-2.9-7.2-15.8-3.7-3.1-2.9-1.6-
Passports Held
"Passports held" in the Census 2021 means the number and types of passports people in DA18 have. This shows the countries or nations where they have citizenship or the right to travel freely. It could include passports from the UK, other countries, or multiple countries.
Middle East and Asia
0.6%
Americas and the Caribbean
0%
Antarctica and Oceania
0.1%
British Overseas Territories
0%
Line shows UK average.
0-68.2-0.8-9.8-7.3-0.6-0-0.1-0-
Age of Arrival in the UK
"Age of Arrival in the UK" in the Census 2021 indicates how old a person was when they first came to live in the UK if they were born in another country. It helps to understand at what stage of life they moved to the UK.
Aged 30 to 44 years
12.1%
Aged 90 years and over
0%
Line shows UK average.
59.5-53.3-51.7-51.3-52.8-50.7-51.5-51.6-55.9-56.6-62.1-52.2-50.2-50.3-50.2-50-50-
Income
Income in Dartford DA18 provides a crucial insight into economic dynamics, reflecting earning levels and financial well-being among residents. Understanding income distribution is key to addressing economic disparities and shaping community initiatives.
Health
Health in the Dartford DA18 postcode sector is a vital indicator of well-being, reflecting the overall physical and mental health of our community members.
General Health
"General Health" in the Census 2021 is a self-assessment where people rate their overall health as very good, good, fair, bad, or very bad. It provides a snapshot of how people perceive their physical and mental well-being.
Line shows UK average.
52.5-30.8-11.6-4-1.2-
Disabilities
"Disabilities (TS038)" in the Census 2021 refers to data collected about whether a person has a disability or health condition that limits their day-to-day activities. It includes whether these limitations are substantial and long-term, helping to understand the prevalence and impact of disabilities within the population.
Disabled (limited a lot)
7.1%
Disabled (limited a little)
8.3%
Not disabled (long term condition)
4.9%
Not disabled (no physical or mental conditions)
79.8%
Line shows UK average.
15.4-7.1-8.3-84.6-4.9-79.8-
Transportation
Transportation in Dartford DA18 encompasses various modes and accessibility of travel, essential for the daily commute and connectivity of residents.
Car Ownership and Transport
Residents of DA18 average 1.77 cars per household, which is above the UK average of 1.4. This suggests a reliance on personal vehicles, though the area is well-connected by public transport. With two railway stations—Belvedere and Erith—and numerous bus services, commuting to Central London is convenient, enhancing the area’s appeal for commuters.
Car Ownership
Distribution of car ownership among households in Dartford (DA18), encompassing 'no cars,' '1 car,' '2 cars,' and '3+ cars,' providing a comprehensive snapshot of transportation patterns in the area.
Line shows UK average.
40.3-43.4-12.7-3.5-
Method of Travel
"Method of travel" in the Census 2021 refers to how people usually get to work. It includes options like walking, driving, taking the bus, cycling, or using the train. This table describes resident's main mode of transport when commuting.
Work mainly at or from home
21.2%
Underground, metro, light rail, tram
5.8%
Bus, minibus or coach
16.8%
Motorcycle, scooter or moped
0.6%
Driving a car or van
31.3%
Passenger in a car or van
2.3%
Line shows UK average.
21.2-5.8-13.5-16.8-0.8-0.6-31.3-2.3-1.1-5-
Commuting Distance
"Distance Travelled to Work" in the Census 2021 refers to how far people in Dartford (DA18) usually travel from home to their workplace. It measures the length of their commute, whether it's a short walk or a long drive, helping to understand commuting patterns.
2km to less than 5km
13.3%
5km to less than 10km
11.7%
10km to less than 20km
17.9%
20km to less than 30km
4.6%
30km to less than 40km
1.3%
40km to less than 60km
0.6%
Works mainly from home
21.3%
Line shows UK average.
7.3-13.3-11.7-17.9-4.6-1.3-0.6-0.9-21.3-
Crime
Crime in Dartford DA18 provides insights into safety and security, impacting the overall quality of life for residents.
Crime Rate
Safety is a significant consideration for potential residents, and DA18 boasts a crime rank of 5751 out of 32482 in England, indicating a lower crime rate than the London average. This aspect enhances the area’s appeal, particularly for families seeking a secure environment.
Crime statistics coming soon.