Medway

Medway ME1 Postcode Insights

The postcode ME1 covers the main towns of Rochester and Chatham in Kent, in the Medway district of England and is located approximately 40 miles south east of London.

Popularly known as ‘the Gateway to the Medway Towns’, ME1 is a well publicised postcode area and home to a range of residential and business areas.The area is served by the Medway Council, which is responsible for providing key services including education, leisure and social services, housing and environmental protection.

The area has good transport links to London and the south east coast.

The postcode primarily covers the area west of the River Medway, including the small towns of Rochester and Chatham and the surrounding rural areas.

It is largely a residential area, with a wide variety of housing styles and sizes available.

The area also includes a number of business parks, industrial estates, and retail parks.

Rochester is one of the oldest towns in England, historically known for its cathedral, castle, and beautiful riverside parks.

The city centre includes the Esplanade, which is a wide promenade with lovely flower displays, bandstands, and a marina with 200 moorings.

The city also hosts a number of events throughout the year, including festivals, shows, fairs, and markets.

The high street has a range of shops and stores, and the surrounding areas are full of stunning countryside views.Chatham, just downriver from Rochester, is home to ancient fortifications, as well as a variety of leisure activities, including bowling, cinemas, and a waterfront area with several restaurants.

The area is also a major port for both commercial and recreational boats, with facilities along the River Medway for kayaking, canoeing, and sailing.ME1 is a convenient area to live with a wealth of amenities, and its close proximity to London as well as key countryside destinations makes it a desirable place to live for both young and older residents.

Miscellaneous

ME1 is rich in history and culture, with landmarks such as Rochester Cathedral and the ancient castle contributing to its charm. The area hosts numerous festivals and events throughout the year, enhancing community spirit and attracting visitors. With its picturesque landscapes and vibrant high street, ME1 is not only a desirable place to live but also a location steeped in heritage and community engagement.

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.

Zero deprivation

48.7%

1 dimension

33.3%

2 dimensions

13.6%

3 dimensions

3.9%

4 dimensions

0.4%

 Line shows UK average.

Work & Employment

The work and employment statistics for Rochester Me1 reflects the economic activities and job opportunities, which shapes the livelihoods of its residents.

Socio-Economics

The socio-economic landscape of ME1 reveals a community engaged in various occupations. Higher managerial and professional roles account for 12%, while lower managerial and professional occupations make up 20.6%. The area also has a notable percentage of residents in routine and semi-routine jobs, indicating a diverse economic base. The education levels are relatively high, with 27.7% of the population holding Level 4 qualifications, suggesting a well-educated workforce.

Income Levels

The average salary in ME1 is £28,482, which is slightly below the UK average of £29,669. This income level, combined with the area’s property prices, suggests that while housing may be more expensive than the national average, the local economy supports a diverse range of job opportunities.

Employment Rate

70%

population in work

Unemployment Rate

5%

of the ME1 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

14%

Professional occupations

24%

Associate professional and technical occupations

16.1%

Administrative and secretarial occupations

9%

Skilled trades occupations

8%

Caring, leisure and other service occupations

7.5%

Sales and customer service occupations

6.2%

Process, plant and machine operatives

6%

Elementary occupations

9.3%

 Line shows UK average.

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

24.9%

Part time (15 hrs or less)

9.6%

Part time (16-30 hrs)

15.4%

Full time

75.1%

Full time (31-48 hrs)

61.5%

Full time (49+ hrs)

13.6%

 Line shows UK average.

Unemployment History

This graph shows the unemployment history of the 5% of the population of Medway ME1 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)

14.2%

Unemployed (more than 1 yr)

59.9%

Unemployed (never worked)

25.9%

 Line shows UK average.

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)

63.3%

Economically active (inc students)

1.9%

Retired

15.4%

Student

3.7%

Looking after home/family

6.1%

Sick or disabled

5.8%

 Line shows UK average.

Armed Forces

Percentage of people in the Medway (ME1) 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.

Previously served

63.3%

Reserve forces

59.2%

Reserve + regular forces

48.4%

Never served

10.4%

 Line shows UK average.

NS-SEC Occupation

The National Statistics Socio-economic Classification (NS-SEC) shows people's socio-economic position in Medway ME1, based on their occupation. The estimates are as at Census Day, which took place on 21 March 2021.

Higher Managerial

14.9%

Lower Managerial

23.3%

Intermediate Occupations

11.2%

Small Employers

10.5%

Lower Supervisory

4.2%

Semi Routine

9.4%

Routine

10.4%

Unemployed

7.4%

Full Time Students

8.5%

 Line shows UK average.

Property & Housing

Property and housing statistics for the Medway ME1 postcode area defines the living conditions and accommodation in the neighbourhood.

House Prices and Affordability

The average house price in ME1 stands at £395,000, which is higher than the UK average of £288,000. This pricing reflects the desirability of the area, driven by its historical significance, amenities, and transport links. While the cost may be a consideration for potential buyers, the variety of property types available provides options for different budgets.

Housing and Property Types

ME1 offers a variety of housing options, with 41.8% of homes being 3-bed houses, making it an attractive choice for families. The property types are diverse, including 23.9% detached homes, 32.1% semi-detached, and 26.9% terraced houses, alongside 13.4% flats and 1.5% bedsits. This variety caters to different lifestyle preferences and budgets, appealing to both first-time buyers and those seeking larger family homes.

Tenure of Homes

The tenure of homes in ME1 shows a balanced distribution, with 32.8% of properties owned outright and another 32.8% mortgaged. A significant portion of the population lives in rented accommodation, with 14.2% social rented and 17.9% privately rented homes. This mix of ownership and rental options provides flexibility for residents, making it a suitable area for both buyers and renters.

House Types

Distribution of various house types, including detached, semi-detached, and terraced houses, across different the different postcode sectors in Medway (ME1).

Detached

6.3%

Semi-Detached

14.9%

Terraced

27.4%

Flats

39.5%

Bedsits

5.7%

 Line shows UK average.

Size (Bedrooms)

This graph provides an insight into the distribution of house sizes in Medway (ME1), showcasing the number of bedrooms across all properties in Medway.

1 Bedroom

19.4%

2 Bedrooms

32.2%

3 Bedrooms

36.1%

4+ Bedrooms

12.4%

 Line shows UK average.

Number of Rooms

This graph provides an insight into the average number of rooms in properties within Medway ME1 area. A room can be any room in a house apart from kitchens, bathrooms, toilets, halls/landings/conservatories and rooms used for storage.

1 room

3.1%

2 rooms

23.5%

3 rooms

30.7%

4 rooms

17.2%

5 rooms

14.8%

6 rooms

5.8%

7 rooms

2.5%

8 rooms

1.1%

9+ rooms

1.2%

 Line shows UK average.

Tenure

Tenure status of properties throughout the entire Medway (ME1) postcode sector, presenting a breakdown of ownership, mortgage, rental, and other categories.

Owned Outright

20.1%

Mortgaged

24.2%

Shared Ownership

2.3%

Rented

21.8%

 Line shows UK average.

Household Size

The number of residents per household in the Medway (ME1) district, offering insights into the demographic makeup of this postcode district.

1 person

0%

2 people

41%

3 People

33.4%

4 People

12.8%

5 People

9%

6 People

2.8%

7 People

0.7%

8 People

0.2%

 Line shows UK average.

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

25.4%

Occupancy: +1

33%

Occupancy: 0

37.6%

Occupancy: -1

3.5%

Occupancy: -2 or less

0.5%

 Line shows UK average.

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.

No second address

94.6%

Second address in the UK

4%

Second address outside UK

1.4%

 Line shows UK average.

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.

No cars or vans

25.5%

1 car or van

47.7%

2 cars or vans

20.8%

3+ cars or vans

6%

 Line shows UK average.

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.

No central heating

1.8%

Mains gas only

74%

Tank or bottled gas only

0.6%

Electric only

12.1%

Oil only

0.2%

Wood only

0.1%

Solid fuel only

0%

Renewable energy only

0%

District/communal network

2.2%

Other

1%

2 or more types (exc renewable)

7.5%

2 or more types (inc renewable)

0.4%

 Line shows UK average.

Education

Schools, education, and learning in the Medway ME1 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.

No qualifications

14.9%

Level 1 and entry level

9.3%

Level 2 qualifications

13.7%

Apprenticeship

4.6%

Level 3 qualifications

17.2%

Level 4 and above

37.7%

 Line shows UK average.

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.

Students

19%

Not a student

81%

 Line shows UK average.

Ethnicity

Ethnicity in Medway ME1 contributes to its rich cultural tapestry, showcasing diversity and heritage within the community.

Ethnic Group

Range of ethnic groups in Medway (ME1) postcode area, including Asian, Black, Mixed, White, and Other, providing a snapshot of the city's cultural diversity and demographics.

Bangladeshi

1.6%

Chinese

0.7%

Indian

3.2%

Pakistani

0.4%

African

3.5%

Mixed or Multiple

3.1%

White

83.5%

Arab

0.1%

Other

1.2%

 Line shows UK average.

Country of Birth

"Country of birth" in the Census 2021 refers to the country where a person in ME1 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.

United Kingdom

84.2%

EU countries

7.4%

Non-EU countries

0.7%

Africa

2.7%

Middle East and Asia

3.7%

Americas and the Caribbean

1.1%

Antarctica and Oceania

0.3%

British Overseas

0%

 Line shows UK average.

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.

Born in the UK

82.9%

10 yrs +

10.2%

5 - 10 yrs

2.9%

2 - 5 yrs

1.9%

Less than 2 yrs

2%

 Line shows UK average.

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.

Born in the UK

82.6%

Arrived before 1951

0.1%

Arrived 1951 to 1960

0.6%

Arrived 1961 to 1970

0.8%

Arrived 1971 to 1980

0.9%

Arrived 1981 to 1990

0.9%

Arrived 1991 to 2000

1.7%

Arrived 2001 to 2010

4.5%

Arrived 2011 to 2013

1.5%

Arrived 2014 to 2016

2.3%

Arrived 2017 to 2019

2.2%

Arrived 2020 to 2021

1.9%

 Line shows UK average.

Passports Held

"Passports held" in the Census 2021 means the number and types of passports people in ME1 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.

No passport

0%

United Kingdom

73%

Ireland

0.8%

Other Europe

7%

Africa

1.3%

Middle East and Asia

0.3%

Americas and the Caribbean

0%

Antarctica and Oceania

0.2%

British Overseas Territories

0.1%

 Line shows UK average.

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.

Born in the UK

83.3%

Aged 0 to 4 years

2%

Aged 5 to 7 years

0.7%

Aged 8 to 9 years

0.5%

Aged 10 to 14 years

1%

Aged 15 years

0.4%

Aged 16 to 17 years

0.7%

Aged 18 to 19 years

0.9%

Aged 20 to 24 years

2.9%

Aged 25 to 29 years

3%

Aged 30 to 44 years

3.9%

Aged 45 to 59 years

0.6%

Aged 60 to 64 years

0.1%

Aged 65 to 74 years

0%

Aged 75 to 84 years

0%

Aged 85 to 89 years

0%

Aged 90 years and over

0%

 Line shows UK average.

Income

Income in Medway ME1 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 Medway ME1 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.

Very good health

48.9%

Good health

33.5%

Fair health

12.6%

Bad health

4%

Very bad health

1%

 Line shows UK average.

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

17.6%

Disabled (limited a lot)

7%

Disabled (limited a little)

10.6%

Not disabled

82.4%

Not disabled (long term condition)

7.5%

Not disabled (no physical or mental conditions)

74.9%

 Line shows UK average.

Transportation

Transportation in Medway ME1 encompasses various modes and accessibility of travel, essential for the daily commute and connectivity of residents.

Car Ownership and Transport

With an average of 2.42 cars per household, ME1 residents enjoy convenient transport options, which is particularly beneficial given the area's proximity to London and the south east coast. The good transport links enhance the area's appeal for commuters and those who appreciate easy access to urban amenities.

Car Ownership

Distribution of car ownership among households in Medway (ME1), encompassing 'no cars,' '1 car,' '2 cars,' and '3+ cars,' providing a comprehensive snapshot of transportation patterns in the area.

No Cars/Vans

25.5%

1 Car

47.7%

2 Cars

20.8%

3+ Cars

6%

 Line shows UK average.

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

38%

Underground, metro, light rail, tram

0.5%

Train

6%

Bus, minibus or coach

2.4%

Taxi

0.7%

Motorcycle, scooter or moped

0.5%

Driving a car or van

37.2%

Passenger in a car or van

3.4%

Bicycle

0.9%

On foot

9%

 Line shows UK average.

Commuting Distance

"Distance Travelled to Work" in the Census 2021 refers to how far people in Medway (ME1) 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.

Less than 2km

11.9%

2km to less than 5km

9.7%

5km to less than 10km

5.9%

10km to less than 20km

7.9%

20km to less than 30km

3.5%

30km to less than 40km

2.2%

40km to less than 60km

5%

60km and over

0.9%

Works mainly from home

38.1%

 Line shows UK average.

Crime

Crime in Medway ME1 provides insights into safety and security, impacting the overall quality of life for residents.

Crime Rate

ME1 has a crime rank of 2457 out of 32482, indicating a relatively safe environment for residents. This low crime rate is an attractive feature for families and individuals looking for a secure place to live, contributing to the overall quality of life in the area.

Crime statistics coming soon.