Medway

Medway ME5 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

ME5 is home to various local amenities, including shops, schools, parks, and places of worship, contributing to a strong sense of community. The area is well-served by educational institutions, with several respected secondary schools nearby. Additionally, the presence of Medway Maritime Hospital ensures that healthcare needs are adequately met. ME5 offers a balanced lifestyle with a mix of residential comfort, community spirit, and accessibility to urban conveniences.

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

41.2%

1 dimension

35.4%

2 dimensions

17.8%

3 dimensions

5.2%

4 dimensions

0.4%

 Line shows UK average.

Work & Employment

The work and employment statistics for Chatham Me5 reflects the economic activities and job opportunities, which shapes the livelihoods of its residents.

Socio-Economics

The socio-economic landscape of ME5 reveals a community engaged in a variety of occupations. Around 10% of the population holds higher managerial, administrative, and professional roles, while 20% are in lower managerial positions. The area also has a significant number of residents in intermediate occupations (14.2%), as well as small employers and self-employed individuals (11.5%), indicating a diverse economic base.

Income Levels

The average salary in ME5 is £28,482, which is slightly below the UK average of £29,669. This income level, combined with the lower average house prices, suggests that the area is accessible for those seeking affordable living options while maintaining a reasonable standard of living.

Employment Rate

70%

population in work

Unemployment Rate

5%

of the ME5 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

9.2%

Professional occupations

13.8%

Associate professional and technical occupations

11.9%

Administrative and secretarial occupations

10%

Skilled trades occupations

14.3%

Caring, leisure and other service occupations

12.1%

Sales and customer service occupations

8.1%

Process, plant and machine operatives

9.4%

Elementary occupations

11.2%

 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

28.7%

Part time (15 hrs or less)

9.4%

Part time (16-30 hrs)

19.4%

Full time

71.3%

Full time (31-48 hrs)

59.5%

Full time (49+ hrs)

11.8%

 Line shows UK average.

Unemployment History

This graph shows the unemployment history of the 5% of the population of Medway ME5 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)

11.8%

Unemployed (more than 1 yr)

60%

Unemployed (never worked)

28.2%

 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)

60.5%

Economically active (inc students)

1.4%

Retired

19.7%

Student

4.3%

Looking after home/family

5.9%

Sick or disabled

5.6%

 Line shows UK average.

Armed Forces

Percentage of people in the Medway (ME5) 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

60.5%

Reserve forces

57.9%

Reserve + regular forces

48.8%

Never served

12.4%

 Line shows UK average.

NS-SEC Occupation

The National Statistics Socio-economic Classification (NS-SEC) shows people's socio-economic position in Medway ME5, based on their occupation. The estimates are as at Census Day, which took place on 21 March 2021.

Higher Managerial

7.1%

Lower Managerial

17%

Intermediate Occupations

12.9%

Small Employers

11.5%

Lower Supervisory

6.8%

Semi Routine

15.2%

Routine

14.1%

Unemployed

9.5%

Full Time Students

6.1%

 Line shows UK average.

Property & Housing

Property and housing statistics for the Medway ME5 postcode area defines the living conditions and accommodation in the neighbourhood.

House Prices and Affordability

The average house price in ME5 is £220,000, which is lower than the national average of £288,000. This affordability makes ME5 an attractive option for first-time buyers and families looking to settle in a suburban area with good transport links. The property market here offers a range of options, catering to different budgets and preferences.

Housing and Property Types

Housing in ME5 is varied, with a significant proportion of 46.9% of properties being 3-bedroom houses, making it ideal for families. The area has 20% detached homes, 35.4% semi-detached, and 35.4% terraced houses, indicating a mix of property types that cater to different preferences. Flats and bedsits are less common, accounting for 7.7% and 0.8% respectively, which may appeal to younger professionals or students.

Tenure of Homes

In terms of home ownership, ME5 shows a balanced distribution. Approximately 33.1% of homes are owned outright, while 39.2% are mortgaged. There is also a notable presence of rented properties, with 12.3% social rented and 14.6% private rented. This mixture of ownership types reflects a community that accommodates both homeowners and renters, making it attractive for various demographics.

House Types

Distribution of various house types, including detached, semi-detached, and terraced houses, across different the different postcode sectors in Medway (ME5).

Detached

12.1%

Semi-Detached

45%

Terraced

34.8%

Flats

6.7%

Bedsits

0.9%

 Line shows UK average.

Size (Bedrooms)

This graph provides an insight into the distribution of house sizes in Medway (ME5), showcasing the number of bedrooms across all properties in Medway.

1 Bedroom

10.4%

2 Bedrooms

22.9%

3 Bedrooms

51.2%

4+ Bedrooms

15.4%

 Line shows UK average.

Number of Rooms

This graph provides an insight into the average number of rooms in properties within Medway ME5 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

0.7%

2 rooms

9.4%

3 rooms

18.4%

4 rooms

30.3%

5 rooms

33.1%

6 rooms

6.2%

7 rooms

1.4%

8 rooms

0.2%

9+ rooms

0.2%

 Line shows UK average.

Tenure

Tenure status of properties throughout the entire Medway (ME5) postcode sector, presenting a breakdown of ownership, mortgage, rental, and other categories.

Owned Outright

29.9%

Mortgaged

34.6%

Shared Ownership

1%

Rented

22.9%

 Line shows UK average.

Household Size

The number of residents per household in the Medway (ME5) district, offering insights into the demographic makeup of this postcode district.

1 person

0%

2 people

27.1%

3 People

30%

4 People

17.7%

5 People

15.2%

6 People

6.5%

7 People

2.4%

8 People

0.8%

 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

29.7%

Occupancy: +1

33.1%

Occupancy: 0

31.6%

Occupancy: -1

4.8%

Occupancy: -2 or less

0.7%

 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

96.9%

Second address in the UK

2.4%

Second address outside UK

0.7%

 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

18.8%

1 car or van

41.4%

2 cars or vans

28.4%

3+ cars or vans

11.4%

 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

1.3%

Mains gas only

83.2%

Tank or bottled gas only

0.5%

Electric only

4.7%

Oil only

0.1%

Wood only

0%

Solid fuel only

0%

Renewable energy only

0.1%

District/communal network

0.6%

Other

1.1%

2 or more types (exc renewable)

7.9%

2 or more types (inc renewable)

0.3%

 Line shows UK average.

Education

Schools, education, and learning in the Medway ME5 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

24.3%

Level 1 and entry level

12.8%

Level 2 qualifications

15.8%

Apprenticeship

6.4%

Level 3 qualifications

16.8%

Level 4 and above

20.9%

 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

21%

Not a student

79%

 Line shows UK average.

Ethnicity

Ethnicity in Medway ME5 contributes to its rich cultural tapestry, showcasing diversity and heritage within the community.

Ethnic Group

Range of ethnic groups in Medway (ME5) postcode area, including Asian, Black, Mixed, White, and Other, providing a snapshot of the city's cultural diversity and demographics.

Bangladeshi

0.4%

Chinese

0.3%

Indian

1.5%

Pakistani

0.6%

African

5.9%

Mixed or Multiple

2.4%

White

85.3%

Arab

0.2%

Other

0.6%

 Line shows UK average.

Country of Birth

"Country of birth" in the Census 2021 refers to the country where a person in ME5 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

89.2%

EU countries

4%

Non-EU countries

0.5%

Africa

3.6%

Middle East and Asia

1.9%

Americas and the Caribbean

0.7%

Antarctica and Oceania

0.1%

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

87.1%

10 yrs +

8.6%

5 - 10 yrs

2.2%

2 - 5 yrs

1.1%

Less than 2 yrs

1.1%

 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

89.6%

Arrived before 1951

0%

Arrived 1951 to 1960

0.3%

Arrived 1961 to 1970

0.5%

Arrived 1971 to 1980

0.6%

Arrived 1981 to 1990

0.8%

Arrived 1991 to 2000

1.4%

Arrived 2001 to 2010

4%

Arrived 2011 to 2013

0.9%

Arrived 2014 to 2016

0.8%

Arrived 2017 to 2019

0.8%

Arrived 2020 to 2021

0.4%

 Line shows UK average.

Passports Held

"Passports held" in the Census 2021 means the number and types of passports people in ME5 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

76%

Ireland

0.7%

Other Europe

3.8%

Africa

1.1%

Middle East and Asia

0.2%

Americas and the Caribbean

0%

Antarctica and Oceania

0%

British Overseas Territories

0%

 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

88.7%

Aged 0 to 4 years

1.3%

Aged 5 to 7 years

0.6%

Aged 8 to 9 years

0.3%

Aged 10 to 14 years

0.8%

Aged 15 years

0.2%

Aged 16 to 17 years

0.5%

Aged 18 to 19 years

0.6%

Aged 20 to 24 years

2.3%

Aged 25 to 29 years

1.8%

Aged 30 to 44 years

2.4%

Aged 45 to 59 years

0.4%

Aged 60 to 64 years

0%

Aged 65 to 74 years

0.1%

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 ME5 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 ME5 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

44.8%

Good health

35%

Fair health

14%

Bad health

4.7%

Very bad health

1.5%

 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

20.3%

Disabled (limited a lot)

9.3%

Disabled (limited a little)

10.9%

Not disabled

79.7%

Not disabled (long term condition)

6.8%

Not disabled (no physical or mental conditions)

73%

 Line shows UK average.

Transportation

Transportation in Medway ME5 encompasses various modes and accessibility of travel, essential for the daily commute and connectivity of residents.

Car Ownership and Transport

ME5 residents average 2.5 cars per household, significantly above the UK average of 1.4. This suggests a strong reliance on personal vehicles, likely due to the suburban nature of the area and its connectivity to major motorways like the M2 and M20. Public transport is also accessible, with Chatham and Gillingham train stations providing direct links to London.

Car Ownership

Distribution of car ownership among households in Medway (ME5), encompassing 'no cars,' '1 car,' '2 cars,' and '3+ cars,' providing a comprehensive snapshot of transportation patterns in the area.

No Cars/Vans

18.8%

1 Car

41.4%

2 Cars

28.4%

3+ Cars

11.4%

 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

22.2%

Underground, metro, light rail, tram

0.3%

Train

2.4%

Bus, minibus or coach

2.7%

Taxi

0.5%

Motorcycle, scooter or moped

0.5%

Driving a car or van

59.6%

Passenger in a car or van

5.6%

Bicycle

0.5%

On foot

4.8%

 Line shows UK average.

Commuting Distance

"Distance Travelled to Work" in the Census 2021 refers to how far people in Medway (ME5) 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

9.1%

2km to less than 5km

17.9%

5km to less than 10km

9.1%

10km to less than 20km

7.4%

20km to less than 30km

4.1%

30km to less than 40km

2.2%

40km to less than 60km

3.9%

60km and over

1%

Works mainly from home

21.9%

 Line shows UK average.

Crime

Crime in Medway ME5 provides insights into safety and security, impacting the overall quality of life for residents.

Crime Rate

ME5 has a crime rank of 8313 out of 32482 in the LSOA ranking, indicating a relatively safe environment compared to other areas in England and Wales. This aspect is appealing for families and individuals looking for a secure place to live, contributing to the overall attractiveness of the area.

Crime statistics coming soon.