Medway

Medway ME7 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

ME7 is rich in culture and amenities, featuring numerous parks, shopping centres, and sports facilities, including six football clubs. The area is also home to historical attractions such as the Historic Dockyards at Chatham and the Royal Navy Reserve of ships. This blend of history, culture, and community spirit makes ME7 a vibrant place to live, work, and play.

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

42.3%

1 dimension

34.7%

2 dimensions

17%

3 dimensions

5.4%

4 dimensions

0.7%

 Line shows UK average.

Work & Employment

The work and employment statistics for Gillingham Me7 reflects the economic activities and job opportunities, which shapes the livelihoods of its residents.

Socio-Economics

The socio-economic landscape of ME7 reveals a blend of occupations. Approximately 8.7% of residents are in higher managerial roles, while 18.6% hold lower managerial positions. The area has a notable percentage of individuals in routine occupations (13.6%) and those who have never worked or are long-term unemployed (8.7%), suggesting a mix of economic stability and challenges.

Income Levels

The average salary in ME7 stands at £28,482, which is slightly below the UK average of £29,669. This income level, along with the affordable housing market, may attract individuals and families seeking a balance between income and living costs.

Employment Rate

70%

population in work

Unemployment Rate

5%

of the ME7 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

8.1%

Professional occupations

16%

Associate professional and technical occupations

11.6%

Administrative and secretarial occupations

7.9%

Skilled trades occupations

10%

Caring, leisure and other service occupations

11.6%

Sales and customer service occupations

9.5%

Process, plant and machine operatives

9.5%

Elementary occupations

15.9%

 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

29.5%

Part time (15 hrs or less)

10.7%

Part time (16-30 hrs)

18.8%

Full time

70.5%

Full time (31-48 hrs)

60.6%

Full time (49+ hrs)

9.9%

 Line shows UK average.

Unemployment History

This graph shows the unemployment history of the 5% of the population of Medway ME7 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)

17.9%

Unemployed (more than 1 yr)

52.2%

Unemployed (never worked)

29.9%

 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)

49.2%

Economically active (inc students)

6.8%

Retired

9.7%

Student

19.3%

Looking after home/family

6.1%

Sick or disabled

4.9%

 Line shows UK average.

Armed Forces

Percentage of people in the Medway (ME7) 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

49.2%

Reserve forces

45%

Reserve + regular forces

37.2%

Never served

9.1%

 Line shows UK average.

NS-SEC Occupation

The National Statistics Socio-economic Classification (NS-SEC) shows people's socio-economic position in Medway ME7, based on their occupation. The estimates are as at Census Day, which took place on 21 March 2021.

Higher Managerial

6.7%

Lower Managerial

15.5%

Intermediate Occupations

9.9%

Small Employers

9.3%

Lower Supervisory

5.1%

Semi Routine

12.6%

Routine

14.1%

Unemployed

8.6%

Full Time Students

18.2%

 Line shows UK average.

Property & Housing

Property and housing statistics for the Medway ME7 postcode area defines the living conditions and accommodation in the neighbourhood.

House Prices and Affordability

With an average house price of £230,000, ME7 offers relatively affordable housing compared to the UK average of £288,000. This affordability, combined with the area's amenities and transport links, makes it an attractive option for first-time buyers and families looking for value in the housing market.

Housing and Property Types

In terms of housing, ME7 features a variety of property types. The majority of homes are 50% terraced houses, followed by 18.5% semi-detached and 12.3% detached homes. The area also has a significant number of flats (13.8%) and bedsits (3.8%). The property sizes show a predominance of 45.4% 3-bedroom houses, making it suitable for families and those looking for more space.

Tenure of Homes

Homeownership in ME7 is diverse, with 26.2% of homes owned outright and 29.2% mortgaged. The rental market is also significant, with 31.5% of properties privately rented and 12.3% social rented. This mix of tenures indicates a flexible housing market that caters to various needs, from first-time buyers to renters.

House Types

Distribution of various house types, including detached, semi-detached, and terraced houses, across different the different postcode sectors in Medway (ME7).

Detached

3.7%

Semi-Detached

10.5%

Terraced

51.3%

Flats

28.1%

Bedsits

4%

 Line shows UK average.

Size (Bedrooms)

This graph provides an insight into the distribution of house sizes in Medway (ME7), showcasing the number of bedrooms across all properties in Medway.

1 Bedroom

17.7%

2 Bedrooms

30.9%

3 Bedrooms

40.8%

4+ Bedrooms

10.7%

 Line shows UK average.

Number of Rooms

This graph provides an insight into the average number of rooms in properties within Medway ME7 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

2.7%

2 rooms

19%

3 rooms

20.1%

4 rooms

27.3%

5 rooms

27.3%

6 rooms

2.2%

7 rooms

0.8%

8 rooms

0.2%

9+ rooms

0.2%

 Line shows UK average.

Tenure

Tenure status of properties throughout the entire Medway (ME7) postcode sector, presenting a breakdown of ownership, mortgage, rental, and other categories.

Owned Outright

14.7%

Mortgaged

19.1%

Shared Ownership

3.5%

Rented

15.2%

 Line shows UK average.

Household Size

The number of residents per household in the Medway (ME7) district, offering insights into the demographic makeup of this postcode district.

1 person

0%

2 people

36%

3 People

26.9%

4 People

17.7%

5 People

11.8%

6 People

5.2%

7 People

1.7%

8 People

0.4%

 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

19.6%

Occupancy: +1

31.3%

Occupancy: 0

40.8%

Occupancy: -1

6.9%

Occupancy: -2 or less

1.4%

 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

92.4%

Second address in the UK

6.5%

Second address outside UK

1.1%

 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

30.5%

1 car or van

44.1%

2 cars or vans

20%

3+ cars or vans

5.5%

 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

2.9%

Mains gas only

64.6%

Tank or bottled gas only

0.4%

Electric only

18.4%

Oil only

0%

Wood only

0%

Solid fuel only

0%

Renewable energy only

0%

District/communal network

3.3%

Other

1.1%

2 or more types (exc renewable)

9.2%

2 or more types (inc renewable)

0.1%

 Line shows UK average.

Education

Schools, education, and learning in the Medway ME7 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

18.4%

Level 1 and entry level

11.3%

Level 2 qualifications

13.7%

Apprenticeship

4.8%

Level 3 qualifications

22.5%

Level 4 and above

26.3%

 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

25.6%

Not a student

74.4%

 Line shows UK average.

Ethnicity

Ethnicity in Medway ME7 contributes to its rich cultural tapestry, showcasing diversity and heritage within the community.

Ethnic Group

Range of ethnic groups in Medway (ME7) postcode area, including Asian, Black, Mixed, White, and Other, providing a snapshot of the city's cultural diversity and demographics.

Bangladeshi

0.7%

Chinese

1.1%

Indian

3.7%

Pakistani

1.6%

African

11.4%

Mixed or Multiple

4.7%

White

66.6%

Arab

0.4%

Other

2.3%

 Line shows UK average.

Country of Birth

"Country of birth" in the Census 2021 refers to the country where a person in ME7 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

72%

EU countries

10.3%

Non-EU countries

1.9%

Africa

7.5%

Middle East and Asia

6%

Americas and the Caribbean

2%

Antarctica and Oceania

0.3%

British Overseas

0.1%

 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

75.6%

10 yrs +

12.1%

5 - 10 yrs

4.5%

2 - 5 yrs

3.6%

Less than 2 yrs

4.1%

 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

72.1%

Arrived before 1951

0.1%

Arrived 1951 to 1960

0.2%

Arrived 1961 to 1970

0.8%

Arrived 1971 to 1980

0.7%

Arrived 1981 to 1990

0.8%

Arrived 1991 to 2000

1.9%

Arrived 2001 to 2010

7.8%

Arrived 2011 to 2013

2.7%

Arrived 2014 to 2016

4.1%

Arrived 2017 to 2019

5.3%

Arrived 2020 to 2021

3.5%

 Line shows UK average.

Passports Held

"Passports held" in the Census 2021 means the number and types of passports people in ME7 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

61.3%

Ireland

0.7%

Other Europe

12.1%

Africa

3.2%

Middle East and Asia

0.4%

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

71.6%

Aged 0 to 4 years

3.6%

Aged 5 to 7 years

1.3%

Aged 8 to 9 years

0.8%

Aged 10 to 14 years

2.2%

Aged 15 years

0.4%

Aged 16 to 17 years

1%

Aged 18 to 19 years

1.9%

Aged 20 to 24 years

5%

Aged 25 to 29 years

4.5%

Aged 30 to 44 years

6.4%

Aged 45 to 59 years

1.1%

Aged 60 to 64 years

0.2%

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 ME7 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 ME7 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

47.5%

Good health

34.3%

Fair health

13%

Bad health

4.1%

Very bad health

1.1%

 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

17.4%

Disabled (limited a lot)

6.9%

Disabled (limited a little)

10.5%

Not disabled

82.6%

Not disabled (long term condition)

6.1%

Not disabled (no physical or mental conditions)

76.4%

 Line shows UK average.

Transportation

Transportation in Medway ME7 encompasses various modes and accessibility of travel, essential for the daily commute and connectivity of residents.

Car Ownership and Transport

Car ownership in ME7 is above the national average, with an average of 2.15 cars per household compared to the UK average of 1.4. This indicates a reliance on personal transport, which may be influenced by the area's well-connected roads, including the M2 motorway, and proximity to railway stations like Chatham and Maidstone East, facilitating easy commutes to London and beyond.

Car Ownership

Distribution of car ownership among households in Medway (ME7), encompassing 'no cars,' '1 car,' '2 cars,' and '3+ cars,' providing a comprehensive snapshot of transportation patterns in the area.

No Cars/Vans

30.5%

1 Car

44.1%

2 Cars

20%

3+ Cars

5.5%

 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

20.1%

Underground, metro, light rail, tram

0.4%

Train

7.7%

Bus, minibus or coach

5.1%

Taxi

1.6%

Motorcycle, scooter or moped

0.5%

Driving a car or van

42.6%

Passenger in a car or van

6.3%

Bicycle

1.3%

On foot

13.3%

 Line shows UK average.

Commuting Distance

"Distance Travelled to Work" in the Census 2021 refers to how far people in Medway (ME7) 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

16.7%

2km to less than 5km

14.1%

5km to less than 10km

5.6%

10km to less than 20km

11.2%

20km to less than 30km

4.5%

30km to less than 40km

3.2%

40km to less than 60km

5.3%

60km and over

1.4%

Works mainly from home

20%

 Line shows UK average.

Crime

Crime in Medway ME7 provides insights into safety and security, impacting the overall quality of life for residents.

Crime Rate

In terms of safety, ME7 has a crime rank of 3052/32482, indicating a moderate level of safety where 1 is the best and 32482 is the worst. While there are areas of concern, the ranking suggests that many residents feel secure in their neighbourhoods, contributing to the overall appeal of the area.

Crime statistics coming soon.