Medway

Medway ME8 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

ME8 offers a variety of amenities, including schools, parks, and a vibrant business quarter. The area is family-friendly, with numerous community activities and local heritage experiences available. The presence of green spaces and recreational facilities adds to the appeal for potential residents looking for a balanced lifestyle.

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%

1 dimension

35.1%

2 dimensions

13.8%

3 dimensions

2.9%

4 dimensions

0.2%

 Line shows UK average.

Work & Employment

The work and employment statistics for Gillingham Me8 reflects the economic activities and job opportunities, which shapes the livelihoods of its residents.

Socio-Economics

The socio-economic landscape shows a varied employment structure, with 10.9% in higher managerial roles and 21.1% in lower managerial positions. The area also has a significant portion in intermediate occupations (14.8%) and small employers (11.3%). However, 7% of the population has never worked or is long-term unemployed, highlighting some economic challenges.

Income Levels

The average salary in ME8 is £28,482, which is slightly below the UK average of £29,669. This may reflect the socio-economic status of the area, influencing both housing demand and local spending power.

Employment Rate

70%

population in work

Unemployment Rate

4%

of the ME8 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

15.5%

Professional occupations

18.2%

Associate professional and technical occupations

14.2%

Administrative and secretarial occupations

11.8%

Skilled trades occupations

12.3%

Caring, leisure and other service occupations

8%

Sales and customer service occupations

7.2%

Process, plant and machine operatives

5.6%

Elementary occupations

7.3%

 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

30.6%

Part time (15 hrs or less)

11.1%

Part time (16-30 hrs)

19.5%

Full time

69.4%

Full time (31-48 hrs)

56.4%

Full time (49+ hrs)

13%

 Line shows UK average.

Unemployment History

This graph shows the unemployment history of the 4% of the population of Medway ME8 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)

10.4%

Unemployed (more than 1 yr)

68.5%

Unemployed (never worked)

21.1%

 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)

56.1%

Economically active (inc students)

1.9%

Retired

27.2%

Student

4.4%

Looking after home/family

4.8%

Sick or disabled

3.4%

 Line shows UK average.

Armed Forces

Percentage of people in the Medway (ME8) 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

56.1%

Reserve forces

54.1%

Reserve + regular forces

42.6%

Never served

12.3%

 Line shows UK average.

NS-SEC Occupation

The National Statistics Socio-economic Classification (NS-SEC) shows people's socio-economic position in Medway ME8, based on their occupation. The estimates are as at Census Day, which took place on 21 March 2021.

Higher Managerial

13.3%

Lower Managerial

22.9%

Intermediate Occupations

15.1%

Small Employers

12.3%

Lower Supervisory

5.2%

Semi Routine

10.9%

Routine

8.5%

Unemployed

6.5%

Full Time Students

5.3%

 Line shows UK average.

Property & Housing

Property and housing statistics for the Medway ME8 postcode area defines the living conditions and accommodation in the neighbourhood.

House Prices and Affordability

House prices in ME8 average around £575,000, which is considerably higher than the national average of £288,000. This disparity may indicate a demand for housing in the area, driven by its amenities and transport links. Potential buyers should consider this when evaluating affordability.

Housing and Property Types

The housing landscape in ME8 is primarily residential, with a notable 51.2% of homes being 3-bed houses. The property types are diverse, with 38.8% being semi-detached, 32.6% terraced, 18.6% detached, and 8.5% flats. This variety caters to families and individuals alike, making it an attractive area for homebuyers.

Tenure of Homes

In terms of home ownership, 40.3% of properties are owned outright, while 35.7% are mortgaged. The remaining homes are split between social rented (10.1%) and private rented (13.2%). This mix indicates a healthy balance of ownership and rental opportunities, appealing to a range of residents.

House Types

Distribution of various house types, including detached, semi-detached, and terraced houses, across different the different postcode sectors in Medway (ME8).

Detached

38.6%

Semi-Detached

36.9%

Terraced

17.3%

Flats

6%

Bedsits

0.5%

 Line shows UK average.

Size (Bedrooms)

This graph provides an insight into the distribution of house sizes in Medway (ME8), showcasing the number of bedrooms across all properties in Medway.

1 Bedroom

5.9%

2 Bedrooms

20.4%

3 Bedrooms

48.4%

4+ Bedrooms

25.3%

 Line shows UK average.

Number of Rooms

This graph provides an insight into the average number of rooms in properties within Medway ME8 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

0.1%

2 rooms

4.5%

3 rooms

14.3%

4 rooms

30.5%

5 rooms

30.6%

6 rooms

12.7%

7 rooms

4.6%

8 rooms

2%

9+ rooms

0.6%

 Line shows UK average.

Tenure

Tenure status of properties throughout the entire Medway (ME8) postcode sector, presenting a breakdown of ownership, mortgage, rental, and other categories.

Owned Outright

48.6%

Mortgaged

34.6%

Shared Ownership

0.3%

Rented

5.5%

 Line shows UK average.

Household Size

The number of residents per household in the Medway (ME8) district, offering insights into the demographic makeup of this postcode district.

1 person

0%

2 people

24%

3 People

37%

4 People

16.5%

5 People

15.3%

6 People

5%

7 People

1.7%

8 People

0.3%

 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

44.6%

Occupancy: +1

34.1%

Occupancy: 0

19%

Occupancy: -1

2%

Occupancy: -2 or less

0.2%

 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

97%

Second address in the UK

2.3%

Second address outside UK

0.6%

 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

14.4%

1 car or van

38%

2 cars or vans

33.3%

3+ cars or vans

14.3%

 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%

Mains gas only

87.6%

Tank or bottled gas only

0.3%

Electric only

2.8%

Oil only

0.1%

Wood only

0%

Solid fuel only

0%

Renewable energy only

0.1%

District/communal network

0%

Other

0.3%

2 or more types (exc renewable)

7.4%

2 or more types (inc renewable)

0.4%

 Line shows UK average.

Education

Schools, education, and learning in the Medway ME8 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

17.9%

Level 1 and entry level

11.2%

Level 2 qualifications

15.6%

Apprenticeship

7.2%

Level 3 qualifications

18.1%

Level 4 and above

26.6%

 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

18.4%

Not a student

81.6%

 Line shows UK average.

Ethnicity

Ethnicity in Medway ME8 contributes to its rich cultural tapestry, showcasing diversity and heritage within the community.

Ethnic Group

Range of ethnic groups in Medway (ME8) postcode area, including Asian, Black, Mixed, White, and Other, providing a snapshot of the city's cultural diversity and demographics.

Bangladeshi

0.7%

Chinese

0.4%

Indian

2.1%

Pakistani

0.7%

African

1.2%

Mixed or Multiple

2.6%

White

89.5%

Arab

0.2%

Other

1.1%

 Line shows UK average.

Country of Birth

"Country of birth" in the Census 2021 refers to the country where a person in ME8 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

91.9%

EU countries

3.1%

Non-EU countries

0.4%

Africa

1.4%

Middle East and Asia

2.7%

Americas and the Caribbean

0.3%

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

92%

10 yrs +

6.4%

5 - 10 yrs

0.9%

2 - 5 yrs

0.3%

Less than 2 yrs

0.3%

 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

92.3%

Arrived before 1951

0.2%

Arrived 1951 to 1960

0.6%

Arrived 1961 to 1970

1.2%

Arrived 1971 to 1980

0.8%

Arrived 1981 to 1990

0.6%

Arrived 1991 to 2000

0.9%

Arrived 2001 to 2010

1.9%

Arrived 2011 to 2013

0.5%

Arrived 2014 to 2016

0.5%

Arrived 2017 to 2019

0.3%

Arrived 2020 to 2021

0.1%

 Line shows UK average.

Passports Held

"Passports held" in the Census 2021 means the number and types of passports people in ME8 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

85.9%

Ireland

0.5%

Other Europe

2.3%

Africa

0.4%

Middle East and Asia

0.1%

Americas and the Caribbean

0%

Antarctica and Oceania

0%

British Overseas Territories

0.2%

 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

91.8%

Aged 0 to 4 years

1.5%

Aged 5 to 7 years

0.5%

Aged 8 to 9 years

0.2%

Aged 10 to 14 years

0.6%

Aged 15 years

0.1%

Aged 16 to 17 years

0.4%

Aged 18 to 19 years

0.6%

Aged 20 to 24 years

1.3%

Aged 25 to 29 years

1%

Aged 30 to 44 years

1.5%

Aged 45 to 59 years

0.2%

Aged 60 to 64 years

0%

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 ME8 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 ME8 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

46.9%

Good health

35.3%

Fair health

13.1%

Bad health

3.8%

Very bad health

0.9%

 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

17.1%

Disabled (limited a lot)

6.6%

Disabled (limited a little)

10.5%

Not disabled

82.9%

Not disabled (long term condition)

7.8%

Not disabled (no physical or mental conditions)

75.1%

 Line shows UK average.

Transportation

Transportation in Medway ME8 encompasses various modes and accessibility of travel, essential for the daily commute and connectivity of residents.

Car Ownership and Transport

Car ownership in ME8 is notably high, with an average of 2.43 cars per household compared to the UK average of 1.4. This suggests that residents may rely on personal vehicles for commuting and leisure, despite good transport links to London via Rainham and Gillingham railway stations.

Car Ownership

Distribution of car ownership among households in Medway (ME8), encompassing 'no cars,' '1 car,' '2 cars,' and '3+ cars,' providing a comprehensive snapshot of transportation patterns in the area.

No Cars/Vans

14.4%

1 Car

38%

2 Cars

33.3%

3+ Cars

14.3%

 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

33.2%

Underground, metro, light rail, tram

0.2%

Train

3.6%

Bus, minibus or coach

1%

Taxi

0.3%

Motorcycle, scooter or moped

0.4%

Driving a car or van

51.6%

Passenger in a car or van

4%

Bicycle

0.6%

On foot

4.1%

 Line shows UK average.

Commuting Distance

"Distance Travelled to Work" in the Census 2021 refers to how far people in Medway (ME8) 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

8.7%

2km to less than 5km

9.5%

5km to less than 10km

11.2%

10km to less than 20km

8.5%

20km to less than 30km

3.4%

30km to less than 40km

2.5%

40km to less than 60km

3.7%

60km and over

1%

Works mainly from home

33.2%

 Line shows UK average.

Crime

Crime in Medway ME8 provides insights into safety and security, impacting the overall quality of life for residents.

Crime Rate

The crime rank for ME8 is 24843/32482, suggesting that the area is relatively safe, although there is always room for improvement. This ranking can be an important factor for families and individuals considering moving to the area.

Crime statistics coming soon.