Preston
Preston Marina, Riversway docklands
Preston (PR) Postcode Area
Preston: Historic market town, industrial heritage, vibrant cultural scene, picturesque parks, and a growing hub for education and innovation. A town blending tradition with modernity in Lancashire.
Preston Postcode Area includes:
Preston, Chorley, Southport, Leyland.
Discover everything you need to know about Preston with PostcodeArea. Scroll down to uncover demographics, property prices, crime stats, amenities and more.
Most Desirable Postcodes
Here are the top 10 most desirable postcode areas in Preston (PR), based on a unique scoring system that weighs key factors like safety, schools, diversity, and affordability.
Whether you're a renter, homebuyer, or property investor, this tool lets you customise the score to focus on what matters most to you, helping you make smarter, data-driven decisions.
How are Desirability Scores calculated?
Our custom algorithm calculates a unique "Desirability Score" for any UK postcode by analysing a range of factors - including Census 2021 data, third-party insights, and socio-economic knowledge, to provide a tailored rating.
Explain more
Primary Industries
The fabric of Preston postcode's economy is built on these four industries. Explore the most prevalent sectors driving the local area.
Construction
Preston has a strong presence of construction businesses, which usually means there's a lot of building going on - whether it's new homes, commercial spaces, or infrastructure. This can be a good sign that the Preston area is growing and attracting investment. It could also mean there's a strong local economy, with plenty of work available for builders and tradespeople. On the flip side, it might suggest there's a fair bit of property in need of repair or updating. Either way, it tells you the Preston area is pretty active and could be on the up.
Professional & Scientific
Preston has a large proportion of professional and scientific businesses, which makes it a hub for specialised industries like law firms, consulting agencies, tech companies, or research labs. This suggests a high level of expertise and innovation, attracting professionals such as engineers, scientists, lawyers, and consultants. The Preston area might have a more polished, business-focused atmosphere, with modern offices and co-working spaces. It's often well-connected, with good transport links and amenities to support a skilled workforce. Property prices could be higher, as these areas tend to attract well-paid professionals. It might not be the most vibrant or social place, but it will have a reputation for being smart, efficient, and future-focused.
Agriculture, Forestry & Fishing
The prevalance of agricultural industries (including forestry and fishing) in Preston suggests this is a lively and creative postcode sector. These kinds of businesses tend to pop up in areas that are known for their cultural scene, where people value things like theatres, galleries, music venues, and independent cinemas. It could mean the area attracts a mix of creatives, young professionals, and tourists, making it a vibrant and potentially trendy spot. This could also be a sign of a more laid-back, community-focused vibe, with lots of local events and activities in and around Preston. It might push property prices up if the area becomes particularly popular, but it's also a good indicator of a strong local identity and a thriving social scene.
Retail
Preston area has a large quantity of retail businesses, making it a busy, commercial hub where people go to shop and socialise. High streets, shopping centres, and independent boutiques often thrive in these areas, making it a convenient place for residents and visitors alike. The presence of retail businesses can indicate that the local economy is fairly strong, with plenty of footfall and a demand for goods and services. This kind of area tends to have good transport links and a lively atmosphere, but it can also mean a bit more hustle and bustle, especially during weekends and sales events. If you're living in Preston, it's handy for convenience, but it could also bring a lot of traffic and noise during peak shopping hours.
Major Employers
Major employers and businesses in the PR postcode area include:
BAE Systems (Warton Aerodrome)
Aerospace & Defence, Warton
A major global defence and aerospace company with a large engineering and manufacturing facility at Warton Aerodrome.
Postcode Location: PR4
Data showing the activity, size and location is from the Inter Departmental Business Register 2024, produced by the ONS.
Key Statistics
Preston PR, part of the ceremonial county of Lancashire in England, presents a substantial geographical area with 11 outward codes (the first half of a postcode, e.g. PR 1AA). Its population stands at 550,366 individuals, reflecting a density of 2,022 people per square kilometre. The average household income here is £42,600 , which is 21.7% higher than the average UK median household income (£35,000), indicating a stable economic profile within the region.
Postcode Area
Preston
Total Outward Codes
Postcodes
Population
People
Population Density
People/km2
Average Income
Per household
What's Preston like to live and work in?
Preston Marina, Riversway docklands
Adobe Stock
Preston, located in Lancashire, has a population of approximately 141,000. It enjoys strong transport links, with direct trains to Manchester, Liverpool, and London Euston, and easy access to the M6, M61, and M65 motorways.
The city's demographics are diverse, featuring a mix of students, young professionals, families, and retirees, partly due to the presence of the University of Central Lancashire.
Preston offers a range of amenities, including shopping centres, restaurants, and cultural attractions like the Harris Museum and Art Gallery, and Avenham and Miller Parks.
The city has several reputable schools and healthcare facilities, making it family-friendly. Green spaces such as Moor Park and the nearby Forest of Bowland provide ample opportunities for outdoor activities.
This page contains a list of postcode districts for Preston area. Select a postcode to see the map location, demographics, house prices, local information, tourist guides and statistics:
Preston (PR) Postcode Districts
House Prices in Preston
How are property price trends?
The ONS (Office for National Statistics) regularly tracks and records average house prices and rents in this area (E07000123). Note that these estimates are based on local authority rather than postcode area. For more information about current house prices, choose an individual postcode below.
Lancashire
The wider county
Lancashire is a county that seems to offer something for every mood. From the exciting metropolis of Manchester on its border, where you can wine, dine, dance or watch every kind of sport, to the cheeky seaside nonsense of Blackpool, every kind of night out is covered.
Similarly there is gorgeous scenery in every corner of the county, from windswept coastline to high rugged hills, moving from the Ribble Valley to the Lake District on its border.
Read more about Lancashire
Local Transport
Transport in the PR Postal Area
The PR postal area, covering Preston and surrounding areas, offers a variety of transport options that make commuting and travel convenient. Whether you prefer rail, road, or air, the PR area has got you covered!
Rail
Preston Railway Station is a key hub on the West Coast Main Line, providing frequent services to major cities such as Manchester, Liverpool, and London. The station is well-connected, making it ideal for both daily commuting and weekend getaways.
Bus Services
A reliable network of buses operates throughout the PR area, ensuring you can get around with ease. Local bus services connect neighbourhoods within Preston, while regional buses offer routes to nearby towns and cities.
Commuting by Car
For those who prefer to drive, the PR area is well-served by major roads like the M6, M61, and M55 motorways, offering straightforward routes to destinations across the North West and beyond. Traffic is typically manageable, making it a popular choice for many commuters.
Air Travel
Blackpool Airport and Manchester Airport are both within easy reach, providing a range of domestic and international flights. Whether you're travelling for business or leisure, excellent air transport links are a substantial plus.
Train Stations
The following railway stations are within the PR postcode region:
Adlington (Lancashire) Railway Station
Ainsdale Railway Station
Bamber Bridge Railway Station
Birkdale Railway Station
Chorley Railway Station
Croston Railway Station
Euxton Balshaw Lane Railway Station
Hillside Railway Station
Kirkham & Wesham Railway Station
Leyland Railway Station
Lostock Hall Railway Station
Meols Cop Railway Station
Preston Railway Station
Salwick Railway Station
Southport Railway Station
Local Authorities
PR Postcode area
Local Authorities are government organisations responsible for providing local services and facilities such as education, housing, and social services within a specific area. The PR postcode area includes the following local authorities:
Blackburn with Darwen
Blackburn with Darwen Borough Council is committed to fostering community development and economic growth through proactive urban regeneration and comprehensive public service improvements.
Chorley
Chorley Council focuses on enhancing local amenities and community well-being through strategic planning and robust economic development initiatives.
Fylde
Fylde Borough Council prioritises maintaining the area's scenic character while promoting tourism and supporting local businesses through effective governance and community services.
+ 8 more
Fylde
Lancaster
Preston
Ribble Valley
Sefton
Selby
South Ribble
West Lancashire
Wyre
View all Local AuthoritiesGDP (Gross Domestic Product)
Economic Output
GDP (Gross Domestic Product) measures the total economic output of a country, region, or Local Authority. It tells us how much money is being made within a particular area. This includes everything from a business selling cars or consumers getting their hair cut.
This list of the Local Authorities within the Preston (PR) postcode town gives us a snapshot of how much money is being generated at current market prices, based on what people are spending and earning. It's an important way to understand the economic health and activity levels across the UK.
For comparison purposes, we've included the top and bottom two local authorities across the UK in terms of GDP.
Local Authority
GDP (£)
GDP trends over time
The graph below shows the total GDP values for all Local Authorities within the Preston (PR) area:
When we talk about GDP at current market prices, we're looking at the total value of all goods and services produced in an area, but the key bit here is "current market prices." This means it includes the value of goods and services as they're bought and sold right now, without adjusting for inflation or changes in prices over time.
So, for example a figure of £1,803 GDP means that, on average, each person within an area contributes this amount to the UK economy each year.
Republished from the ONS regional gross domestic product: local authorities under the Open Government Licence v3.0. Latest available data: April 2022.
Education
Highest Rated Schools in PR
As rated by Ofsted
- Eden Boys' School, Preston
Adelaide Street, Preston, PR1 4BD
Secondary School (11-18)Outstanding - All Hallows Catholic High School
Crabtree Avenue, Preston, PR1 0LN
Secondary School (11-16)Outstanding - Ainsdale St John's Church of England Primary School
Sandbrook Road, Southport, PR8 3JE
Primary School (4-11)Outstanding - St Patrick's Catholic Primary School
Radnor Drive, Southport, PR9 9RR
Primary School (5-11)Outstanding - St George's Church of England Primary School, Chorley
Carr Lane, Chorley, PR7 3JU
Primary School (4-11)Outstanding - Chorley St James' Church of England Primary School
Devonport Way, Chorley, PR6 0TE
Primary School (3-11)Outstanding - Euxton Church of England Voluntary Aided Primary School
Wigan Road, Chorley, PR7 6JW
Primary School (4-11)Outstanding - Lostock Hall Community Primary School
Linden Drive, Preston, PR5 5AS
Primary School (3-11)Outstanding - Chorley Astley Park School
Harrington Road, Chorley, PR7 1JZ
Secondary School (4-16)Outstanding - Kirkham Pear Tree School
29 Station Road, Preston, PR4 2HA
Secondary School (2-19)Outstanding
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