Swale

Affordable housing remains the primary draw in Swale, though it comes paired with significant socio-economic challenges. A median house costs 7.7 times annual earnings, a more accessible ratio than many parts of the South East, while monthly rent consumes 33.5% of gross pay. These lower costs reflect a local economy where weekly earnings of £761 sit below the regional median. The trade-off is stark when looking at the broader environment, as the area records a deprivation score of 27.08, placing it among the most disadvantaged in the region. Crime rates are similarly elevated, higher than 70% of England authorities. This location suits those who need to balance housing costs against a constrained regional labour market, provided they are willing to navigate a difficult social landscape.

Written from the indicators on this page, 2026-10 data.

Colour shows quintile position against 361 UK Local Authorities. Green is the best position for someone moving here; red is the worst. Direction is set per indicator — higher pay, lower rent, less crime, less deprivation are all green.