Orchard Street is in Gillingham and in Gillingham district. ME8 9AB is located in the Rainham South West electoral ward, within the English Parliamentary constituency of Gillingham and Rainham. This postcode has been in use since 1980-01-01.
StreetScan combines information about Orchard Street, Gillingham, ME8 9AB and displays a report on the quality of life in this place and its surroundings.
Nearby postcodes are: ME8 9BF, ME8 9EZ, ME8 9AA, ME8 9BN, ME8 9AE, ME8 9AS, ME8 7JA, ME8 7JF, ME8 9BH.
In the UK, the overall gender distribution is approximately 49% male and 51% female. The local area around ME8 9AB is generally consistent with those figures, having a male population of 49.7%.
| 2011 | 2021 | 10y change (pp) | UK Average | postcode vs UK (pp) | |
|---|---|---|---|---|---|
| Female | 52.4% | 50.3% | -2.1% | 51.0% | -0.7% |
| Male | 47.6% | 49.7% | 2.1% | 49.0% | 0.7% |
Across the UK, the average relationship status breakdown is roughly 44% married, 38% single, 9% divorced, 6% widowed, and 2% separated.
| 2011 | 2021 | 10y change (pp) | UK Average | postcode vs UK (pp) | |
|---|---|---|---|---|---|
| Single | 32.2% | 38.6% | 6.4% | 37.9% | 0.7% |
| Married: Opposite sex | 46.7% | 38.6% | -8.1% | 44.2% | -5.6% |
| Married: Same sex | 0.3% | 1.1% | 0.8% | 0.3% | 0.8% |
| Civil partnership: Same sex | 0% | 0.3% | 0.3% | 0.1% | 0.2% |
| Separated | 4.8% | 2.2% | -2.6% | 2.2% | 0.0% |
| Divorced | 9.3% | 13.4% | 4.1% | 9.1% | 4.3% |
| Widowed | 6.6% | 5.8% | -0.8% | 6.1% | -0.3% |
Across the UK, the average 48.4% rated their health as Very Good, 33.6% as Good, 12.7% as Fair, 4% as Bad, and 1.2% as Very Bad.
Population age significantly impacts residents' health. Additionally, socioeconomic status plays a crucial role: higher income levels and lower poverty rates are linked to better health outcomes. Affluent areas benefit from higher living standards, access to private healthcare, and healthier lifestyle choices.
| 2011 | 2021 | 10y change (pp) | UK Average | postcode vs UK (pp) | |
|---|---|---|---|---|---|
| Very good health | 47.8% | 51.2% | 3.4% | 48.4% | 2.8% |
| Good health | 34.4% | 31.8% | -2.6% | 33.6% | -1.8% |
| Fair health | 13.2% | 12.5% | -0.7% | 12.7% | -0.2% |
| Bad health | 3.8% | 4.5% | 0.7% | 4.0% | 0.5% |
| Very bad health | 0.7% | 0% | -0.7% | 1.2% | -1.2% |
During the 2021 census, the educational qualifications of residents across the UK were as follows: 18.2% had no qualifications, 9.6% had 1-4 GCSEs, 13.4% had 5 or more GCSEs and 1-2 A/AS Levels, 16.9% had 2 or more A Levels, 33.8% held a degree (or equivalent), and 5.4% had completed an apprenticeship.
| 2011 | 2021 | 10y change (pp) | UK Average | postcode vs UK (pp) | |
|---|---|---|---|---|---|
| No qualifications | 21.1% | 15.7% | -5.4% | 18.2% | -2.5% |
| 1-4 GCSEs or Equivalent | 13.6% | 10.2% | -3.4% | 9.6% | 0.6% |
| 5 or more GCSEs, an A-Level or 1-2 AS Levels | 19% | 15.4% | -3.6% | 13.4% | 2.0% |
| Apprenticeship | 3.3% | 4.4% | 1.1% | 5.3% | -0.9% |
| HNC, HND or 2+ A Levels | 16.6% | 22% | 5.4% | 16.9% | 5.1% |
| Degree or Similar | 22.3% | 27.8% | 5.5% | 33.8% | -6.0% |
| Other | 4.2% | 4.4% | 0.2% | 2.8% | 1.6% |
In this area, the population is predominantly white, with 91.5% identifying as such, significantly higher than the UK average of 81.4%. This indicates a lower level of ethnic diversity compared to the broader UK population.
| 2011 | 2021 | 10y change (pp) | UK Average | postcode vs UK (pp) | |
|---|---|---|---|---|---|
| Bangladeshi | 1.9% | 0% | -1.9% | 1.1% | -1.1% |
| Indian | 2.4% | 0.2% | -2.2% | 3.1% | -2.9% |
| Pakistani | 0% | 1.1% | 1.1% | 2.7% | -1.6% |
| Black African | 0.7% | 1.1% | 0.4% | 2.5% | -1.4% |
| Black Caribbean | 0% | 0.4% | 0.4% | 1.0% | -0.6% |
| Other Black | 0.2% | 0.4% | 0.2% | 0.5% | -0.1% |
| Mixed White and Asian | 0.2% | 0% | -0.2% | 0.8% | -0.8% |
| Mixed White and African | 0.5% | 0.9% | 0.4% | 0.4% | 0.5% |
| Mixed White and Caribbean | 0% | 1.1% | 1.1% | 0.9% | 0.2% |
| Mixed Other | 1.2% | 2% | 0.8% | 0.8% | 1.2% |
| White | 92.1% | 91.5% | -0.6% | 81.4% | 10.1% |
| Arab | 0.5% | 1.1% | 0.6% | 0.6% | 0.5% |
| Other | 0.2% | 0% | -0.2% | 1.6% | -1.6% |
In this area, 90.4% of the population were born in the United Kingdom, which is higher than the UK average of 83.2%.
| 2011 | 2021 | 10y change (pp) | UK Average | postcode vs UK (pp) | |
|---|---|---|---|---|---|
| United Kingdom | 91.1% | 90.4% | -0.7% | 83.2% | 7.2% |
| European Union | 2.6% | 5.1% | 2.5% | 6.1% | -1.0% |
| Rest of Europe | 0.2% | 0.2% | 0.0% | 0.8% | -0.6% |
| Africa | 1.4% | 2.9% | 1.5% | 2.7% | 0.2% |
| Middle East and Asia | 4.1% | 0.4% | -3.7% | 5.6% | -5.2% |
| The Americas and the Caribbean | 0.5% | 0.9% | 0.4% | 1.3% | -0.4% |
| 2011 | 2021 | 10y change (pp) | UK Average | postcode vs UK (pp) | |
|---|---|---|---|---|---|
| Born in the UK | 90.9% | 90% | -0.9% | 83.2% | 6.8% |
| 10+ Years | 1.2% | 6.9% | 5.7% | 9.8% | -2.9% |
| 5-10 Years | 1.7% | 2% | 0.3% | 2.9% | -0.9% |
| 2-5 Years | 1.2% | 0.4% | -0.8% | 2.2% | -1.8% |
| Less than 2 years | 5% | 0.7% | -4.3% | 1.9% | -1.2% |
| 2021 | UK Average | postcode vs UK (pp) | |
|---|---|---|---|
| United Kingdom | 84.1% | 76.7% | 7.4% |
| France | 0.4% | 0.3% | 0.1% |
| Lithuania | 0.9% | 0.3% | 0.6% |
| Poland | 0.4% | 1.3% | -0.9% |
| Romania | 0.7% | 0.9% | -0.2% |
| Other EU countries | 0.4% | 1.5% | -1.1% |
| Central and Western Africa | 0.2% | 0.3% | -0.1% |
| South and Eastern Africa | 1.1% | 0.2% | 0.9% |
| North America and the Caribbean | 0.4% | 0.3% | 0.1% |
| No passport held | 11.2% | 13.5% | -2.3% |
| 2021 | UK Average | postcode vs UK (pp) | |
|---|---|---|---|
| No religion | 45.2% | 37.2% | 8.0% |
| Christian | 49.4% | 46.2% | 3.2% |
| Buddhist | 0.2% | 0.5% | -0.3% |
| Muslim | 2.2% | 6.5% | -4.3% |
| Sikh | 0.4% | 0.9% | -0.5% |
| Not answered | 2.5% | 6.0% | -3.5% |
Over the last 12 months, the overall crime rate around Orchard Street was 147.7 per 1,000 residents, which is 277.1% higher than the Rainham South East average. The most reported crime type was Shoplifting.
Orchard Street has the 3rd highest crime rate of 43 local areas in Rainham South East and the 149th highest crime rate of 820 local areas in Medway .
Violent and sexual offences accounted for around 54.5 crimes per 1,000 residents and have been falling year on year. Over the last decade, overall crime has fallen by about -54.0%.

Households in this area have a slightly higher level of wealth to the average household in England and Wales. 70% of analyzed areas in England and Wales have lower average household annual income than this area.

| Address | Sale Price | Sale Date | Price Estimate 2025 |
|---|---|---|---|
| 53 Orchard Street, Gillingham, Medway Terraced, an established residential building | £330,000 | 2025-03-05 | £332,340 |
| 43 Orchard Street, Gillingham, Medway Terraced, an established residential building | £230,000 | 2024-03-06 | £249,313 |
| 61 Orchard Street, Gillingham, Medway Terraced, an established residential building | £330,000 | 2024-02-20 | £353,851 |
| St. Margarets Church Hall Orchard Street, Gillingham, Medway Other, an established residential building | £58,500 | 2023-02-20 | £55,097 |
| 64 Orchard Street, Gillingham, Medway Terraced, an established residential building | £245,000 | 2023-01-06 | £243,530 |
ME8 9AB area has a low unemployment rate. According to Census 2021, 3% residents of this area were unemployed, while the average in the UK was 4.83%. A low level of unemployment in an area indicates a strong job market, where most people who are seeking work can find employment. This generally reflects a healthy economy in the area.
| Full-Time Employee | 140 |
| Retired | 75 |
| Part-Time Employee | 44 |
| Self-Employed | 39 |
| Student (economically inactive) | 17 |
| Unemployed | 12 |
| Looking after home or family | 12 |
| Other | 11 |
| Long-Term Sick or disabled | 10 |
| Full-Time Student (with or without job) | 3 |
| Wholesale and retail trade; repair of motor vehicles and motor cycles | 30 |
| Education | 24 |
| Financial and insurance activities | 23 |
| Construction | 20 |
| Human health and social work activities | 17 |
| Manufacturing | 17 |
| Public administration and defence; compulsory social security | 17 |
| Professional, scientific and technical activities | 12 |
| Accommodation and food service activities | 9 |
| Transport and storage | 9 |
| Administrative and support service activities | 8 |
| Other | 5 |
| Information and communication | 4 |
| Real estate activities | 3 |
| Agriculture, forestry and fishing | 2 |
| Water supply; sewerage, waste management and remediation activities | 1 |
| Mining and quarrying | 1 |
| Ofsted Overall Effectiveness | Distance | Establishment Type | Has Nursery Classes | Gender | More Info | |
|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|
| St Margaret's Infant School Orchard Street , Rainham ME8 9AE | - not rated | 105 yd | Community school | Yes | Mixed | More About School |
| St Margaret's Infant School St Margaret's Infant School, Orchard Street , Orchard Street ME8 9AE | 3out of 4 | 105 yd | Academy converter | Yes | Mixed | More About School |
| St Margaret's Church of England Junior School Orchard Street , Rainham ME8 9AE | 3out of 4 | 105 yd | Academy converter | No | Mixed | More About School |
| St Margaret's CofE Voluntary Controlled Junior School, Rainham Orchard Street , Rainham ME8 9AE | - not rated | 105 yd | Voluntary controlled school | No | Mixed | More About School |
| Miers Court Primary School Silverspot Close , ME8 8JR | - not rated | 729 yd | Community school | No | Mixed | More About School |
| Ofsted Overall Effectiveness | Distance | Establishment Type | Has Nursery Classes | Gender | More Info | |
|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|
| Rainham School for Girls Derwent Way , Rainham ME8 0BX | - not rated | 1,003 yd | Community school | Not Applicable | Girls | More About School |
| Rainham School for Girls Derwent Way , Rainham ME8 0BX | 3out of 4 | 1,003 yd | Academy converter | Not Applicable | Girls | More About School |
| The Howard School Derwent Way , Rainham ME8 0BX | 3out of 4 | 1,009 yd | Academy converter | No | Boys | More About School |
| The Howard School Derwent Way , Rainham ME8 0BX | - not rated | 1,009 yd | Foundation school | No | Boys | More About School |
| Rainham Mark Grammar School Pump Lane , Rainham ME8 7AJ | 3out of 4 | 1,318 yd | Academy converter | Not Applicable | Mixed | More About School |
| Ofsted Overall Effectiveness | Distance | Establishment Type | Has Nursery Classes | Gender | More Info | |
|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|
| Medway Education Trust Acorn Study Centre , 46 Orchard Street ME8 9AB | - not rated | 27 yd | Miscellaneous | Not Applicable | Mixed | More About School |
| Meredale Independent Primary School Solomon Road , ME8 8EB | - not rated | 778 yd | Other independent school | No | Mixed | More About School |
| Isp Rainham Old Church , High Street ME8 8AY | - not rated | 852 yd | Other independent special school | No | Mixed | More About School |
| Bryony School 157 Marshall Road , Rainham ME8 0AJ | - not rated | 1,541 yd | Other independent school | Yes | Mixed | More About School |
| Danecourt School Hotel Road , ME8 6AA | 3out of 4 | 2,864 yd | Academy special converter | No | Mixed | More About School |
School statistics for this postcode are based on Ofsted rankings.
| Business Name | Address | Food hygiene rating | Distance |
|---|---|---|---|
| Pizza Hut | 65-67A High Street, Rainham | 208 yd | |
| Nutmegs Patisserie | Nutmegs, 67B High Street | 209 yd | |
| Costa | 69 High Street, Rainham | 214 yd | |
| Tarana | 85 High Street, Rainham | 235 yd | |
| Cafe Nucleus Rainham | 35A High Street, Rainham | 240 yd |
| Business Name | Address | Food hygiene rating | Distance |
|---|---|---|---|
| Cricketers | The Cricketers Inn, 88 High Street | 219 yd | |
| The Greedy Banker | 89-93 High Street, Rainham | 254 yd | |
| Jordans Pool & Snooker Lounge | 1-3A Rainham Shopping Centre, Rainham | 255 yd | |
| White Horse | White Horse PH, White Horse | 289 yd | |
| The Prince Of Ales | 121 High Street, Rainham | 423 yd |
| Business Name | Address | Food hygiene rating | Distance |
|---|---|---|---|
| Favorite Rainham | 55 High Street, Rainham | 209 yd | |
| Greggs | Su3, Rainham Shopping Centre | 228 yd | |
| Jack`s Fish Bar | 13 High Street, Rainham | 316 yd | |
| Asham Indian | 109A High Street, Rainham | 371 yd | |
| Quality Chicken & Ribs | 18 Station Road, Rainham | 381 yd |
| Facility Name | Sport Objects | Distance |
|---|---|---|
| St Margaret'S C Of E Junior School ORCHARD STREET | grass pitches, swimming pool | 122 yd |
| Reynolds Fitness Spa Rainham HIGH STREET | health and fitness suite | 368 yd |
| Ryetop Playing Fields Beacon Close | grass pitches | 706 yd |
| Miers Court Primary School SILVERSPOT CLOSE | grass pitches | 739 yd |
| Playfootball Gillingham LONDON ROAD | artificial grass pitch | 750 yd |
| Cozenton Park Bloors Lane | grass pitches | 784 yd |
| Berengrave Park BERENGRAVE LANE | grass pitches | 784 yd |
| Rainham Recreation Ground Station Road | grass pitches | 840 yd |
| Splashes Sports Centre Bloors Lane | health and fitness suite, swimming pool | 907 yd |
| Howard School DERWENT WAY | grass pitches | 981 yd |
This statistics are based on Active Places Data - Contains Data © Sport England
| Percentage of premises that have Superfast Broadband (30Mbit/s or greater) coverage from fixed broadband | 100.0% |
| Percentage of premises that have Ultrafast Broadband (100Mbit/s or greater) coverage from fixed broadband | 100.0% |
| Percentage of premises that have Ultrafast Broadband (300Mbit/s or greater) coverage from fixed broadband | 100.0% |
| Percentage of premises that have coverage from a Gigabit capable service from fixed broadband | 100.0% |
| Percentage of premises unable to receive 2Mbit/s | 0.0% |
| Percentage of premises unable to receive 5Mbit/s | 0.0% |
| Percentage of premises unable to receive 10Mbit/s | 0.0% |
| Percentage of premises unable to receive 30Mbit/s | 0.0% |
| Median download speed | 100 Mbit/s |
| Average download speed | 176.2 Mbit/s |
| Minimum download speed | 600 Mbit/s |
| Maximum download speed | 600 Mbit/s |
| Median upload speed | 20 Mbit/s |
| Average upload speed | 20.6 Mbit/s |
| Maximum upload speed | 40 Mbit/s |
Broadband statistics are based on Ofcom's Communications Market Report (CMR) 2022.