Eastchurch vs Herne Bay
Which is better to live in? Distance: 12.0 miles apart.
The verdict
Eastchurch is the more affordable option, with average house prices around 8% lower. Herne Bay has the lower crime rate of the two. For families, Herne Bay edges ahead on school quality.
Avg House Price
Eastchurch
£326,627
Herne Bay
£355,546
Crime Rate
Eastchurch
87.3
Herne Bay
80.2
Top-Two School Inspection Bands
Eastchurch
0.0%
Herne Bay
100.0%
Avg Download Speed
Eastchurch
370.5
Herne Bay
426.4
EPC Rating
Eastchurch
72
Herne Bay
72
Median Income
Eastchurch
£31,675
Herne Bay
£29,518
House Prices (2025)
Most affordable in South EastProperty in Herne Bay commands an average of £355,546, compared with £326,627 in Eastchurch – a difference of 8%. The most affordable entry point in Eastchurch is a terraced at £208,133, while in Herne Bay it is a flat at £164,413.
Average Price by Property Type (2025)
Biggest gap: terraced homes are 31% pricier in Herne Bay (£302,038 vs £208,133).
Price Trend (11 Years)
Over the last 9 years, Herne Bay prices grew faster — 9% vs -4%.
Crime & Safety
Safest in South EastHerne Bay has a crime rate of 80.2 per 1,000 residents, which is 9% lower than Eastchurch at 87.3 per 1,000. The most common crime category in Eastchurch is violent-crime, while in Herne Bay it is violent-crime.
Crime Rate by Category (per 1,000 residents)
Both towns share the same top crime category: violent crime.
Schools & Education
Best for schools in South EastFamilies may prefer Herne Bay, where 100% of schools are in the top two inspection bands versus 0% in Eastchurch. There are 1 schools in Eastchurch and 4 in Herne Bay.
Eastchurch School Inspection Breakdown
0% of 1 school (1 primary) sit in the top two inspection bands.
Herne Bay School Inspection Breakdown
100% of 4 schools (4 primary) sit in the top two inspection bands.
| Metric | Eastchurch | Herne Bay |
|---|---|---|
| Total Schools | 1 | 4 |
| Primary | 1 | 4 |
| Secondary | 0 | 0 |
| % Top two bands | 0% | 100% |
Broadband & Connectivity
Average broadband speeds are 426.4 Mbps in Herne Bay and 370.5 Mbps in Eastchurch. Superfast coverage (30 Mbps+) reaches 93.8% of premises in Eastchurch and 97.1% in Herne Bay. Gigabit availability stands at 66.5% in Eastchurch and 82.7% in Herne Bay.
Herne Bay is the faster of the two by 15% on average download speed (426 vs 371 Mbps).
Energy Efficiency & Running Costs
Eastchurch leads on energy efficiency with an average EPC score of 72 (C), while Herne Bay averages 72 (C). Estimated annual energy costs average £1,048 in Eastchurch and £1,097 in Herne Bay. 66.9% of homes in Eastchurch have an EPC rating of C or above, compared to 64% in Herne Bay.
Eastchurch has more energy-efficient housing — 66.9% reach band C or above, vs 64% in the other.
Demographics & Economy
Median household income is £31,675 in Eastchurch and £29,518 in Herne Bay. The median age is 42.6 in Eastchurch and 44.3 in Herne Bay. Owner-occupancy is 67% in Eastchurch versus 64.8% in Herne Bay. Employment rates stand at 56.7% in Eastchurch and 49.8% in Herne Bay.
| Indicator | Eastchurch | Herne Bay |
|---|---|---|
| Population | 3,381 | 24,873 |
| Median Age | 42.6 | 44.3 |
| Median Household Income | £31,675 | £29,518 |
| Employment Rate | 56.7% | 49.8% |
| Owner Occupied | 67% | 64.8% |
| Degree-Level Qualified | 23.7% | 33.1% |
Location
Common questions
Frequently asked questions
How far apart are Eastchurch and Herne Bay?
Which is cheaper to buy a house in, Eastchurch or Herne Bay?
Is Eastchurch or Herne Bay safer?
Which has better schools, Eastchurch or Herne Bay?
Which has faster broadband, Eastchurch or Herne Bay?
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