Kent’s population grew 18% in 20 years. Housing growth lags leading to affordability issues and homelessness.
Buying a house in Kent presents significant challenges. Mortgages are eight times the average salary, and affordable housing remains scarce. These issues were detailed in a recent report presented by Dr. Anjan Ghosh on February 11.
Kent’s population grew 7% in ten years, and 18% over twenty years. This growth is particularly noticeable in areas like Ashford, Dartford, and Maidstone, alongside Tonbridge and Malling. Despite this population increase, housing only grew 9% in ten years. This growth rate is insufficient to meet the rising demand.
Dover is currently the most affordable area, with houses costing eight times earnings. Conversely, Sevenoaks is the least affordable, where houses are priced at fourteen times earnings. In 2021, almost 20% of households, approximately 145,566, rented privately.
Rental affordability poses a significant challenge for many residents. A considerable number require housing benefits, and some even face homelessness as a result. In March 2024, 3,597 children were homeless and living in temporary housing, which often lacks adequate space and facilities.
These temporary housing solutions can be located far from schools, negatively impacting the children’s learning. Over 26,000 households live in cramped conditions, with the majority being renters. Across Southeast England, 10% of homes are considered to be in poor condition, meaning they’re not in good repair, potentially unsafe, or lacking essential features.
Many poor homes contribute to fuel poverty. Furthermore, a growing older population necessitates adaptations to housing, especially beneficial for disabled individuals. Dr. George and Davinia Springer authored the report, offering insights into Kent’s demographics.
Kent’s population is 10% more white (83%) compared to other areas. About 48.5% of residents identify as Christian, while 40.9% have no religious affiliation. Approximately 1.6% practice Islam, and about 1.2% are Hindu. Residents of Kent speak 98 different languages.
Of these, at least 500 people speak 37 different languages. English is the most common language at 89.8%, followed by Polish at 0.7%. Romanian is spoken by 0.6%, Nepalese by 0.5%, and Panjabi by 0.3%.
From 2021 to 2023, women in Kent had a life expectancy of about 83.3 years, compared to 83.1 years across England. Men in Kent lived approximately 79.3 years, slightly higher than the English average of 79.1 years.
Coastal areas tend to have the lowest life expectancy, coinciding with being the poorest areas. This includes Thanet, Folkestone, and Swale, as well as Dartford, Gravesham, Dover, and Canterbury. Conversely, Sevenoaks boasts the highest life expectancy.
Following Sevenoaks, Tonbridge and Malling, Tunbridge Wells, Maidstone, and Ashford also have high life expectancies. HIV is an increasing concern in the county. While most areas are not considered “high prevalence”, Gravesham (2.22) and Thanet (2.03) meet the high prevalence definition. High prevalence signifies that 2-5 people per 1,000 have HIV. The board accepted the report and agreed on several actions based on its findings.