Drift on the map

Location in CornwallDrift sits where the marker shows within the county.

9,659
Population
4,098
Households
3 / 10
Deprivation decile
More deprived
12
Schools nearby
£43,382
Avg. household income
475
Businesses
94
People per km²
Create a free area profile for DriftDownload or embed an infographic of these statistics

About Drift

Drift is a small village located in Cornwall, England, within the TR19 postcode area. It is situated close to the coast, providing easy access to the scenic landscapes of the region. The village is primarily residential, with a few local amenities that cater to the needs of its inhabitants. The surrounding countryside offers opportunities for walking and enjoying the natural environment.

The village is conveniently located near larger towns, making it a practical base for exploring the wider area. Visitors can take advantage of nearby attractions, including the stunning coastline and various outdoor activities. Drift serves as a peaceful spot for those looking to experience the charm of Cornish village life while remaining close to the attractions of the coast.

School Ratings in Drift

Families in Drift have access to 23 local schools. A further 4 schools hold a Good rating.

House Prices in Drift

Homes sell for an average of £359K locally. Most of the housing is made up of terraced houses, averaging £277K.

Crime and Anti-Social Behaviour in Drift

Crime in the area is lower than the national average. Burglary is the leading concern across Drift, with 1 incidents recorded in May 2026.

Deprivation and Employment in Drift

The 2025 Index of Multiple Deprivation places Drift within the more deprived parts of England. Employment rates locally are in line with what is seen across England. Average incomes in the area are typical for England.

Healthcare in Drift

There are 4 GP surgeries within three miles of Drift, the nearest being Atlantic Medical Group (2.4 miles away).

Property Prices 1,471 sales

Average Price £359K
£500 , £5.25M
Detached £479K 433
Semi £299K 197
Terraced £277K 562
Flat £235K 98

Household Income in Drift ONS 2023

The average total household income in Drift is approximately £43,382 a year before tax, 22% below the national average of £55,302. After tax and benefits, the average disposable (net) household income is around £34,481. These are modelled estimates from the Office for National Statistics for the financial year ending 2023.

Drift £43,382
England & Wales avg. £55,302

Net (after tax) household income averages £34,481.

Businesses in Drift ONS 2025

There are approximately 475 active businesses based in Drift, around 49 for every 1,000 residents. The local economy is dominated by small firms: about 90% are micro-businesses employing fewer than 10 people, while 0 are larger employers with 50 or more staff. Figures are from the Office for National Statistics UK Business Counts.

475 Total businesses
49 Per 1,000 residents
Micro, 0-9 90%
Small, 10-49 10%
Medium, 50-249 0%
Large, 250+ 0%

Deprivation and Employment in Drift IMD 2025

According to the 2025 Index of Multiple Deprivation, Drift experiences higher levels of deprivation than much of England. Employment and income indicators fall below the national average, though the area benefits from targeted regeneration and community support programmes.

Overall Deprivation
3/10
Income
5/10
Employment
4/10
Education
5/10
Health
6/10
Housing
2/10
Living Environment
1/10
Children 0-15 13%
Working age 55%
Older 65+ 32%
1,302 Children (0-15) 13%
5,281 Working Age 55%
3,082 Older (65+) 32%
Average Child Poverty (IDACI) 39.6% of children in income-deprived families
Average Older Person Poverty (IDAOPI) 17.6% of over-60s in income-deprived households
Data from English Indices of Deprivation 2025 · Contains public sector information licensed under the Open Government Licence v3.0

Crime in Drift 4 crimes · May 2026

Low Crime Area

Crime levels in Drift are lower than the England and Wales average. While violence & sexual offences is the most frequently recorded category, the overall picture is one of a settled and secure small town where serious incidents remain uncommon.

Violence & Sexual Offences 2
Burglary 1
Criminal Damage & Arson 1
Local Policing
Devon And Cornwall Penzance Rural West Visit force website →
Data from data.police.uk · Contains public sector information licensed under the Open Government Licence v3.0
Crime figures depend on reporting by individual police forces and may not reflect the full picture in all areas.

Nearest Train Stations 3 stations

Lelant Saltings Train Station 8.5 miles
Carbis Bay Train Station 8.7 miles
St Ives (Cornwall) Train Station 8.9 miles

Location

Local Government

District Cornwall
Ward Mousehole, Newlyn & St. Buryan
Constituency St Ives
Parish St. Buryan, Lamorna and Paul
Region South West

Home Ownership in Drift

Of the 4,562 households in and around Drift, 70% are owned, 10% are socially rented and 20% are privately rented. Home ownership here is higher than the England and Wales average of 63%.

Owned 70% Social rented 10% Private rented 20%

Tenure from the 2021 Census (ONS), for the postcode districts covering Drift.

Frequently Asked Questions about Drift

What is the population of Drift?
Drift has a population of approximately 9,659 residents, based on the latest census figures for the surrounding postcode area.
What is the average house price in Drift?
The average property in and around Drift sold for about £359,372, based on HM Land Registry Price Paid records. That is around 3% above the England and Wales average of £349,091.
Is Drift a deprived area?
Drift sits among the more deprived areas in England, with an Index of Multiple Deprivation decile of 3 out of 10, where 1 is the most deprived and 10 the least deprived.
What postcodes cover Drift?
Drift is covered by the TR19 postcode district.
How many schools are there in Drift?
There are 12 schools within easy reach of Drift, spanning primary, secondary and other phases.
Where is the nearest train station to Drift?
The nearest railway station to Drift is Lelant Saltings Train Station, about 8.5 miles away.