Penzance on the map

Penzance built-up area

Built-up area3.4 km² (1.3 sq mi)

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

38,264
Population
17,524
Households
4 / 10
Deprivation decile
Around average
12
Schools nearby
£41,417
Avg. household income
1,663
Businesses
176
People per km²
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About Penzance

Penzance is a town located in Cornwall, England, within the TR18 postcode area. It sits on the south coast and serves as a significant port and tourist destination. The town has a variety of shops, cafes, and restaurants, catering to both locals and visitors. Penzance is also known for its mild climate, which is influenced by the nearby Atlantic Ocean, making it a popular spot for those seeking a coastal experience.

The town features several notable attractions, including the historic Jubilee Pool, a large Art Deco lido that is popular during the warmer months. Penzance is also the starting point for excursions to nearby locations such as St Michael's Mount and the scenic landscapes of West Cornwall. The local railway station provides convenient access to other towns and cities, making it an ideal base for exploring the region.

School Ratings in Penzance

Families in Penzance have access to 20 local schools. A further 8 schools hold a Good rating.

House Prices in Penzance

Homes sell for an average of £320K locally. Most of the housing is made up of terraced houses, averaging £254K.

Crime and Anti-Social Behaviour in Penzance

Crime in the area is broadly in line with the national average. Criminal damage & arson is the leading concern across Penzance, with 27 incidents recorded in May 2026.

Deprivation and Employment in Penzance

The 2025 Index of Multiple Deprivation places Penzance around the national average for deprivation. A higher proportion of working-age residents face employment challenges compared to the national picture. Average incomes in the area are typical for England.

Healthcare in Penzance

There are 4 GP surgeries within three miles of Penzance, the nearest being Atlantic Medical Group (0.2 miles away).

Property Prices 5,724 sales

Average Price £320K
£500 , £8.13M
Detached £458K 1,426
Semi £293K 831
Terraced £254K 2,202
Flat £196K 678

Household Income in Penzance ONS 2023

The average total household income in Penzance is approximately £41,417 a year before tax, 25% below the national average of £55,302. After tax and benefits, the average disposable (net) household income is around £32,985. These are modelled estimates from the Office for National Statistics for the financial year ending 2023.

Penzance £41,417
England & Wales avg. £55,302

Net (after tax) household income averages £32,985.

Businesses in Penzance ONS 2025

There are approximately 1,663 active businesses based in Penzance, around 43 for every 1,000 residents. The local economy is dominated by small firms: about 88% are micro-businesses employing fewer than 10 people, while 7 are larger employers with 50 or more staff. Figures are from the Office for National Statistics UK Business Counts.

1,663 Total businesses
43 Per 1,000 residents
Micro, 0-9 88%
Small, 10-49 11%
Medium, 50-249 0%
Large, 250+ 1%

Deprivation and Employment in Penzance IMD 2025

Deprivation levels in Penzance are around the national average based on the 2025 Index of Multiple Deprivation. Employment is accessible for most residents and household incomes reflect the broader national picture. The area maintains a steady balance between affordability and quality of life.

Overall Deprivation
4/10
Income
4/10
Employment
3/10
Education
4/10
Health
5/10
Housing
5/10
Living Environment
2/10
Children 0-15 14%
Working age 56%
Older 65+ 30%
5,506 Children (0-15) 14%
21,505 Working Age 56%
11,268 Older (65+) 29%
Average Child Poverty (IDACI) 45% of children in income-deprived families
Average Older Person Poverty (IDAOPI) 22.4% 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 Penzance 202 crimes · May 2026

Average Crime Area

Crime in Penzance is around the national average, with violence & sexual offences representing the most common offence type. These figures are characteristic of a town with an active centre and diverse population, and are neither unusually high nor particularly low.

Violence & Sexual Offences 98
Criminal Damage & Arson 27
Anti-Social Behaviour 19
Shoplifting 15
Public Order 14
Other Theft 11
Other Crime 5
Burglary 4
Drugs 4
Theft from Person 3
Weapons 1
Vehicle Crime 1
Local Policing
Devon And Cornwall Penzance Town 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 6.3 miles
Carbis Bay Train Station 6.5 miles
St Ives (Cornwall) Train Station 6.9 miles

Location

Local Government

District Cornwall
Ward Penzance East
Constituency St Ives
Parish Penzance
Region South West

Home Ownership in Penzance

Of the 18,270 households in and around Penzance, 64% are owned, 15% are socially rented and 21% are privately rented. Home ownership here is in line with the England and Wales average of 63%.

Owned 64% Social rented 15% Private rented 21%

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

Frequently Asked Questions about Penzance

What is the population of Penzance?
Penzance has a population of approximately 38,264 residents, based on the latest census figures for the surrounding postcode area.
What is the average house price in Penzance?
The average property in and around Penzance sold for about £319,765, based on HM Land Registry Price Paid records. That is around 8% below the England and Wales average of £349,091.
Is Penzance a deprived area?
Penzance sits around the national average for deprivation, with an Index of Multiple Deprivation decile of 4 out of 10, where 1 is the most deprived and 10 the least deprived.
What postcodes cover Penzance?
Penzance is covered by the TR18, TR19, TR20 postcode districts.
How many schools are there in Penzance?
There are 12 schools within easy reach of Penzance, spanning primary, secondary and other phases.
Where is the nearest train station to Penzance?
The nearest railway station to Penzance is Lelant Saltings Train Station, about 6.3 miles away.