Cumbria spans about 6,762 km² (2,611 sq mi) in England.
Outline from Office for National Statistics and Ordnance Survey data, Open Government Licence v3.0.
Living in Cumbria
Cumbria is a large and largely rural county in the north west of England, known for its dramatic landscapes, open spaces and long standing rural traditions. It stretches from the Solway Firth in the north to the fringes of Lancashire in the south, with much of the county shaped by mountains, lakes and upland farmland. Settlement is generally scattered, with small towns and villages set within wide areas of countryside.
The county includes towns such as Carlisle, Kendal, Penrith and Whitehaven, each supporting surrounding rural communities and local economies. Carlisle serves as the county’s main administrative centre, while other towns grew around trade, industry or transport routes. Agriculture, tourism and local services continue to play an important role, helping to sustain communities across a wide and varied landscape.
Cumbria is perhaps best known for the Lake District, which forms the heart of the county and has long attracted visitors for its scenery and outdoor activities. Walking, farming and conservation all sit side by side, shaping daily life in many areas. Overall, Cumbria offers a calm and enduring mix of natural landscape, working rural life and historic settlement, giving it a distinctive and well rooted character within England.
Cumbria at a Glance
House Prices in Cumbria
The average sold price in Cumbria is £231,316 across 19,100 recorded sales, making it the 51st most expensive of 69 counties.
Source: HM Land Registry Price Paid Data. Figures are averages of recorded sales.
People & Demographics
Age structure
Housing tenure
Source: ONS Census 2021 and model-based income estimates.
Schools in Cumbria 326
Source: Department for Education and Ofsted.
Amenities & Getting Around
Source: NHS, National Rail and Open Charge Map.
Frequently Asked Questions
How much are houses in Cumbria?
The average sold price in Cumbria is around £231,316. A detached home averages £350,426, a terraced home £144,024 and a flat £158,079.
What is the population of Cumbria?
Cumbria has a population of about 501,093 people, at a density of 74 per square kilometre.
What is the average income in Cumbria?
The average household income in Cumbria is around £42,966 a year.
How many schools are there in Cumbria?
There are 326 schools in Cumbria.
Largest Towns in Cumbria 12
Location
Elevation & Terrain
Cumbria stretches from 0 ft at Bank End up to 1,581 ft at High Row, a span of 1,581 ft across 1,080 towns and villages. This reflects dramatic upland terrain, with a substantial climb from the lowest to the highest places.
Deprivation Index (IMD)
Average deprivation scores across 48 postcode areas in Cumbria. Higher deciles (closer to 10) indicate less deprivation.
Main Towns in Cumbria 60
Cumbria has 1,080 towns, villages and localities in total. The main towns are shown below. You can also browse the full A to Z of every place in Cumbria.
Postcode Areas in Cumbria 3
Cumbria is served by 3 postcode areas. Each area contains multiple postcode districts covering different parts of the county.