Alston on the map
Built-up area0.4 km² (0.2 sq mi)
Location in CumbriaAlston sits where the marker shows within the county.
About Alston
Alston is a market town located in the county of Cumbria, in the north of England. Situated at an elevation of around 385 metres above sea level, it is one of the highest market towns in England. The town centre features a mix of traditional stone buildings and modern shops, with a weekly market held in the market square. Alston is known for its historic railway station, which is part of the heritage South Tynedale Railway, offering scenic steam train rides through the surrounding countryside. The area is popular with walkers and cyclists, with access to the Pennine Way and other footpaths. The town has a range of local amenities including pubs, cafes, and a community hall. Its postcode area is CA9.
School Ratings in Alston
Alston is served by 3 schools. A further 2 schools hold a Good rating.
House Prices in Alston
Property prices average £255K across the area, and terraced houses are the most common property type, typically selling for £159K.
Crime and Anti-Social Behaviour in Alston
Local crime rates sit lower than national averages. Shoplifting accounts for the highest share in Alston, with 3 incidents logged in May 2026.
Deprivation and Employment in Alston
Based on the 2025 Index of Multiple Deprivation, Alston falls within the mid-range nationally for overall deprivation. Working-age employment is around the national average for the area. Income levels locally sit close to the national average.
Healthcare in Alston
There is 1 GP surgery within three miles of Alston, the nearest being Alston Medical Practice (0.2 miles away).
Local Data for Alston
Dig deeper into the area around Alston with our free postcode tools.
Property Prices 347 sales
Schools & Education 3 nearby View all schools
Ofsted ratings for schools in the CA9 postcode area.
Household Income in Alston ONS 2023
The average total household income in Alston is approximately £44,102 a year before tax, 20% below the national average of £55,302. After tax and benefits, the average disposable (net) household income is around £33,159. These are modelled estimates from the Office for National Statistics for the financial year ending 2023.
Net (after tax) household income averages £33,159.
Businesses in Alston ONS 2025
There are approximately 237 active businesses based in Alston, around 117 for every 1,000 residents. The local economy is dominated by small firms: about 94% are micro-businesses employing fewer than 10 people, while 2 are larger employers with 50 or more staff. Figures are from the Office for National Statistics UK Business Counts.
Deprivation and Employment in Alston IMD 2025
The 2025 Index of Multiple Deprivation places Alston in the mid-range nationally. Employment and income levels are close to the England average, with a mix of opportunities across sectors. Overall living conditions are comparable to similar areas across the country.
Crime in Alston 8 crimes · May 2026
Reported crime in Alston falls below the national average, suggesting a comparatively safe environment. Shoplifting tops the list of recorded incidents, but figures are low overall. Residents and visitors alike tend to find this a quiet and reassuring village.
Crime figures depend on reporting by individual police forces and may not reflect the full picture in all areas.
Location
Nearby Towns & Villages 12 found
Local Government
Home Ownership in Alston
Of the 958 households in and around Alston, 71% are owned, 12% are socially rented and 17% are privately rented. Home ownership here is higher than the England and Wales average of 63%.
Tenure from the 2021 Census (ONS), for the postcode districts covering Alston.