Backbarrow on the map

Backbarrow built-up area

Built-up area0.3 km² (0.1 sq mi)

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

20,788
Population
9,089
Households
7 / 10
Deprivation decile
Around average
6
Schools nearby
£46,188
Avg. household income
1,065
Businesses
88
People per km²
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About Backbarrow

Backbarrow is a small settlement located in the county of Cumbria, in the north of England. It lies within the LA12 postcode area and is situated near the town of Ulverston. The village is part of the larger civil parish of Ulverston and is known for its rural setting and proximity to the Lake District National Park. The area is characterised by rolling countryside and traditional stone buildings, reflecting the local architectural style. While it is not a major tourist destination, Backbarrow offers a peaceful environment for those seeking a quiet retreat in the English countryside. The village is well-connected by road, with the A590 running nearby, providing access to nearby towns and attractions. It remains a residential area with a close-knit community.

School Ratings in Backbarrow

Families in Backbarrow have access to 6 local schools. Sir John Barrow School is rated Outstanding by Ofsted. A further 6 schools hold a Good rating.

House Prices in Backbarrow

Homes sell for an average of £289K locally. Most of the housing is made up of terraced houses, averaging £192K.

Crime and Anti-Social Behaviour in Backbarrow

Crime in the area is lower than the national average. Criminal damage & arson is the leading concern across Backbarrow, with 8 incidents recorded in May 2026.

Deprivation and Employment in Backbarrow

The 2025 Index of Multiple Deprivation places Backbarrow around the national average for deprivation. Working-age employment in the area is well above the national average. Residents in the area generally earn above the national average.

Healthcare in Backbarrow

There is 1 GP surgery within three miles of Backbarrow, the nearest being Haverthwaite Surgery (0.4 miles away).

Property Prices 3,440 sales

Average Price £289K
£408 , £11.4M
Detached £414K 931
Semi £250K 898
Terraced £192K 1,125
Flat £178K 227

Household Income in Backbarrow ONS 2023

The average total household income in Backbarrow is approximately £46,188 a year before tax, 16% below the national average of £55,302. After tax and benefits, the average disposable (net) household income is around £35,604. These are modelled estimates from the Office for National Statistics for the financial year ending 2023.

Backbarrow £46,188
England & Wales avg. £55,302

Net (after tax) household income averages £35,604.

Businesses in Backbarrow ONS 2025

There are approximately 1,065 active businesses based in Backbarrow, around 51 for every 1,000 residents. The local economy is dominated by small firms: about 89% are micro-businesses employing fewer than 10 people, while 12 are larger employers with 50 or more staff. Figures are from the Office for National Statistics UK Business Counts.

1,065 Total businesses
51 Per 1,000 residents
Micro, 0-9 89%
Small, 10-49 9%
Medium, 50-249 1%
Large, 250+ 1%

Deprivation and Employment in Backbarrow IMD 2025

Deprivation levels in Backbarrow 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
7/10
Income
8/10
Employment
8/10
Education
8/10
Health
7/10
Housing
4/10
Living Environment
3/10
Children 0-15 14%
Working age 59%
Older 65+ 27%
2,945 Children (0-15) 14%
12,331 Working Age 59%
5,516 Older (65+) 27%
Above Average Child Poverty (IDACI) 16.7% of children in income-deprived families
Above Average Older Person Poverty (IDAOPI) 8% 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 Backbarrow 79 crimes · May 2026

Low Crime Area

Crime levels in Backbarrow 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 town where serious incidents remain uncommon.

Violence & Sexual Offences 35
Criminal Damage & Arson 8
Public Order 8
Shoplifting 8
Anti-Social Behaviour 5
Other Theft 5
Drugs 4
Other Crime 3
Weapons 2
Bicycle Theft 1
Local Policing
Cumbria Ulverston, Coniston, Low Furness and High Furness 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 6 stations

Cark And Cartmel Train Station 5.1 miles
Grange-Over-Sands Train Station 5.3 miles
Ulverston Train Station 6 miles
Kents Bank Train Station 6 miles
Arnside Train Station 7.6 miles
Kirkby-In-Furness Train Station 8.2 miles

Location

Local Government

District South Lakeland
County Cumbria
Ward Ulverston East
Constituency Barrow and Furness
Parish Ulverston
Region North West

Home Ownership in Backbarrow

Of the 9,617 households in and around Backbarrow, 76% are owned, 9% are socially rented and 15% are privately rented. Home ownership here is higher than the England and Wales average of 63%.

Owned 76% Social rented 9% Private rented 15%

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

Frequently Asked Questions about Backbarrow

What is the population of Backbarrow?
Backbarrow has a population of approximately 20,788 residents, based on the latest census figures for the surrounding postcode area.
What is the average house price in Backbarrow?
The average property in and around Backbarrow sold for about £289,056, based on HM Land Registry Price Paid records. That is around 17% below the England and Wales average of £349,091.
Is Backbarrow a deprived area?
Backbarrow sits around the national average for deprivation, with an Index of Multiple Deprivation decile of 7 out of 10, where 1 is the most deprived and 10 the least deprived.
What postcodes cover Backbarrow?
Backbarrow is covered by the LA12 postcode district.
How many schools are there in Backbarrow?
There are 6 schools within easy reach of Backbarrow, spanning primary, secondary and other phases.
Where is the nearest train station to Backbarrow?
The nearest railway station to Backbarrow is Cark And Cartmel Train Station, about 5.1 miles away.