Bowston on the map

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

12,630
Population
3,778
Households
7 / 10
Deprivation decile
Around average
12
Schools nearby
£48,109
Avg. household income
770
Businesses
59
People per km²
Create a free area profile for BowstonDownload or embed an infographic of these statistics

About Bowston

Bowston is a small settlement located in the county of Cumbria, in the north of England. It lies within the LA8 postcode area and is situated in a rural part of the region, surrounded by open countryside. The area is known for its peaceful environment and agricultural landscape, with fields and farmland forming the predominant scenery. Bowston is not a large village and does not have significant commercial facilities, reflecting its quiet, countryside character. It is accessible by road and is within reasonable distance of larger towns in the region, such as Kendal and Windermere. The local community is small and close-knit, with a focus on traditional rural life. The area offers opportunities for walking and enjoying the natural surroundings, typical of the Cumbrian fells and valleys.

School Ratings in Bowston

There are 23 schools in and around Bowston. Crosthwaite CofE School is rated Outstanding by Ofsted. A further 7 schools hold a Good rating.

House Prices in Bowston

The average property price is £404K, with detached homes making up the majority of the housing stock at around £499K.

Crime and Anti-Social Behaviour in Bowston

Recorded crime levels are higher than the national average. Public order is prevalent across Bowston, with 25 recorded incidents in May 2026.

Deprivation and Employment in Bowston

Bowston sits around the middle of the national deprivation scale, according to the 2025 Index of Multiple Deprivation. Employment levels are strong, with low rates of working-age exclusion from the labour market. Household incomes are generally above the national average.

Healthcare in Bowston

There are 2 GP surgeries within three miles of Bowston, the nearest being Station House Surgery (2.6 miles away).

Property Prices 1,326 sales

Average Price £404K
£126 , £4.5M
Detached £499K 517
Semi £311K 296
Terraced £282K 270
Flat £291K 89

Household Income in Bowston ONS 2023

The average total household income in Bowston is approximately £48,109 a year before tax, 13% below the national average of £55,302. After tax and benefits, the average disposable (net) household income is around £36,681. These are modelled estimates from the Office for National Statistics for the financial year ending 2023.

Bowston £48,109
England & Wales avg. £55,302

Net (after tax) household income averages £36,681.

Businesses in Bowston ONS 2025

There are approximately 770 active businesses based in Bowston, around 61 for every 1,000 residents. The local economy is dominated by small firms: about 91% 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.

770 Total businesses
61 Per 1,000 residents
Micro, 0-9 91%
Small, 10-49 8%
Medium, 50-249 1%
Large, 250+ 0%

Deprivation and Employment in Bowston IMD 2025

Bowston sits around the national average for deprivation according to the 2025 Index of Multiple Deprivation. Employment and income levels are broadly typical, reflecting a mixed local economy. The area offers a balance of residential and commercial activity common to most parts of England.

Overall Deprivation
7/10
Income
9/10
Employment
9/10
Education
8/10
Health
9/10
Housing
2/10
Living Environment
2/10
Children 0-15 14%
Working age 56%
Older 65+ 30%
1,737 Children (0-15) 14%
7,128 Working Age 56%
3,764 Older (65+) 30%
Above Average Child Poverty (IDACI) 13.4% of children in income-deprived families
Above Average Older Person Poverty (IDAOPI) 5.6% 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 Bowston 218 crimes · May 2026

High Crime Area

Bowston sees higher than average levels of reported crime relative to its population. Violence & sexual offences represents the most frequently recorded category. This pattern is not uncommon in densely populated urban areas and does not necessarily reflect the experience of most residents.

Violence & Sexual Offences 102
Public Order 25
Criminal Damage & Arson 22
Drugs 19
Shoplifting 14
Anti-Social Behaviour 10
Other Theft 10
Other Crime 5
Burglary 3
Robbery 3
Bicycle Theft 2
Vehicle Crime 2
Weapons 1
Local Policing
Cumbria Kendal, Burneside and Endmoor 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 5 stations

Burneside (Cumbria) Train Station 0.7 miles
Staveley (Cumbria) Train Station 1.8 miles
Kendal Train Station 2.5 miles
Oxenholme Lake District Train Station 4.5 miles
Windermere Train Station 5.2 miles

Location

Local Government

District South Lakeland
County Cumbria
Ward Burton & Crooklands
Constituency Westmorland and Lonsdale
Parish Stainton
Region North West

Home Ownership in Bowston

Of the 5,557 households in and around Bowston, 79% are owned, 6% are socially rented and 15% are privately rented. Home ownership here is higher than the England and Wales average of 63%.

Owned 79% Social rented 6% Private rented 15%

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

Frequently Asked Questions about Bowston

What is the population of Bowston?
Bowston has a population of approximately 12,630 residents, based on the latest census figures for the surrounding postcode area.
What is the average house price in Bowston?
The average property in and around Bowston sold for about £403,571, based on HM Land Registry Price Paid records. That is around 16% above the England and Wales average of £349,091.
Is Bowston a deprived area?
Bowston 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 Bowston?
Bowston is covered by the LA8 postcode district.
How many schools are there in Bowston?
There are 12 schools within easy reach of Bowston, spanning primary, secondary and other phases.
Where is the nearest train station to Bowston?
The nearest railway station to Bowston is Burneside (Cumbria) Train Station, about 0.7 miles away.