About Carlisle

Carlisle is a historic town in Cumbria, England, situated near the border with Scotland. It lies along the River Eden and is known for its well-preserved medieval castle, which dates back to the 11th century and offers insight into the region’s turbulent past. The town centre features a mix of traditional and modern buildings, with a market square that hosts regular events and a weekly market. Carlisle is easily accessible by road and rail, with the A6 and M6 nearby and a mainline railway station providing connections to major cities. The postcode area CA2 covers the town and its immediate surroundings. The town has a strong sense of community and retains a distinct local character, with several cultural and educational institutions contributing to its lively atmosphere.

School Ratings in Carlisle

Carlisle is served by 49 schools. Carlisle West - Newtown SureStart Children's Centre is rated Outstanding by Ofsted. A further 11 schools hold a Good rating.

House Prices in Carlisle

Property prices average £209K across the area, and semi-detached homes are the most common property type, typically selling for £159K.

Crime and Anti-Social Behaviour in Carlisle

Local crime rates sit higher than national averages. Public order accounts for the highest share in Carlisle, with 86 incidents logged in March 2026.

Deprivation and Employment in Carlisle

Based on the 2025 Index of Multiple Deprivation, Carlisle 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.

Broadband and Mobile Internet in Carlisle

Most properties in Carlisle can access superfast or ultrafast broadband. 4G coverage is extensive and 5G is increasingly available across the area. For the latest speed predictions, visit Ofcom's broadband checker.

Property Prices 17,908 sales

Average Price £209K
£500 £22M
Detached £277K 4,385
Semi £159K 5,851
Terraced £120K 5,501
Flat £120K 1,228

Deprivation and Employment in Carlisle IMD 2025

The 2025 Index of Multiple Deprivation places Carlisle 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.

Overall Deprivation
5/10
Income
5/10
Employment
4/10
Education
4/10
Health
3/10
Housing
8/10
Living Environment
6/10
8,707 Children (0-15) 17%
31,982 Working Age 63%
13,213 Older (60+) 26%
Average Child Poverty (IDACI) 35.5% of children in income-deprived families
Average Older Person Poverty (IDAOPI) 17.1% 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 Carlisle 941 crimes · March 2026

High Crime Area

Reported crime in Carlisle is above the national average when measured per capita. Violence & sexual offences dominates the figures, a trend mirrored in many urban centres. Local policing teams work actively in the area, and community initiatives continue to address key concerns.

441 Violence & Sexual Offences
86 Public Order
77 Criminal Damage & Arson
71 Shoplifting
57 Other Theft
53 Drugs
46 Anti-Social Behaviour
40 Other Crime
24 Burglary
13 Vehicle Crime
12 Weapons
8 Theft from Person
7 Bicycle Theft
6 Robbery
Local Policing
Cumbria Carlisle 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 4 stations

Dalston (Cumbria) Train Station 3.5 miles
Wetheral Train Station 4.5 miles
Armathwaite Train Station 8.9 miles
Wigton Train Station 9.7 miles

Location

Local Government

District Carlisle
County Cumbria
Ward Cathedral & Castle
Constituency Carlisle
Parish Carlisle, unparished area
Region North West

Notable & Famous People from Carlisle 21 people

Alex MacDowall
Racing automobile driver
British racing driver
David Bain
University teacher
British classical philologist (1945–2004)
David Geddis
Association football coach
English footballer and coach
George MacDonald Fraser
Screenwriter
English-born author of Scottish descent
Graham Stuart
Architect
British politician (born 1962)
Grant Holt
Association football coach
English professional footballer (born 1981)
Greg Ridley
Musician
British musician (1947–2003)