Colby on the map

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

5,825
Population
2,762
Households
5 / 10
Deprivation decile
Around average
9
Schools nearby
£42,774
Avg. household income
423
Businesses
20
People per km²
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About Colby

Colby is a small village located in Cumbria, England, within the CA16 postcode area. The village is surrounded by the natural beauty of the Cumbrian countryside, making it a peaceful spot for those looking to escape the busyness of urban life. The area is primarily residential, with a few local amenities catering to the needs of its residents.

Nearby, you can find the larger town of Appleby-in-Westmorland, which offers a range of shops, cafes, and services. Colby is well-placed for exploring the wider region, including the Lake District National Park, which is just a short drive away. Whether you are interested in walking, cycling, or simply enjoying the landscape, Colby serves as a convenient base for outdoor activities in this scenic part of England.

School Ratings in Colby

Families in Colby have access to 9 local schools. A further 7 schools hold a Good rating.

House Prices in Colby

Homes sell for an average of £252K locally. Most of the housing is made up of detached homes, averaging £329K.

Crime and Anti-Social Behaviour in Colby

Crime in the area is lower than the national average. Public order is the leading concern across Colby, with 2 incidents recorded in May 2026.

Deprivation and Employment in Colby

The 2025 Index of Multiple Deprivation places Colby 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 Colby

There are 2 GP surgeries within three miles of Colby, the nearest being Appleby Medical Practice (1.1 miles away).

Property Prices 1,011 sales

Average Price £252K
£5K , £1.7M
Detached £329K 323
Semi £204K 290
Terraced £191K 222
Flat £129K 67

Household Income in Colby ONS 2023

The average total household income in Colby is approximately £42,774 a year before tax, 23% below the national average of £55,302. After tax and benefits, the average disposable (net) household income is around £32,867. These are modelled estimates from the Office for National Statistics for the financial year ending 2023.

Colby £42,774
England & Wales avg. £55,302

Net (after tax) household income averages £32,867.

Businesses in Colby ONS 2025

There are approximately 423 active businesses based in Colby, around 73 for every 1,000 residents. The local economy is dominated by small firms: about 92% are micro-businesses employing fewer than 10 people, while 3 are larger employers with 50 or more staff. Figures are from the Office for National Statistics UK Business Counts.

423 Total businesses
73 Per 1,000 residents
Micro, 0-9 92%
Small, 10-49 7%
Medium, 50-249 1%
Large, 250+ 0%

Deprivation and Employment in Colby IMD 2025

Deprivation levels in Colby 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
5/10
Income
8/10
Employment
8/10
Education
6/10
Health
9/10
Housing
1/10
Living Environment
2/10
Children 0-15 14%
Working age 57%
Older 65+ 29%
814 Children (0-15) 14%
3,327 Working Age 57%
1,679 Older (65+) 29%
Average Child Poverty (IDACI) 21.7% of children in income-deprived families
Above Average Older Person Poverty (IDAOPI) 8.3% 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 Colby 22 crimes · May 2026

Low Crime Area

Crime levels in Colby 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 small town where serious incidents remain uncommon.

Violence & Sexual Offences 15
Public Order 2
Anti-Social Behaviour 1
Criminal Damage & Arson 1
Drugs 1
Other Theft 1
Other Crime 1
Local Policing
Cumbria Appleby 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 2 stations

Appleby Train Station 1.3 miles
Langwathby Train Station 9.6 miles

Location

Local Government

District Eden
County Cumbria
Ward Appleby (Bongate)
Constituency Penrith and The Border
Parish Appleby-in-Westmorland
Region North West

Home Ownership in Colby

Of the 2,690 households in and around Colby, 73% are owned, 7% are socially rented and 20% are privately rented. Home ownership here is higher than the England and Wales average of 63%.

Owned 73% Social rented 7% Private rented 20%

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

Frequently Asked Questions about Colby

What is the population of Colby?
Colby has a population of approximately 5,825 residents, based on the latest census figures for the surrounding postcode area.
What is the average house price in Colby?
The average property in and around Colby sold for about £251,674, based on HM Land Registry Price Paid records. That is around 28% below the England and Wales average of £349,091.
Is Colby a deprived area?
Colby sits around the national average for deprivation, with an Index of Multiple Deprivation decile of 5 out of 10, where 1 is the most deprived and 10 the least deprived.
What postcodes cover Colby?
Colby is covered by the CA16 postcode district.
How many schools are there in Colby?
There are 9 schools within easy reach of Colby, spanning primary, secondary and other phases.
Where is the nearest train station to Colby?
The nearest railway station to Colby is Appleby Train Station, about 1.3 miles away.