Cowan Head on the map

Location in CumbriaCowan Head 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
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About Cowan Head

Cowan Head is a small settlement located in the county of Cumbria, England, within the postcode area LA8. It lies close to the shores of Lake Windermere, which is the largest lake in England and a popular destination for outdoor activities such as boating and hiking. The area around Cowan Head features a mix of natural landscapes, including rolling hills and woodlands, making it suitable for those who enjoy exploring the countryside.

The settlement is primarily residential, with a few local amenities available for residents and visitors. Cowan Head serves as a convenient base for exploring the surrounding Lake District National Park, which is renowned for its scenic beauty and diverse wildlife. The nearby towns of Bowness-on-Windermere and Windermere offer additional facilities, including shops, restaurants, and attractions for those looking to experience more of the area's offerings.

School Ratings in Cowan Head

Cowan Head is served by 20 schools. Crosthwaite CofE School is rated Outstanding by Ofsted. A further 7 schools hold a Good rating.

House Prices in Cowan Head

Property prices average £404K across the area, and detached homes are the most common property type, typically selling for £499K.

Crime and Anti-Social Behaviour in Cowan Head

Local crime rates sit higher than national averages. Shoplifting accounts for the highest share in Cowan Head, with 26 incidents logged in April 2026.

Deprivation and Employment in Cowan Head

Based on the 2025 Index of Multiple Deprivation, Cowan Head falls within the mid-range nationally for overall deprivation. The area benefits from strong employment, with few residents involuntarily out of work. Income levels across the area tend to be higher than the national average.

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 Cowan Head ONS 2023

The average total household income in Cowan Head 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.

Cowan Head £48,109
England & Wales avg. £55,302

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

Businesses in Cowan Head ONS 2025

There are approximately 770 active businesses based in Cowan Head, 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 Cowan Head IMD 2025

The 2025 Index of Multiple Deprivation places Cowan Head 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
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 Cowan Head 237 crimes · April 2026

High Crime Area

Reported crime in Cowan Head 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.

Violence & Sexual Offences 109
Shoplifting 26
Criminal Damage & Arson 24
Public Order 18
Anti-Social Behaviour 13
Other Theft 13
Drugs 12
Burglary 5
Vehicle Crime 5
Other Crime 4
Bicycle Theft 3
Weapons 3
Robbery 1
Theft from Person 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 1.2 miles
Staveley (Cumbria) Train Station 1.6 miles
Kendal Train Station 3.1 miles
Windermere Train Station 5.1 miles
Oxenholme Lake District Train Station 5.1 miles

Location

Local Government

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

Home Ownership in Cowan Head

Of the 5,557 households in and around Cowan Head, 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 Cowan Head.

Frequently Asked Questions about Cowan Head

What is the population of Cowan Head?
Cowan Head 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 Cowan Head?
The average property in and around Cowan Head 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 Cowan Head a deprived area?
Cowan Head 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 Cowan Head?
Cowan Head is covered by the LA8 postcode district.
How many schools are there in Cowan Head?
There are 12 schools within easy reach of Cowan Head, spanning primary, secondary and other phases.
Where is the nearest train station to Cowan Head?
The nearest railway station to Cowan Head is Burneside (Cumbria) Train Station, about 1.2 miles away.