Elterwater on the map

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

5,675
Population
2,258
Households
7 / 10
Deprivation decile
Around average
6
Schools nearby
£40,421
Avg. household income
459
Businesses
37
People per km²
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About Elterwater

Elterwater is a small village located in the picturesque Lake District of Cumbria, England. It is situated near the River Brathay and is surrounded by scenic landscapes, making it a popular spot for walkers and nature enthusiasts. The village features a few local amenities, including a pub and a café, which cater to both residents and visitors.

The area is known for its outdoor activities, with numerous walking trails leading to nearby attractions such as the Elterwater Lake and the surrounding fells. The village serves as a convenient base for exploring the wider Lake District National Park, offering opportunities for hiking, cycling, and enjoying the natural beauty of the region. Elterwater is easily accessible, making it a suitable destination for those looking to experience the charm of the Lake District.

School Ratings in Elterwater

Families in Elterwater have access to 6 local schools. A further 3 schools hold a Good rating.

House Prices in Elterwater

Homes sell for an average of £544K locally. Most of the housing is made up of detached homes, averaging £763K.

Crime and Anti-Social Behaviour in Elterwater

Crime in the area is broadly in line with the national average. Criminal damage & arson is the leading concern across Elterwater, with 4 incidents recorded in May 2026.

Deprivation and Employment in Elterwater

The 2025 Index of Multiple Deprivation places Elterwater 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.

Property Prices 951 sales

Average Price £544K
£100 , £5.56M
Detached £763K 241
Semi £532K 103
Terraced £399K 231
Flat £323K 174

Household Income in Elterwater ONS 2023

The average total household income in Elterwater is approximately £40,421 a year before tax, 27% below the national average of £55,302. After tax and benefits, the average disposable (net) household income is around £33,534. These are modelled estimates from the Office for National Statistics for the financial year ending 2023.

Elterwater £40,421
England & Wales avg. £55,302

Net (after tax) household income averages £33,534.

Businesses in Elterwater ONS 2025

There are approximately 459 active businesses based in Elterwater, around 81 for every 1,000 residents. The local economy is dominated by small firms: about 87% are micro-businesses employing fewer than 10 people, while 8 are larger employers with 50 or more staff. Figures are from the Office for National Statistics UK Business Counts.

459 Total businesses
81 Per 1,000 residents
Micro, 0-9 87%
Small, 10-49 11%
Medium, 50-249 2%
Large, 250+ 0%

Deprivation and Employment in Elterwater IMD 2025

Deprivation levels in Elterwater 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
9/10
Employment
9/10
Education
7/10
Health
9/10
Housing
2/10
Living Environment
2/10
Children 0-15 10%
Working age 62%
Older 65+ 28%
580 Children (0-15) 10%
3,518 Working Age 62%
1,572 Older (65+) 28%
Above Average Child Poverty (IDACI) 18.7% of children in income-deprived families
Above Average Older Person Poverty (IDAOPI) 8.6% 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 Elterwater 32 crimes · May 2026

Average Crime Area

Crime in Elterwater is around the national average, with violence & sexual offences representing the most common offence type. These figures are characteristic of a small town with an active centre and diverse population, and are neither unusually high nor particularly low.

Violence & Sexual Offences 15
Criminal Damage & Arson 4
Drugs 3
Other Theft 3
Public Order 3
Vehicle Crime 2
Burglary 1
Robbery 1
Local Policing
Cumbria Windermere, Ambleside, Grasmere and Staveley 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

Windermere Train Station 6.6 miles
Staveley (Cumbria) Train Station 9.8 miles

Location

Local Government

District South Lakeland
County Cumbria
Ward Ambleside & Grasmere
Constituency Westmorland and Lonsdale
Parish Lakes
Region North West

Home Ownership in Elterwater

Of the 2,522 households in and around Elterwater, 54% are owned, 22% are socially rented and 24% are privately rented. Home ownership here is lower than the England and Wales average of 63%.

Owned 54% Social rented 22% Private rented 24%

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

Frequently Asked Questions about Elterwater

What is the population of Elterwater?
Elterwater has a population of approximately 5,675 residents, based on the latest census figures for the surrounding postcode area.
What is the average house price in Elterwater?
The average property in and around Elterwater sold for about £543,985, based on HM Land Registry Price Paid records. That is around 56% above the England and Wales average of £349,091.
Is Elterwater a deprived area?
Elterwater 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 Elterwater?
Elterwater is covered by the LA22 postcode district.
How many schools are there in Elterwater?
There are 6 schools within easy reach of Elterwater, spanning primary, secondary and other phases.
Where is the nearest train station to Elterwater?
The nearest railway station to Elterwater is Windermere Train Station, about 6.6 miles away.