Forest Head on the map

Location in CumbriaForest Head sits where the marker shows within the county.

10,609
Population
4,536
Households
5 / 10
Deprivation decile
Around average
7
Schools nearby
£44,478
Avg. household income
593
Businesses
27
People per km²
Create a free area profile for Forest HeadDownload or embed an infographic of these statistics

About Forest Head

Forest Head is a small settlement located in Cumbria, England, within the CA8 postcode area. This area is characterised by its natural beauty, with plenty of greenery and woodland surrounding the village. The landscape offers various opportunities for outdoor activities, including walking and cycling, making it a suitable spot for those who enjoy nature.

The village is close to several larger towns, providing easy access to local amenities and services. Visitors can explore the nearby Lake District National Park, which is renowned for its scenic landscapes and outdoor pursuits. Forest Head serves as a peaceful base for those looking to experience the natural environment of Cumbria while still being within reach of more populated areas.

School Ratings in Forest Head

Forest Head is served by 7 schools. Lanercost CofE Primary School is rated Outstanding by Ofsted. A further 6 schools hold a Good rating.

House Prices in Forest Head

Property prices average £266K across the area, and detached homes are the most common property type, typically selling for £344K.

Crime and Anti-Social Behaviour in Forest Head

Local crime rates sit lower than national averages. Anti-social behaviour accounts for the highest share in Forest Head, with 1 incidents logged in May 2026.

Deprivation and Employment in Forest Head

Based on the 2025 Index of Multiple Deprivation, Forest Head 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.

Property Prices 1,582 sales

Average Price £266K
£500 , £3.56M
Detached £344K 611
Semi £192K 390
Terraced £149K 360
Flat £100K 52

Household Income in Forest Head ONS 2023

The average total household income in Forest Head is approximately £44,478 a year before tax, 20% below the national average of £55,302. After tax and benefits, the average disposable (net) household income is around £34,575. These are modelled estimates from the Office for National Statistics for the financial year ending 2023.

Forest Head £44,478
England & Wales avg. £55,302

Net (after tax) household income averages £34,575.

Businesses in Forest Head ONS 2025

There are approximately 593 active businesses based in Forest Head, around 56 for every 1,000 residents. The local economy is dominated by small firms: about 92% are micro-businesses employing fewer than 10 people, while 7 are larger employers with 50 or more staff. Figures are from the Office for National Statistics UK Business Counts.

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

Deprivation and Employment in Forest Head IMD 2025

The 2025 Index of Multiple Deprivation places Forest 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
5/10
Income
7/10
Employment
6/10
Education
6/10
Health
6/10
Housing
3/10
Living Environment
3/10
Children 0-15 14%
Working age 57%
Older 65+ 29%
1,497 Children (0-15) 14%
6,052 Working Age 57%
3,050 Older (65+) 29%
Average Child Poverty (IDACI) 25.3% of children in income-deprived families
Average Older Person Poverty (IDAOPI) 12.2% 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 Forest Head 4 crimes · May 2026

Low Crime Area

Reported crime in Forest Head falls below the national average, suggesting a comparatively safe environment. Violence & sexual offences tops the list of recorded incidents, but figures are low overall. Residents and visitors alike tend to find this a quiet and reassuring small town.

Violence & Sexual Offences 2
Anti-Social Behaviour 1
Criminal Damage & Arson 1
Local Policing
Cumbria Brampton and East Rural 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

Brampton (Cumbria) Train Station 2.6 miles
Wetheral Train Station 7.5 miles
Haltwhistle Train Station 8.4 miles
Armathwaite Train Station 8.6 miles

Location

Local Government

District Carlisle
County Cumbria
Ward Brampton & Fellside
Constituency Penrith and The Border
Parish Brampton
Region North West

Home Ownership in Forest Head

Of the 4,907 households in and around Forest Head, 72% are owned, 12% are socially rented and 15% are privately rented. Home ownership here is higher than the England and Wales average of 63%.

Owned 72% Social rented 12% Private rented 15%

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

Frequently Asked Questions about Forest Head

What is the population of Forest Head?
Forest Head has a population of approximately 10,609 residents, based on the latest census figures for the surrounding postcode area.
What is the average house price in Forest Head?
The average property in and around Forest Head sold for about £266,461, based on HM Land Registry Price Paid records. That is around 24% below the England and Wales average of £349,091.
Is Forest Head a deprived area?
Forest Head 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 Forest Head?
Forest Head is covered by the CA8 postcode district.
How many schools are there in Forest Head?
There are 7 schools within easy reach of Forest Head, spanning primary, secondary and other phases.
Where is the nearest train station to Forest Head?
The nearest railway station to Forest Head is Brampton (Cumbria) Train Station, about 2.6 miles away.