Meal Bank on the map

Location in CumbriaMeal Bank 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 Meal Bank

Meal Bank is a small settlement located in Cumbria, England, within the LA8 postcode area. It is situated near the scenic Lake District, which is known for its natural beauty and outdoor activities. The area offers opportunities for walking and exploring the surrounding countryside, making it a suitable base for those wishing to enjoy the outdoors.

The community is primarily residential, with a few local amenities available for residents. Meal Bank provides a peaceful environment, ideal for those seeking a quieter lifestyle while still being within reach of larger towns and attractions in the region. The nearby towns offer additional facilities, shops, and services, ensuring that residents have access to everything they need.

School Ratings in Meal Bank

Meal Bank is served by 23 schools. Crosthwaite CofE School is rated Outstanding by Ofsted. A further 7 schools hold a Good rating.

House Prices in Meal Bank

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 Meal Bank

Local crime rates sit higher than national averages. Public order accounts for the highest share in Meal Bank, with 25 incidents logged in May 2026.

Deprivation and Employment in Meal Bank

Based on the 2025 Index of Multiple Deprivation, Meal Bank 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.

Healthcare in Meal Bank

There are 2 GP surgeries within three miles of Meal Bank, the nearest being Station House Surgery (2.1 miles away).

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 Meal Bank ONS 2023

The average total household income in Meal Bank 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.

Meal Bank £48,109
England & Wales avg. £55,302

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

Businesses in Meal Bank ONS 2025

There are approximately 770 active businesses based in Meal Bank, 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 Meal Bank IMD 2025

The 2025 Index of Multiple Deprivation places Meal Bank 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 Meal Bank 218 crimes · May 2026

High Crime Area

Reported crime in Meal Bank 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 102
Public Order 25
Criminal Damage & Arson 22
Drugs 19
Shoplifting 14
Anti-Social Behaviour 10
Other Theft 10
Other Crime 5
Burglary 3
Robbery 3
Bicycle Theft 2
Vehicle Crime 2
Weapons 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

Kendal Train Station 2.2 miles
Burneside (Cumbria) Train Station 2.7 miles
Oxenholme Lake District Train Station 3.4 miles
Staveley (Cumbria) Train Station 4.9 miles
Windermere Train Station 8.3 miles

Location

Local Government

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

Home Ownership in Meal Bank

Of the 5,557 households in and around Meal Bank, 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 Meal Bank.

Frequently Asked Questions about Meal Bank

What is the population of Meal Bank?
Meal Bank 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 Meal Bank?
The average property in and around Meal Bank 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 Meal Bank a deprived area?
Meal Bank 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 Meal Bank?
Meal Bank is covered by the LA8 postcode district.
How many schools are there in Meal Bank?
There are 12 schools within easy reach of Meal Bank, spanning primary, secondary and other phases.
Where is the nearest train station to Meal Bank?
The nearest railway station to Meal Bank is Kendal Train Station, about 2.2 miles away.