Mealsgate on the map

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

24,314
Population
9,871
Households
4 / 10
Deprivation decile
Around average
12
Schools nearby
£40,990
Avg. household income
1,380
Businesses
44
People per km²
Create a free area profile for MealsgateDownload or embed an infographic of these statistics

About Mealsgate

Mealsgate is a small village located in Cumbria, England, within the CA7 postcode area. It is situated near the River Waver and is surrounded by the natural beauty of the Cumbrian countryside. The village features a few local amenities, including a pub and a primary school, catering to the needs of residents and visitors alike.

The area is primarily rural, offering opportunities for walking and enjoying the outdoors. Mealsgate is conveniently positioned for those wishing to explore the nearby towns of Wigton and Aspatria, which provide additional services and facilities. The village serves as a peaceful base for exploring the wider region, including the Lake District National Park, which is easily accessible by car.

School Ratings in Mealsgate

Mealsgate is served by 12 schools. Silloth Primary School is rated Outstanding by Ofsted. A further 14 schools hold a Good rating.

House Prices in Mealsgate

Property prices average £218K across the area, and detached homes are the most common property type, typically selling for £275K.

Crime and Anti-Social Behaviour in Mealsgate

Local crime rates sit lower than national averages. Criminal damage & arson accounts for the highest share in Mealsgate, with 2 incidents logged in May 2026.

Deprivation and Employment in Mealsgate

Based on the 2025 Index of Multiple Deprivation, Mealsgate 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 3,304 sales

Average Price £218K
£200 , £5.15M
Detached £275K 1,200
Semi £170K 777
Terraced £132K 923
Flat £85K 67

Household Income in Mealsgate ONS 2023

The average total household income in Mealsgate is approximately £40,990 a year before tax, 26% below the national average of £55,302. After tax and benefits, the average disposable (net) household income is around £31,331. These are modelled estimates from the Office for National Statistics for the financial year ending 2023.

Mealsgate £40,990
England & Wales avg. £55,302

Net (after tax) household income averages £31,331.

Businesses in Mealsgate ONS 2025

There are approximately 1,380 active businesses based in Mealsgate, around 57 for every 1,000 residents. The local economy is dominated by small firms: about 93% are micro-businesses employing fewer than 10 people, while 15 are larger employers with 50 or more staff. Figures are from the Office for National Statistics UK Business Counts.

1,380 Total businesses
57 Per 1,000 residents
Micro, 0-9 93%
Small, 10-49 6%
Medium, 50-249 1%
Large, 250+ 0%

Deprivation and Employment in Mealsgate IMD 2025

The 2025 Index of Multiple Deprivation places Mealsgate 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
4/10
Income
7/10
Employment
6/10
Education
5/10
Health
5/10
Housing
3/10
Living Environment
3/10
Children 0-15 15%
Working age 57%
Older 65+ 28%
3,729 Children (0-15) 15%
13,956 Working Age 57%
6,610 Older (65+) 27%
Average Child Poverty (IDACI) 25.2% of children in income-deprived families
Average Older Person Poverty (IDAOPI) 12.4% 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 Mealsgate 3 crimes · May 2026

Low Crime Area

Reported crime in Mealsgate falls below the national average, suggesting a comparatively safe environment. Criminal damage & arson tops the list of recorded incidents, but figures are low overall. Residents and visitors alike tend to find this a quiet and reassuring town.

Criminal Damage & Arson 2
Violence & Sexual Offences 1
Local Policing
Cumbria Wigton, Silloth and Aspatria 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

Aspatria Train Station 4 miles
Wigton Train Station 4.9 miles

Location

Local Government

District Allerdale
County Cumbria
Ward Wigton & Woodside
Constituency Penrith and The Border
Parish Wigton
Region North West

Home Ownership in Mealsgate

Of the 10,942 households in and around Mealsgate, 73% are owned, 13% are socially rented and 14% are privately rented. Home ownership here is higher than the England and Wales average of 63%.

Owned 73% Social rented 13% Private rented 14%

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

Frequently Asked Questions about Mealsgate

What is the population of Mealsgate?
Mealsgate has a population of approximately 24,314 residents, based on the latest census figures for the surrounding postcode area.
What is the average house price in Mealsgate?
The average property in and around Mealsgate sold for about £217,994, based on HM Land Registry Price Paid records. That is around 38% below the England and Wales average of £349,091.
Is Mealsgate a deprived area?
Mealsgate sits around the national average for deprivation, with an Index of Multiple Deprivation decile of 4 out of 10, where 1 is the most deprived and 10 the least deprived.
What postcodes cover Mealsgate?
Mealsgate is covered by the CA7 postcode district.
How many schools are there in Mealsgate?
There are 12 schools within easy reach of Mealsgate, spanning primary, secondary and other phases.
Where is the nearest train station to Mealsgate?
The nearest railway station to Mealsgate is Aspatria Train Station, about 4 miles away.