Wasdale Head on the map

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

2,822
Population
1,510
Households
7 / 10
Deprivation decile
Around average
£50,845
Avg. household income
201
Businesses
21
People per km²
Create a free area profile for Wasdale HeadDownload or embed an infographic of these statistics

About Wasdale Head

Wasdale Head is a small village located in the Lake District National Park in Cumbria, England. It serves as a starting point for various hiking routes, including the ascent of Scafell Pike, the highest mountain in England. The area is surrounded by impressive mountain scenery and offers opportunities for outdoor activities such as walking, climbing, and photography.

The village features a few local amenities, including a pub and a campsite, which cater to visitors exploring the natural beauty of the region. Wasdale Head is also home to St. Olaf's Church, a historic building dating back to the 19th century. The postcode area for Wasdale Head is CA20, making it easily identifiable for those planning a visit. The village is a popular destination for nature enthusiasts and those seeking to experience the rugged landscape of the Lake District.

House Prices in Wasdale Head

The average property price is £210K, with semi-detached homes making up the majority of the housing stock at around £173K.

Crime and Anti-Social Behaviour in Wasdale Head

Recorded crime levels are lower than the national average. Burglary is prevalent across Wasdale Head, with 1 recorded incidents in April 2026.

Deprivation and Employment in Wasdale Head

Wasdale Head sits around the middle of the national deprivation scale, according to the 2025 Index of Multiple Deprivation. Employment levels are strong, with low rates of working-age exclusion from the labour market. Household incomes are generally above the national average.

Property Prices 559 sales

Average Price £210K
£600 , £1.59M
Detached £261K 184
Semi £173K 197
Terraced £163K 98
Flat £103K 28

Household Income in Wasdale Head ONS 2023

The average total household income in Wasdale Head is approximately £50,845 a year before tax, 8% below the national average of £55,302. After tax and benefits, the average disposable (net) household income is around £36,830. These are modelled estimates from the Office for National Statistics for the financial year ending 2023.

Wasdale Head £50,845
England & Wales avg. £55,302

Net (after tax) household income averages £36,830.

Businesses in Wasdale Head ONS 2025

There are approximately 201 active businesses based in Wasdale Head, around 71 for every 1,000 residents. The local economy is dominated by small firms: about 93% are micro-businesses employing fewer than 10 people, while 2 are larger employers with 50 or more staff. Figures are from the Office for National Statistics UK Business Counts.

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

Deprivation and Employment in Wasdale Head IMD 2025

Wasdale Head sits around the national average for deprivation according to the 2025 Index of Multiple Deprivation. Employment and income levels are broadly typical, reflecting a mixed local economy. The area offers a balance of residential and commercial activity common to most parts of England.

Overall Deprivation
7/10
Income
9/10
Employment
9/10
Education
8/10
Health
6/10
Housing
1/10
Living Environment
3/10
Children 0-15 15%
Working age 55%
Older 65+ 30%
410 Children (0-15) 15%
1,545 Working Age 55%
864 Older (65+) 31%
Above Average Child Poverty (IDACI) 13.8% of children in income-deprived families
Above Average Older Person Poverty (IDAOPI) 4.3% 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 Wasdale Head 5 crimes · April 2026

Low Crime Area

Wasdale Head records relatively low levels of reported crime compared to national averages. Violence & sexual offences is the most commonly logged offence type, though overall numbers remain modest. The area is generally considered a safe and settled village with a strong sense of community.

Violence & Sexual Offences 3
Burglary 1
Criminal Damage & Arson 1
Local Policing
Cumbria Egremont 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 3 stations

Drigg Train Station 9.6 miles
Ravenglass For Eskdale Train Station 9.6 miles
Sellafield Train Station 9.8 miles

Location

Local Government

District Copeland
County Cumbria
Ward Gosforth & Seascale
Constituency Copeland
Parish Gosforth
Region North West

Home Ownership in Wasdale Head

Of the 1,315 households in and around Wasdale Head, 85% are owned, 3% are socially rented and 11% are privately rented. Home ownership here is higher than the England and Wales average of 63%.

Owned 85% Social rented 3% Private rented 11%

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

Frequently Asked Questions about Wasdale Head

What is the population of Wasdale Head?
Wasdale Head has a population of approximately 2,822 residents, based on the latest census figures for the surrounding postcode area.
What is the average house price in Wasdale Head?
The average property in and around Wasdale Head sold for about £209,631, based on HM Land Registry Price Paid records. That is around 40% below the England and Wales average of £349,091.
Is Wasdale Head a deprived area?
Wasdale 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 Wasdale Head?
Wasdale Head is covered by the CA20 postcode district.
Where is the nearest train station to Wasdale Head?
The nearest railway station to Wasdale Head is Drigg Train Station, about 9.6 miles away.