Waterhead on the map

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

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

Waterhead is a small settlement located in Cumbria, England, within the postcode area of LA22. It lies at the northern end of Lake Windermere, offering scenic views of the lake and surrounding hills. The area is primarily residential, with a mix of local amenities and services catering to both residents and visitors.

The nearby Windermere town centre is easily accessible, providing further shopping and dining options. Waterhead serves as a convenient base for exploring the Lake District National Park, with various walking and cycling routes available in the vicinity. The local transport links make it easy to reach other attractions in the region, ensuring that visitors can enjoy a variety of outdoor activities and experiences.

School Ratings in Waterhead

Families in Waterhead have access to 10 local schools. A further 3 schools hold a Good rating.

House Prices in Waterhead

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 Waterhead

Crime in the area is lower than the national average. Criminal damage & arson is the leading concern across Waterhead, with 3 incidents recorded in April 2026.

Deprivation and Employment in Waterhead

The 2025 Index of Multiple Deprivation places Waterhead 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.

Healthcare in Waterhead

There is 1 GP surgery within three miles of Waterhead, the nearest being Ambleside Health Centre (0.8 miles away).

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 Waterhead ONS 2023

The average total household income in Waterhead 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.

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

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

Businesses in Waterhead ONS 2025

There are approximately 459 active businesses based in Waterhead, 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 Waterhead IMD 2025

Deprivation levels in Waterhead 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 Waterhead 22 crimes · April 2026

Low Crime Area

Crime levels in Waterhead are lower than the England and Wales average. While violence & sexual offences is the most frequently recorded category, the overall picture is one of a settled and secure small town where serious incidents remain uncommon.

Violence & Sexual Offences 13
Criminal Damage & Arson 3
Public Order 3
Burglary 1
Vehicle Crime 1
Other Crime 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 3 stations

Windermere Train Station 3.9 miles
Staveley (Cumbria) Train Station 6.8 miles
Burneside (Cumbria) Train Station 9.2 miles

Location

Local Government

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

Home Ownership in Waterhead

Of the 2,522 households in and around Waterhead, 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 Waterhead.

Frequently Asked Questions about Waterhead

What is the population of Waterhead?
Waterhead 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 Waterhead?
The average property in and around Waterhead 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 Waterhead a deprived area?
Waterhead 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 Waterhead?
Waterhead is covered by the LA22 postcode district.
How many schools are there in Waterhead?
There are 10 schools within 5 miles of Waterhead, spanning primary, secondary and other phases.
Where is the nearest train station to Waterhead?
The nearest railway station to Waterhead is Windermere Train Station, about 3.9 miles away.