Whitehaven on the map

Whitehaven built-up area

Built-up area7.3 km² (2.8 sq mi)

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

25,827
Population
12,447
Households
5 / 10
Deprivation decile
Around average
12
Schools nearby
£43,960
Avg. household income
553
Businesses
651
People per km²
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About Whitehaven

Whitehaven is a coastal town located in Cumbria, England, within the CA28 postcode area. It was historically significant as a port during the 18th century and played a key role in the coal trade. The town features a marina, which has been developed to accommodate leisure craft and offers various facilities for visitors. The waterfront area is lined with shops, cafés, and restaurants, providing a range of options for dining and shopping.

The town is also home to several historical buildings, including the 18th-century Whitehaven Castle and the Old Fire Station, which now serves as a community hub. Whitehaven’s location along the Cumbrian coast allows for easy access to the surrounding countryside, including the Lake District National Park. The town hosts various events throughout the year, attracting both locals and visitors alike.

School Ratings in Whitehaven

There are 35 schools in and around Whitehaven. Mayfield School is rated Outstanding by Ofsted. A further 16 schools hold a Good rating.

House Prices in Whitehaven

The average property price is £160K, with semi-detached homes making up the majority of the housing stock at around £146K.

Crime and Anti-Social Behaviour in Whitehaven

Recorded crime levels are broadly in line with the national average. Public order is prevalent across Whitehaven, with 22 recorded incidents in May 2026.

Deprivation and Employment in Whitehaven

Whitehaven sits around the middle of the national deprivation scale, according to the 2025 Index of Multiple Deprivation. Employment levels are broadly typical for the area, sitting close to the national average. Household incomes are broadly in line with the national average.

Healthcare in Whitehaven

There are 2 GP surgeries within three miles of Whitehaven, the nearest being Mansion House Surgery (0.4 miles away).

Property Prices 4,306 sales

Average Price £160K
£3K , £2.5M
Detached £266K 832
Semi £146K 1,892
Terraced £109K 1,166
Flat £106K 251

Household Income in Whitehaven ONS 2023

The average total household income in Whitehaven is approximately £43,960 a year before tax, 21% below the national average of £55,302. After tax and benefits, the average disposable (net) household income is around £33,708. These are modelled estimates from the Office for National Statistics for the financial year ending 2023.

Whitehaven £43,960
England & Wales avg. £55,302

Net (after tax) household income averages £33,708.

Businesses in Whitehaven ONS 2025

There are approximately 553 active businesses based in Whitehaven, around 21 for every 1,000 residents. The local economy is dominated by small firms: about 89% are micro-businesses employing fewer than 10 people, while 5 are larger employers with 50 or more staff. Figures are from the Office for National Statistics UK Business Counts.

553 Total businesses
21 Per 1,000 residents
Micro, 0-9 89%
Small, 10-49 9%
Medium, 50-249 1%
Large, 250+ 1%

Deprivation and Employment in Whitehaven IMD 2025

Whitehaven 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
5/10
Income
6/10
Employment
5/10
Education
5/10
Health
3/10
Housing
5/10
Living Environment
6/10
Children 0-15 17%
Working age 62%
Older 65+ 21%
4,483 Children (0-15) 17%
15,913 Working Age 62%
5,421 Older (65+) 21%
Average Child Poverty (IDACI) 29.2% of children in income-deprived families
Average Older Person Poverty (IDAOPI) 16.3% 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 Whitehaven 192 crimes · May 2026

Average Crime Area

Reported crime levels in Whitehaven sit broadly in line with national averages for a town of this size. Violence & sexual offences accounts for the largest share of recorded offences. The profile is typical of a well-populated area with a mix of residential and commercial activity.

Violence & Sexual Offences 106
Public Order 22
Criminal Damage & Arson 14
Other Theft 13
Drugs 9
Shoplifting 8
Other Crime 6
Anti-Social Behaviour 4
Burglary 3
Vehicle Crime 3
Bicycle Theft 2
Weapons 1
Theft from Person 1
Local Policing
Cumbria Whitehaven Town 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 6 stations

Whitehaven Train Station 146 yards
Corkickle Train Station 0.7 miles
Parton Train Station 1.4 miles
St Bees Train Station 4 miles
Harrington Train Station 4.3 miles
Nethertown Train Station 6.2 miles

Location

Local Government

District Copeland
County Cumbria
Ward Whitehaven Central
Constituency Copeland
Parish Whitehaven
Region North West

Home Ownership in Whitehaven

Of the 11,918 households in and around Whitehaven, 69% are owned, 21% are socially rented and 10% are privately rented. Home ownership here is higher than the England and Wales average of 63%.

Owned 69% Social rented 21% Private rented 10%

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

Frequently Asked Questions about Whitehaven

What is the population of Whitehaven?
Whitehaven has a population of approximately 25,827 residents, based on the latest census figures for the surrounding postcode area.
What is the average house price in Whitehaven?
The average property in and around Whitehaven sold for about £160,320, based on HM Land Registry Price Paid records. That is around 54% below the England and Wales average of £349,091.
Is Whitehaven a deprived area?
Whitehaven 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 Whitehaven?
Whitehaven is covered by the CA28 postcode district.
How many schools are there in Whitehaven?
There are 12 schools within easy reach of Whitehaven, spanning primary, secondary and other phases.
Where is the nearest train station to Whitehaven?
The nearest railway station to Whitehaven is Whitehaven Train Station, about 146 yards away.