About Cowes

Cowes is a town located on the northern coast of the Isle of Wight, England. It is well-known for its maritime activities and is home to a significant sailing community. The town hosts the annual Cowes Week, one of the oldest and largest sailing regattas in the world, attracting sailors and spectators from various regions. Cowes is also the departure point for ferries to the mainland, making it a convenient location for visitors. The town features a range of shops, restaurants, and pubs, offering a selection of local cuisine and refreshments. The waterfront promenade provides pleasant views of the Solent, where you can watch boats and yachts pass by. Additionally, Cowes has several parks and green spaces, ideal for leisurely walks or picnics. The town's architecture reflects its maritime heritage, with various buildings showcasing its longstanding connection to the sea.

School Ratings in Cowes

Cowes is served by 26 schools. A further 3 schools hold a Good rating.

House Prices in Cowes

Property prices average £302K across the area, and terraced houses are the most common property type, typically selling for £246K.

Crime and Anti-Social Behaviour in Cowes

Local crime rates sit broadly in line with national averages. Anti-social behaviour accounts for the highest share in Cowes, with 11 incidents logged in January 2026.

Deprivation and Employment in Cowes

Based on the 2025 Index of Multiple Deprivation, Cowes 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.

Broadband and Mobile Internet in Cowes

Superfast broadband reaches parts of Cowes, though coverage is not uniform. 4G mobile signal is available in most areas, with 5G access more limited. For the latest speed predictions, visit Ofcom's broadband checker.

Property Prices 2,998 sales

Average Price £302K
£4K £5.5M
Detached £465K 679
Semi £284K 738
Terraced £246K 844
Flat £238K 522

Deprivation and Employment in Cowes IMD 2025

The 2025 Index of Multiple Deprivation places Cowes 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
6/10
Income
6/10
Employment
6/10
Education
6/10
Health
5/10
Housing
5/10
Living Environment
6/10
2,712 Children (0-15) 15%
10,861 Working Age 60%
5,983 Older (60+) 33%
Average Child Poverty (IDACI) 31.2% of children in income-deprived families
Average Older Person Poverty (IDAOPI) 11.4% 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 Cowes 110 crimes · January 2026

Average Crime Area

Cowes experiences crime rates that are roughly comparable to the national picture. Violence & sexual offences is the most reported category, consistent with broader patterns across similar communities. Day-to-day life here reflects the usual mix of challenges found in any established small town.

56 Violence & Sexual Offences
11 Anti-Social Behaviour
8 Burglary
6 Other Theft
6 Public Order
6 Shoplifting
5 Criminal Damage & Arson
5 Drugs
4 Vehicle Crime
2 Other Crime
1 Bicycle Theft
Local Policing
Hampshire Yarmouth/Freshwater/Rural 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

Ryde Pier Head Train Station 6.2 miles
Ryde Esplanade Train Station 6.3 miles
Ryde St Johns Road Train Station 6.6 miles
Smallbrook Junction Train Station 7.1 miles
Hamble Train Station 7.9 miles
Fareham Train Station 8.2 miles

Location

Local Government

District Isle of Wight
Ward Cowes North
Constituency Isle of Wight
Parish Cowes
Region South East

Notable & Famous People from Cowes 3 people

Declan Ronan Lang
Catholic priest
British Catholic bishop
Jeremy Irons
Actor
British actor (born 1948)
Uffa Fox
Architect
sailboat designer