Cowes on the map
Built-up area4.7 km² (1.8 sq mi)
Location in Isle of WightCowes sits where the marker shows within the county.
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 £315K across the area, and terraced houses are the most common property type, typically selling for £250K.
Crime and Anti-Social Behaviour in Cowes
Local crime rates sit broadly in line with national averages. Criminal damage & arson accounts for the highest share in Cowes, with 15 incidents logged in May 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.
Healthcare in Cowes
There are 2 GP surgeries within three miles of Cowes, the nearest being Cowes Medical Centre (0.4 miles away).
Local Data for Cowes
Dig deeper into the area around Cowes with our free postcode tools.
Property Prices 2,669 sales
Schools & Education 12 nearby View all schools
Ofsted ratings for schools in the PO31 postcode area.
Household Income in Cowes ONS 2023
The average total household income in Cowes is approximately £52,201 a year before tax, 6% below the national average of £55,302. After tax and benefits, the average disposable (net) household income is around £40,429. These are modelled estimates from the Office for National Statistics for the financial year ending 2023.
Net (after tax) household income averages £40,429.
Businesses in Cowes ONS 2025
There are approximately 600 active businesses based in Cowes, around 41 for every 1,000 residents. The local economy is dominated by small firms: about 88% are micro-businesses employing fewer than 10 people, while 14 are larger employers with 50 or more staff. Figures are from the Office for National Statistics UK Business Counts.
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.
Crime in Cowes 108 crimes · May 2026
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.
Crime figures depend on reporting by individual police forces and may not reflect the full picture in all areas.
Nearest Train Stations 6 stations
Location
Nearby Towns & Villages 12 found
Local Government
Home Ownership in Cowes
Of the 6,704 households in and around Cowes, 71% are owned, 7% are socially rented and 22% are privately rented. Home ownership here is higher than the England and Wales average of 63%.
Tenure from the 2021 Census (ONS), for the postcode districts covering Cowes.