Carnforth on the map
Built-up area1.8 km² (0.7 sq mi)
Location in LancashireCarnforth sits where the marker shows within the county.
About Carnforth
Carnforth is a small town in Lancashire, England, located within the LA5 postcode area. It lies along the West Coast Main Line, making it a notable stop for rail travellers. The town has a long history connected to the railway, with Carnforth railway station serving as a key junction. The station itself is well known for its role in the 1970s film *The Railway Children*, which was filmed on location in the area. Carnforth is situated near the border with Cumbria, and the surrounding landscape features rolling countryside typical of the region. The town has a mix of residential properties and local amenities, including shops and community facilities. Its proximity to the Lake District and the Pennines makes it a convenient base for exploring the wider area.
School Ratings in Carnforth
There are 28 schools in and around Carnforth. Bleasdale School is rated Outstanding by Ofsted. A further 7 schools hold a Good rating.
House Prices in Carnforth
The average property price is £300K, with detached homes making up the majority of the housing stock at around £406K.
Crime and Anti-Social Behaviour in Carnforth
Recorded crime levels are lower than the national average. Burglary is prevalent across Carnforth, with 2 recorded incidents in April 2026.
Deprivation and Employment in Carnforth
Carnforth 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 generally above the national average.
Healthcare in Carnforth
There are 2 GP surgeries within three miles of Carnforth, the nearest being Ash Trees Surgery (0.2 miles away).
Local Data for Carnforth
Dig deeper into the area around Carnforth with our free postcode tools.
Property Prices 5,138 sales
Schools & Education 12 nearby View all schools
Ofsted ratings for schools in the LA5 postcode area.
Household Income in Carnforth ONS 2023
The average total household income in Carnforth is approximately £47,132 a year before tax, 15% below the national average of £55,302. After tax and benefits, the average disposable (net) household income is around £35,758. These are modelled estimates from the Office for National Statistics for the financial year ending 2023.
Net (after tax) household income averages £35,758.
Businesses in Carnforth ONS 2025
There are approximately 1,648 active businesses based in Carnforth, around 58 for every 1,000 residents. The local economy is dominated by small firms: about 90% are micro-businesses employing fewer than 10 people, while 25 are larger employers with 50 or more staff. Figures are from the Office for National Statistics UK Business Counts.
Deprivation and Employment in Carnforth IMD 2025
Carnforth 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.
Crime in Carnforth 18 crimes · April 2026
Carnforth 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 town with a strong sense of community.
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 Carnforth
Of the 12,853 households in and around Carnforth, 80% are owned, 6% are socially rented and 14% 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 Carnforth.