Lancaster on the map

Lancaster built-up area

Built-up area10.7 km² (4.1 sq mi)

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

78,904
Population
29,247
Households
6 / 10
Deprivation decile
Around average
12
Schools nearby
£47,917
Avg. household income
2,743
Businesses
166
People per km²
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About Lancaster

Lancaster is a city located in Lancashire, England, within the postcode area LA1. It is known for its historical significance, with landmarks such as Lancaster Castle, which dates back to the 11th century. The castle has played various roles throughout history, including serving as a court and a prison. The city also features the Ashton Memorial, an impressive Edwardian structure situated in Williamson Park, offering views over the surrounding area.

In addition to its historical sites, Lancaster has a lively cultural scene, with numerous galleries, theatres, and events throughout the year. The University of Lancaster contributes to the city's youthful atmosphere and academic environment. Visitors can enjoy a range of shops, cafes, and restaurants, making it a convenient place for both residents and tourists. The city is well-connected by public transport, making it easy to explore the wider region of Lancashire.

School Ratings in Lancaster

Families in Lancaster have access to 61 local schools. Appletree Children's Centre, Stepping Stones School and Ripley St Thomas Church of England Academy are each rated Outstanding by Ofsted. A further 17 schools hold a Good rating.

House Prices in Lancaster

Homes sell for an average of £235K locally. Most of the housing is made up of terraced houses, averaging £169K.

Crime and Anti-Social Behaviour in Lancaster

Crime in the area is broadly in line with the national average. Anti-social behaviour is the leading concern across Lancaster, with 82 incidents recorded in May 2026.

Deprivation and Employment in Lancaster

The 2025 Index of Multiple Deprivation places Lancaster around the national average for deprivation. Employment rates locally are in line with what is seen across England. Average incomes in the area are typical for England.

Healthcare in Lancaster

There are 13 GP surgeries within three miles of Lancaster, the nearest being Queen Square Medical Practice (0.1 miles away).

Property Prices 10,991 sales

Average Price £235K
£100 , £15.41M
Detached £386K 1,977
Semi £214K 3,009
Terraced £169K 4,034
Flat £129K 1,394

Household Income in Lancaster ONS 2023

The average total household income in Lancaster is approximately £47,917 a year before tax, 13% below the national average of £55,302. After tax and benefits, the average disposable (net) household income is around £35,755. These are modelled estimates from the Office for National Statistics for the financial year ending 2023.

Lancaster £47,917
England & Wales avg. £55,302

Net (after tax) household income averages £35,755.

Businesses in Lancaster ONS 2025

There are approximately 2,743 active businesses based in Lancaster, around 35 for every 1,000 residents. The local economy is dominated by small firms: about 88% are micro-businesses employing fewer than 10 people, while 53 are larger employers with 50 or more staff. Figures are from the Office for National Statistics UK Business Counts.

2,743 Total businesses
35 Per 1,000 residents
Micro, 0-9 88%
Small, 10-49 10%
Medium, 50-249 2%
Large, 250+ 0%

Deprivation and Employment in Lancaster IMD 2025

Deprivation levels in Lancaster 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
6/10
Income
6/10
Employment
6/10
Education
6/10
Health
4/10
Housing
8/10
Living Environment
4/10
Children 0-15 15%
Working age 67%
Older 65+ 18%
12,157 Children (0-15) 15%
53,146 Working Age 67%
13,617 Older (65+) 17%
Average Child Poverty (IDACI) 32.3% of children in income-deprived families
Average Older Person Poverty (IDAOPI) 19.2% 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 Lancaster 421 crimes · May 2026

Average Crime Area

Crime in Lancaster is around the national average, with violence & sexual offences representing the most common offence type. These figures are characteristic of a town with an active centre and diverse population, and are neither unusually high nor particularly low.

Violence & Sexual Offences 163
Anti-Social Behaviour 82
Criminal Damage & Arson 38
Shoplifting 33
Public Order 29
Other Theft 25
Burglary 12
Drugs 9
Vehicle Crime 9
Other Crime 8
Weapons 5
Bicycle Theft 4
Robbery 2
Theft from Person 2
Local Policing
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 5 stations

Bare Lane Train Station 2.4 miles
Morecambe Train Station 3.3 miles
Heysham Port Train Station 4.6 miles
Carnforth Train Station 5.9 miles
Silverdale Train Station 8.4 miles

Location

Local Government

District Lancaster
County Lancashire
Ward Castle
Constituency Lancaster and Fleetwood
Parish Lancaster, unparished area
Region North West

Home Ownership in Lancaster

Of the 31,297 households in and around Lancaster, 65% are owned, 13% are socially rented and 22% are privately rented. Home ownership here is in line with the England and Wales average of 63%.

Owned 65% Social rented 13% Private rented 22%

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

Frequently Asked Questions about Lancaster

What is the population of Lancaster?
Lancaster has a population of approximately 78,904 residents, based on the latest census figures for the surrounding postcode area.
What is the average house price in Lancaster?
The average property in and around Lancaster sold for about £234,869, based on HM Land Registry Price Paid records. That is around 33% below the England and Wales average of £349,091.
Is Lancaster a deprived area?
Lancaster sits around the national average for deprivation, with an Index of Multiple Deprivation decile of 6 out of 10, where 1 is the most deprived and 10 the least deprived.
What postcodes cover Lancaster?
Lancaster is covered by the LA1, LA2 postcode districts.
How many schools are there in Lancaster?
There are 12 schools within easy reach of Lancaster, spanning primary, secondary and other phases.
Where is the nearest train station to Lancaster?
The nearest railway station to Lancaster is Bare Lane Train Station, about 2.4 miles away.