Scotforth on the map

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

53,140
Population
20,582
Households
6 / 10
Deprivation decile
Around average
12
Schools nearby
£46,978
Avg. household income
1,382
Businesses
1,010
People per km²
Create a free area profile for ScotforthDownload or embed an infographic of these statistics

About Scotforth

Scotforth is a suburb located in the city of Lancaster, Lancashire, England. It is situated to the south of the city centre and is primarily residential, featuring a mix of modern housing and older properties. The area is well-served by local amenities, including shops, schools, and parks, making it a convenient place for families and individuals alike.

Transport links in Scotforth are good, with easy access to bus services that connect to Lancaster and surrounding areas. The proximity to the University of Lancaster also makes it an appealing location for students and staff. Additionally, the scenic countryside is not far away, offering opportunities for outdoor activities and walks. Overall, Scotforth provides a practical and comfortable living environment within reach of urban conveniences.

School Ratings in Scotforth

Scotforth is served by 61 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 Scotforth

Property prices average £204K across the area, and terraced houses are the most common property type, typically selling for £162K.

Crime and Anti-Social Behaviour in Scotforth

Local crime rates sit higher than national averages. Anti-social behaviour accounts for the highest share in Scotforth, with 100 incidents logged in May 2026.

Deprivation and Employment in Scotforth

Based on the 2025 Index of Multiple Deprivation, Scotforth 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 Scotforth

There are 11 GP surgeries within three miles of Scotforth, the nearest being Chg The Lancaster Private Hospital (1 miles away).

Property Prices 7,579 sales

Average Price £204K
£1K , £15.41M
Detached £362K 788
Semi £199K 2,058
Terraced £162K 3,275
Flat £130K 1,166

Household Income in Scotforth ONS 2023

The average total household income in Scotforth is approximately £46,978 a year before tax, 15% below the national average of £55,302. After tax and benefits, the average disposable (net) household income is around £35,338. These are modelled estimates from the Office for National Statistics for the financial year ending 2023.

Scotforth £46,978
England & Wales avg. £55,302

Net (after tax) household income averages £35,338.

Businesses in Scotforth ONS 2025

There are approximately 1,382 active businesses based in Scotforth, around 26 for every 1,000 residents. The local economy is dominated by small firms: about 85% are micro-businesses employing fewer than 10 people, while 36 are larger employers with 50 or more staff. Figures are from the Office for National Statistics UK Business Counts.

1,382 Total businesses
26 Per 1,000 residents
Micro, 0-9 85%
Small, 10-49 12%
Medium, 50-249 2%
Large, 250+ 1%

Deprivation and Employment in Scotforth IMD 2025

The 2025 Index of Multiple Deprivation places Scotforth 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
4/10
Housing
8/10
Living Environment
4/10
Children 0-15 17%
Working age 69%
Older 65+ 14%
8,838 Children (0-15) 17%
36,574 Working Age 69%
7,736 Older (65+) 15%
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 Scotforth 509 crimes · May 2026

High Crime Area

Reported crime in Scotforth is above the national average when measured per capita. Violence & sexual offences dominates the figures, a trend mirrored in many urban centres. Local policing teams work actively in the area, and community initiatives continue to address key concerns.

Violence & Sexual Offences 192
Anti-Social Behaviour 100
Criminal Damage & Arson 43
Shoplifting 42
Public Order 33
Other Theft 29
Burglary 17
Vehicle Crime 14
Drugs 11
Other Crime 11
Bicycle Theft 6
Weapons 5
Robbery 3
Theft from Person 3
Local Policing
Lancashire Scotforth East 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 5 stations

Bare Lane Train Station 3.8 miles
Morecambe Train Station 4.5 miles
Heysham Port Train Station 5.2 miles
Carnforth Train Station 7 miles
Silverdale Train Station 9.6 miles

Location

Local Government

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

Home Ownership in Scotforth

Of the 21,921 households in and around Scotforth, 59% are owned, 16% are socially rented and 25% are privately rented. Home ownership here is lower than the England and Wales average of 63%.

Owned 59% Social rented 16% Private rented 25%

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

Frequently Asked Questions about Scotforth

What is the population of Scotforth?
Scotforth has a population of approximately 53,140 residents, based on the latest census figures for the surrounding postcode area.
What is the average house price in Scotforth?
The average property in and around Scotforth sold for about £203,689, based on HM Land Registry Price Paid records. That is around 42% below the England and Wales average of £349,091.
Is Scotforth a deprived area?
Scotforth 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 Scotforth?
Scotforth is covered by the LA1 postcode district.
How many schools are there in Scotforth?
There are 12 schools within easy reach of Scotforth, spanning primary, secondary and other phases.
Where is the nearest train station to Scotforth?
The nearest railway station to Scotforth is Bare Lane Train Station, about 3.8 miles away.