Water on the map

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

43,096
Population
17,390
Households
5 / 10
Deprivation decile
Around average
12
Schools nearby
£46,204
Avg. household income
1,617
Businesses
541
People per km²
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About Water

Water is a small village located in Lancashire, England, within the BB4 postcode area. The village is surrounded by the natural beauty of the Lancashire countryside, making it an appealing spot for those who enjoy outdoor activities. The area is primarily residential, with a mix of traditional and modern homes.

Local amenities include a few shops and a pub, providing essential services to residents. The village is well-connected by road, allowing easy access to nearby towns and attractions. For those interested in exploring further afield, the larger town of Rawtenstall is just a short drive away, offering additional facilities and opportunities for leisure. Water serves as a quiet base for those looking to enjoy the surrounding landscape and community life.

School Ratings in Water

There are 81 schools in and around Water. Staghills Nursery School and St Mary's Roman Catholic Primary School, Haslingden are each rated Outstanding by Ofsted. A further 18 schools hold a Good rating.

House Prices in Water

The average property price is £207K, with terraced houses making up the majority of the housing stock at around £139K.

Crime and Anti-Social Behaviour in Water

Recorded crime levels are broadly in line with the national average. Anti-social behaviour is prevalent across Water, with 43 recorded incidents in May 2026.

Deprivation and Employment in Water

Water 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 broadly in line with the national average.

Healthcare in Water

There are 9 GP surgeries within three miles of Water, the nearest being Irwell Medical Practice (2.4 miles away).

Property Prices 6,278 sales

Average Price £207K
£100 , £6.38M
Detached £364K 1,186
Semi £212K 1,344
Terraced £139K 2,923
Flat £149K 385

Household Income in Water ONS 2023

The average total household income in Water is approximately £46,204 a year before tax, 16% below the national average of £55,302. After tax and benefits, the average disposable (net) household income is around £35,053. These are modelled estimates from the Office for National Statistics for the financial year ending 2023.

Water £46,204
England & Wales avg. £55,302

Net (after tax) household income averages £35,053.

Businesses in Water ONS 2025

There are approximately 1,617 active businesses based in Water, around 38 for every 1,000 residents. The local economy is dominated by small firms: about 88% are micro-businesses employing fewer than 10 people, while 20 are larger employers with 50 or more staff. Figures are from the Office for National Statistics UK Business Counts.

1,617 Total businesses
38 Per 1,000 residents
Micro, 0-9 88%
Small, 10-49 10%
Medium, 50-249 1%
Large, 250+ 1%

Deprivation and Employment in Water IMD 2025

Water 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.

Overall Deprivation
5/10
Income
6/10
Employment
5/10
Education
6/10
Health
4/10
Housing
4/10
Living Environment
3/10
Children 0-15 19%
Working age 61%
Older 65+ 20%
8,220 Children (0-15) 19%
26,438 Working Age 61%
8,429 Older (65+) 20%
Average Child Poverty (IDACI) 31.6% of children in income-deprived families
Average Older Person Poverty (IDAOPI) 17.2% 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 Water 253 crimes · May 2026

Average Crime Area

Reported crime levels in Water sit broadly in line with national averages for a town of this size. Violence & sexual offences accounts for the largest share of recorded offences. The profile is typical of a well-populated area with a mix of residential and commercial activity.

Violence & Sexual Offences 104
Anti-Social Behaviour 43
Shoplifting 28
Criminal Damage & Arson 19
Drugs 12
Public Order 11
Other Theft 10
Vehicle Crime 9
Burglary 8
Other Crime 5
Weapons 2
Robbery 1
Theft from Person 1
Local Policing
Lancashire Whitewell & Stacksteads 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

Burnley Manchester Road Train Station 4.2 miles
Rose Grove Train Station 4.6 miles
Burnley Central Train Station 4.7 miles
Burnley Barracks Train Station 4.8 miles
Hapton Train Station 5.1 miles
Huncoat Train Station 5.4 miles

Location

Local Government

District Rossendale
County Lancashire
Ward Hareholme
Constituency Rossendale and Darwen
Parish Rossendale, unparished area
Region North West

Home Ownership in Water

Of the 18,453 households in and around Water, 69% are owned, 14% are socially rented and 16% are privately rented. Home ownership here is higher than the England and Wales average of 63%.

Owned 69% Social rented 14% Private rented 16%

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

Frequently Asked Questions about Water

What is the population of Water?
Water has a population of approximately 43,096 residents, based on the latest census figures for the surrounding postcode area.
What is the average house price in Water?
The average property in and around Water sold for about £207,240, based on HM Land Registry Price Paid records. That is around 41% below the England and Wales average of £349,091.
Is Water a deprived area?
Water sits around the national average for deprivation, with an Index of Multiple Deprivation decile of 5 out of 10, where 1 is the most deprived and 10 the least deprived.
What postcodes cover Water?
Water is covered by the BB4 postcode district.
How many schools are there in Water?
There are 12 schools within easy reach of Water, spanning primary, secondary and other phases.
Where is the nearest train station to Water?
The nearest railway station to Water is Burnley Manchester Road Train Station, about 4.2 miles away.