Waterside on the map

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

33,285
Population
14,813
Households
4 / 10
Deprivation decile
Around average
12
Schools nearby
£44,353
Avg. household income
1,157
Businesses
745
People per km²
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About Waterside

Waterside is a small area located in Lancashire, England, within the BB3 postcode area. It is primarily a residential community, offering a range of local amenities for residents. The area features several parks and green spaces, providing opportunities for outdoor activities and relaxation.

The nearby town of Darwen is easily accessible, offering additional shopping and dining options. Waterside is well-connected by public transport, making it convenient for commuting to larger cities in the region. The local schools cater to families, contributing to a community-oriented atmosphere. Overall, Waterside presents a practical choice for those seeking a quiet place to live while remaining close to urban conveniences.

School Ratings in Waterside

Waterside is served by 152 schools. Turncroft Nursery School is rated Outstanding by Ofsted. A further 14 schools hold a Good rating.

House Prices in Waterside

Property prices average £160K across the area, and terraced houses are the most common property type, typically selling for £106K.

Crime and Anti-Social Behaviour in Waterside

Local crime rates sit broadly in line with national averages. Anti-social behaviour accounts for the highest share in Waterside, with 39 incidents logged in April 2026.

Deprivation and Employment in Waterside

Based on the 2025 Index of Multiple Deprivation, Waterside 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 Waterside

There are 28 GP surgeries within three miles of Waterside, the nearest being Darwen Healthcare (1.7 miles away).

Property Prices 6,219 sales

Average Price £160K
£100 , £8.51M
Detached £268K 1,117
Semi £172K 1,160
Terraced £106K 3,455
Flat £93K 154

Household Income in Waterside ONS 2023

The average total household income in Waterside is approximately £44,353 a year before tax, 20% below the national average of £55,302. After tax and benefits, the average disposable (net) household income is around £33,900. These are modelled estimates from the Office for National Statistics for the financial year ending 2023.

Waterside £44,353
England & Wales avg. £55,302

Net (after tax) household income averages £33,900.

Businesses in Waterside ONS 2025

There are approximately 1,157 active businesses based in Waterside, around 35 for every 1,000 residents. The local economy is dominated by small firms: about 89% 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.

1,157 Total businesses
35 Per 1,000 residents
Micro, 0-9 89%
Small, 10-49 10%
Medium, 50-249 1%
Large, 250+ 0%

Deprivation and Employment in Waterside IMD 2025

The 2025 Index of Multiple Deprivation places Waterside 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
4/10
Income
5/10
Employment
5/10
Education
5/10
Health
4/10
Housing
5/10
Living Environment
4/10
Children 0-15 18%
Working age 63%
Older 65+ 19%
6,105 Children (0-15) 18%
21,119 Working Age 63%
6,053 Older (65+) 18%
Average Child Poverty (IDACI) 35.6% of children in income-deprived families
Average Older Person Poverty (IDAOPI) 15.8% 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 Waterside 258 crimes · April 2026

Average Crime Area

Waterside 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 town.

Violence & Sexual Offences 112
Anti-Social Behaviour 39
Criminal Damage & Arson 22
Burglary 17
Public Order 17
Other Theft 13
Drugs 9
Other Crime 9
Weapons 7
Shoplifting 7
Vehicle Crime 5
Robbery 1
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 6 stations

Darwen Train Station 1.5 miles
Blackburn Train Station 3.3 miles
Church And Oswaldtwistle Train Station 3.5 miles
Mill Hill (Lancs) Train Station 3.6 miles
Entwistle Train Station 3.6 miles
Cherry Tree Train Station 3.9 miles

Location

Local Government

District Blackburn with Darwen
Ward Darwen West
Constituency Rossendale and Darwen
Parish Darwen
Region North West

Home Ownership in Waterside

Of the 14,814 households in and around Waterside, 65% are owned, 12% are socially rented and 23% are privately rented. Home ownership here is in line with the England and Wales average of 63%.

Owned 65% Social rented 12% Private rented 23%

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

Frequently Asked Questions about Waterside

What is the population of Waterside?
Waterside has a population of approximately 33,285 residents, based on the latest census figures for the surrounding postcode area.
What is the average house price in Waterside?
The average property in and around Waterside sold for about £160,407, based on HM Land Registry Price Paid records. That is around 54% below the England and Wales average of £349,091.
Is Waterside a deprived area?
Waterside sits around the national average for deprivation, with an Index of Multiple Deprivation decile of 4 out of 10, where 1 is the most deprived and 10 the least deprived.
What postcodes cover Waterside?
Waterside is covered by the BB3 postcode district.
How many schools are there in Waterside?
There are 12 schools within easy reach of Waterside, spanning primary, secondary and other phases.
Where is the nearest train station to Waterside?
The nearest railway station to Waterside is Darwen Train Station, about 1.5 miles away.