Thornton Watlass on the map

Location in North YorkshireThornton Watlass sits where the marker shows within the county.

25,366
Population
10,933
Households
7 / 10
Deprivation decile
Around average
12
Schools nearby
£51,530
Avg. household income
1,403
Businesses
75
People per km²
Create a free area profile for Thornton WatlassDownload or embed an infographic of these statistics

About Thornton Watlass

Thornton Watlass is a small village located in North Yorkshire, England, within the HG4 postcode area. It is situated approximately five miles from the market town of Bedale and is surrounded by the scenic countryside typical of this region. The village features a mix of traditional stone-built houses and modern residences, reflecting its development over the years.

The community is primarily residential, offering a peaceful environment for its inhabitants. Local amenities are limited, but nearby Bedale provides a range of shops, cafes, and services. The area is also well-suited for outdoor activities, with numerous walking routes available for those who wish to explore the surrounding landscapes. Thornton Watlass serves as a quiet retreat for those looking to escape the busier urban centres.

School Ratings in Thornton Watlass

Thornton Watlass is served by 13 schools. A further 8 schools hold a Good rating.

House Prices in Thornton Watlass

Property prices average £343K across the area, and detached homes are the most common property type, typically selling for £467K.

Crime and Anti-Social Behaviour in Thornton Watlass

Local crime rates sit lower than national averages. Anti-social behaviour accounts for the highest share in Thornton Watlass, with 8 incidents logged in April 2026.

Deprivation and Employment in Thornton Watlass

Based on the 2025 Index of Multiple Deprivation, Thornton Watlass falls within the mid-range nationally for overall deprivation. The area benefits from strong employment, with few residents involuntarily out of work. Income levels across the area tend to be higher than the national average.

Healthcare in Thornton Watlass

There is 1 GP surgery within three miles of Thornton Watlass, the nearest being Glebe House Surgery (2.4 miles away).

Property Prices 3,852 sales

Average Price £343K
£500 , £12.01M
Detached £467K 1,214
Semi £271K 895
Terraced £229K 930
Flat £209K 496

Household Income in Thornton Watlass ONS 2023

The average total household income in Thornton Watlass is approximately £51,530 a year before tax, 7% below the national average of £55,302. After tax and benefits, the average disposable (net) household income is around £40,299. These are modelled estimates from the Office for National Statistics for the financial year ending 2023.

Thornton Watlass £51,530
England & Wales avg. £55,302

Net (after tax) household income averages £40,299.

Businesses in Thornton Watlass ONS 2025

There are approximately 1,403 active businesses based in Thornton Watlass, around 55 for every 1,000 residents. The local economy is dominated by small firms: about 90% are micro-businesses employing fewer than 10 people, while 15 are larger employers with 50 or more staff. Figures are from the Office for National Statistics UK Business Counts.

1,403 Total businesses
55 Per 1,000 residents
Micro, 0-9 90%
Small, 10-49 8%
Medium, 50-249 1%
Large, 250+ 1%

Deprivation and Employment in Thornton Watlass IMD 2025

The 2025 Index of Multiple Deprivation places Thornton Watlass 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
7/10
Income
8/10
Employment
8/10
Education
7/10
Health
8/10
Housing
4/10
Living Environment
4/10
Children 0-15 16%
Working age 58%
Older 65+ 26%
4,136 Children (0-15) 16%
14,664 Working Age 58%
6,565 Older (65+) 26%
Above Average Child Poverty (IDACI) 19.6% of children in income-deprived families
Above Average Older Person Poverty (IDAOPI) 9.6% 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 Thornton Watlass 36 crimes · April 2026

Low Crime Area

Reported crime in Thornton Watlass falls below the national average, suggesting a comparatively safe environment. Violence & sexual offences tops the list of recorded incidents, but figures are low overall. Residents and visitors alike tend to find this a quiet and reassuring town.

Violence & Sexual Offences 18
Anti-Social Behaviour 8
Shoplifting 5
Public Order 4
Other Theft 1
Local Policing
North Yorkshire Bedale 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 1 stations

Northallerton Train Station 9.3 miles

Location

Local Government

District Harrogate
County North Yorkshire
Ward Ripon Ure Bank
Constituency Skipton and Ripon
Parish Ripon
Region Yorkshire and The Humber

Home Ownership in Thornton Watlass

Of the 11,080 households in and around Thornton Watlass, 67% are owned, 12% are socially rented and 20% are privately rented. Home ownership here is higher than the England and Wales average of 63%.

Owned 67% Social rented 12% Private rented 20%

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

Frequently Asked Questions about Thornton Watlass

What is the population of Thornton Watlass?
Thornton Watlass has a population of approximately 25,366 residents, based on the latest census figures for the surrounding postcode area.
What is the average house price in Thornton Watlass?
The average property in and around Thornton Watlass sold for about £342,947, based on HM Land Registry Price Paid records. That is close to the England and Wales average of £349,091.
Is Thornton Watlass a deprived area?
Thornton Watlass sits around the national average for deprivation, with an Index of Multiple Deprivation decile of 7 out of 10, where 1 is the most deprived and 10 the least deprived.
What postcodes cover Thornton Watlass?
Thornton Watlass is covered by the HG4 postcode district.
How many schools are there in Thornton Watlass?
There are 12 schools within easy reach of Thornton Watlass, spanning primary, secondary and other phases.
Where is the nearest train station to Thornton Watlass?
The nearest railway station to Thornton Watlass is Northallerton Train Station, about 9.3 miles away.