Ilkley on the map

Ilkley built-up area

Built-up area4.7 km² (1.8 sq mi)

Location in West YorkshireIlkley sits where the marker shows within the county.

33,490
Population
13,715
Households
9 / 10
Deprivation decile
Among least deprived
12
Schools nearby
£60,341
Avg. household income
1,577
Businesses
442
People per km²
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About Ilkley

Ilkley is a town located in West Yorkshire, England, within the LS29 postcode area. It sits at the foot of the famous Ilkley Moor, which offers various walking trails and scenic views of the surrounding landscape. The town is known for its historic architecture, including the Victorian-era buildings that line the main streets. Ilkley also features a range of shops, cafes, and restaurants, catering to both locals and visitors.

The town is home to the Ilkley Literature Festival, which attracts authors and literary enthusiasts from across the country each year. Additionally, the local railway station provides convenient access to nearby cities such as Leeds and Bradford, making it an ideal spot for day trips. Ilkley's proximity to nature and its community events contribute to its appeal as a destination for those looking to explore the Yorkshire countryside.

School Ratings in Ilkley

Families in Ilkley have access to 34 local schools. Addingham Primary School and Burley and Woodhead CofE Primary School are each rated Outstanding by Ofsted. A further 5 schools hold a Good rating.

House Prices in Ilkley

Homes sell for an average of £441K locally. Most of the housing is made up of detached homes, averaging £650K.

Crime and Anti-Social Behaviour in Ilkley

Crime in the area is lower than the national average. Anti-social behaviour is the leading concern across Ilkley, with 14 incidents recorded in May 2026.

Deprivation and Employment in Ilkley

The 2025 Index of Multiple Deprivation places Ilkley among the least deprived neighbourhoods in England. Working-age employment in the area is well above the national average. Residents in the area generally earn above the national average.

Healthcare in Ilkley

There are 7 GP surgeries within three miles of Ilkley, the nearest being I G Medical (0.4 miles away).

Property Prices 5,893 sales

Average Price £441K
£500 , £15.24M
Detached £650K 1,563
Semi £403K 1,260
Terraced £356K 1,404
Flat £248K 1,427

Household Income in Ilkley ONS 2023

The average total household income in Ilkley is approximately £60,341 a year before tax, 9% above the national average of £55,302. After tax and benefits, the average disposable (net) household income is around £46,386. These are modelled estimates from the Office for National Statistics for the financial year ending 2023.

Ilkley £60,341
England & Wales avg. £55,302

Net (after tax) household income averages £46,386.

Businesses in Ilkley ONS 2025

There are approximately 1,577 active businesses based in Ilkley, around 47 for every 1,000 residents. The local economy is dominated by small firms: about 92% 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.

1,577 Total businesses
47 Per 1,000 residents
Micro, 0-9 92%
Small, 10-49 7%
Medium, 50-249 1%
Large, 250+ 0%

Deprivation and Employment in Ilkley IMD 2025

According to the 2025 Index of Multiple Deprivation, Ilkley experiences very low levels of deprivation. The local economy supports strong employment and incomes are above the national average. Access to services, education and healthcare in the area is generally good.

Overall Deprivation
9/10
Income
9/10
Employment
9/10
Education
9/10
Health
8/10
Housing
7/10
Living Environment
5/10
Children 0-15 17%
Working age 55%
Older 65+ 28%
5,723 Children (0-15) 17%
18,570 Working Age 55%
9,204 Older (65+) 27%
Above Average Child Poverty (IDACI) 9.8% of children in income-deprived families
Above Average Older Person Poverty (IDAOPI) 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 Ilkley 90 crimes · May 2026

Low Crime Area

Crime levels in Ilkley are lower than the England and Wales average. While violence & sexual offences is the most frequently recorded category, the overall picture is one of a settled and secure town where serious incidents remain uncommon.

Violence & Sexual Offences 27
Anti-Social Behaviour 14
Shoplifting 13
Burglary 10
Other Theft 8
Vehicle Crime 6
Public Order 5
Drugs 3
Criminal Damage & Arson 2
Robbery 1
Other Crime 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

Ilkley Train Station 0.2 miles
Ben Rhydding Train Station 1.3 miles
Menston Train Station 4.3 miles
Crossflatts Train Station 4.6 miles
Keighley Train Station 4.9 miles
Steeton And Silsden Train Station 5.1 miles

Location

Local Government

District Bradford
County North Yorkshire
Ward Ilkley
Constituency Keighley
Parish Ilkley
Region Yorkshire and The Humber

Home Ownership in Ilkley

Of the 14,862 households in and around Ilkley, 80% are owned, 7% are socially rented and 13% are privately rented. Home ownership here is higher than the England and Wales average of 63%.

Owned 80% Social rented 7% Private rented 13%

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

Frequently Asked Questions about Ilkley

What is the population of Ilkley?
Ilkley has a population of approximately 33,490 residents, based on the latest census figures for the surrounding postcode area.
What is the average house price in Ilkley?
The average property in and around Ilkley sold for about £441,036, based on HM Land Registry Price Paid records. That is around 26% above the England and Wales average of £349,091.
Is Ilkley a deprived area?
Ilkley sits among the least deprived areas in England, with an Index of Multiple Deprivation decile of 9 out of 10, where 1 is the most deprived and 10 the least deprived.
What postcodes cover Ilkley?
Ilkley is covered by the LS29 postcode district.
How many schools are there in Ilkley?
There are 12 schools within easy reach of Ilkley, spanning primary, secondary and other phases.
Where is the nearest train station to Ilkley?
The nearest railway station to Ilkley is Ilkley Train Station, about 0.2 miles away.