Carnforth vs Ulverston
Which is better to live in? Distance: 13.8 miles apart.
The verdict
When it comes to cost of living, Ulverston wins on house prices with a 9% gap. Ulverston has the lower crime rate of the two. For families, Carnforth edges ahead on school quality.
Avg House Price
Carnforth
£312,342
Ulverston
£286,417
Crime Rate
Carnforth
73.3
Ulverston
17.4
Top-Two School Inspection Bands
Carnforth
100.0%
Ulverston
100.0%
Avg Download Speed
Carnforth
422.2
Ulverston
145.5
EPC Rating
Carnforth
67.1
Ulverston
67
Median Income
Carnforth
£32,519
Ulverston
£33,536
House Prices (2025)
Most affordable in North WestProperty in Carnforth commands an average of £312,342, compared with £286,417 in Ulverston – a difference of 9%. The most affordable entry point in Carnforth is a flat at £205,720, while in Ulverston it is a terraced at £194,862.
Average Price by Property Type (2025)
Biggest gap: flat homes are 11% pricier in Ulverston (£231,583 vs £205,720).
Price Trend (11 Years)
Over the last 9 years, Ulverston prices grew faster — 26% vs 18%.
Crime & Safety
Safest in North WestResidents of Ulverston experience less crime overall, with a rate of 17.4 per 1,000 versus 73.3 per 1,000 in Carnforth. The most common crime category in Carnforth is violent-crime, while in Ulverston it is violent-crime.
Crime Rate by Category (per 1,000 residents)
Both towns share the same top crime category: violent crime.
Schools & Education
Best for schools in North WestFamilies may prefer Carnforth, where 100% of schools are in the top two inspection bands versus 100% in Ulverston. There are 4 schools in Carnforth and 6 in Ulverston.
Carnforth School Inspection Breakdown
100% of 4 schools (3 primary, 1 secondary) sit in the top two inspection bands.
Ulverston School Inspection Breakdown
100% of 6 schools (5 primary, 1 secondary) sit in the top two inspection bands.
| Metric | Carnforth | Ulverston |
|---|---|---|
| Total Schools | 4 | 6 |
| Primary | 3 | 5 |
| Secondary | 1 | 1 |
| % Top two bands | 100% | 100% |
Broadband & Connectivity
Average broadband speeds are 422.2 Mbps in Carnforth and 145.5 Mbps in Ulverston. Superfast coverage (30 Mbps+) reaches 96.2% of premises in Carnforth and 84.8% in Ulverston. Gigabit availability stands at 81.9% in Carnforth and 17.9% in Ulverston.
Carnforth is the faster of the two by 190% on average download speed (422 vs 146 Mbps).
Energy Efficiency & Running Costs
Carnforth leads on energy efficiency with an average EPC score of 67.1 (C), while Ulverston averages 67 (C). Estimated annual energy costs average £1,592 in Carnforth and £1,677 in Ulverston. 48.2% of homes in Carnforth have an EPC rating of C or above, compared to 47.2% in Ulverston.
Carnforth has more energy-efficient housing — 48.2% reach band C or above, vs 47.2% in the other.
Demographics & Economy
Median household income is £33,536 in Ulverston and £32,518.8 in Carnforth. The median age is 47.1 in Carnforth and 48.2 in Ulverston. Owner-occupancy is 70.3% in Carnforth versus 71.4% in Ulverston. Employment rates stand at 55.6% in Carnforth and 56.8% in Ulverston.
| Indicator | Carnforth | Ulverston |
|---|---|---|
| Population | 5,852 | 11,219 |
| Median Age | 47.1 | 48.2 |
| Median Household Income | £32,518.8 | £33,536 |
| Employment Rate | 55.6% | 56.8% |
| Owner Occupied | 70.3% | 71.4% |
| Degree-Level Qualified | 32.1% | 32% |
Location
Common questions
Frequently asked questions
How far apart are Carnforth and Ulverston?
Which is cheaper to buy a house in, Carnforth or Ulverston?
Is Carnforth or Ulverston safer?
Which has better schools, Carnforth or Ulverston?
Which has faster broadband, Carnforth or Ulverston?
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