Waterside DEA area guide: crime, schools & data

29,045

Population

63.8

Crimes /1,000 (2024/25)

30/80

Income deprivation rank

Schools

Is Waterside a safe area?

63.8

crimes per 1,000 people · 2024/25

↑ 27% above NI average (50.4)

1,854 crimes were recorded in 2024/25, and the overall rate has been stable over recent years. Source: PSNI recorded crime.

Waterside NI averagecrimes per 1,000 people

Most common crime types

Violence without injury

401 · 22%

Criminal damage

280 · 15%

Violence with injury (including homicide & death/serious injury by unlawful driving)

261 · 14%

How affluent is Waterside?

Most deprivedLeast deprived

30 of 80

income deprivation rank · Moderate deprivation

Rank 1 is the most deprived area in Northern Ireland. Source: NI Multiple Deprivation Measure (NIMDM), income domain.

Who lives in Waterside?

Age profile

Under 15 20%15–64 64%65+ 16%

NISRA Census 2021

Community background

Catholic 50%Protestant & other Christian 42%Other or none 8%

“Religion or religion brought up in”, NISRA Census 2021.

Health

78%

report good or very good general health

NISRA Census 2021

Homes and work

40% live in semi-detached · 59% owner-occupied

55% of adults are in employment · 34% hold degree-level qualifications

Most common commute: driving a car or van (63%)

What schools are near Waterside?

The area has 14 schools serving 5,135 pupils, including 1 grammar school. Source: Department of Education.

Primary 8Post-primary 2Nursery 2Pre-school 2

Who is Waterside good for?

Families20% under 15 · 14 schools

Professionals34% hold a degree-level qualification

Commuters63% commute by car

Waterside: frequently asked questions

Is Waterside a safe area?

Waterside recorded 1,854 crimes in 2024/25, a rate of 63.8 per 1,000 people, which is 27% above the Northern Ireland average (50.4 per 1,000). Crime has been stable over recent years. Source: PSNI recorded crime statistics.

Is Waterside an affluent area?

Waterside ranks 30 out of 80 Northern Ireland areas for income deprivation (rank 1 is most deprived), indicating moderate deprivation. Source: NI Multiple Deprivation Measure.

What is the community background of Waterside?

In the 2021 Census, 50% of residents were Catholic or brought up Catholic, 42% were Protestant or other Christian, and 8% reported another religion or none. Source: NISRA Census 2021.

What schools are near Waterside?

The area has 14 schools with 5,135 pupils, including 1 grammar school. Source: Department of Education school census.

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Sources: PSNI recorded crime statistics · NISRA Census 2021 · NI Multiple Deprivation Measure 2017 · Department of Education · Ofcom Connected Nations. Last updated 2026-07-02. Data is provided for information only; always verify independently.