Wakefield is a district in West Yorkshire, covering an area of around 340 square kilometres. It includes the city of Wakefield, along with towns such as Pontefract, Castleford, and Knottingley. The district is located along the River Calder and has a mix of urban and rural landscapes, including farmland and woodland. Its industrial heritage is tied to coal mining and textiles, though many former mining sites have been repurposed.
The area is known for landmarks like the Hepworth Wakefield art gallery and the historic Pontefract Castle. Transport links include the M1 and M62 motorways, as well as rail connections to Leeds and Sheffield. Wakefield district has a population of around 350,000, with a mix of residential, commercial, and green spaces. The region also hosts events like the Pontefract Liquorice Festival, reflecting local traditions.
On average Wakefield has high deprivation and high crime levels, with around 142 crimes per 1,000 residents per year. Approximately 19.1% of homes in this area are social housing provided by a local council or housing association. The average income of residents in Wakefield is £40,148 per year. There are 159 schools in Wakefield: 113 primary (10 Outstanding and 88 Good) and 18 secondary (4 Outstanding and 11 Good).
Ackworth, North Elmsall and Upton
Airedale and Ferry Fryston
Altofts and Whitwood
Castleford Central and Glasshoughton
Crofton, Ryhill and Walton
Featherstone
Hemsworth
Horbury and South Ossett
Knottingley
Normanton
Ossett
Pontefract North
Pontefract South
South Elmsall and South Kirkby
Stanley and Outwood East
Wakefield East
Wakefield North
Wakefield Rural
Wakefield South
Wakefield West
Wrenthorpe and Outwood West