Map shows part of the UK where you’re most likely to earn less

New research has revealed the lowest earning parts of the UK and if you live in one of these places, you could be earning below the national average.

The latest research by Reach Data Unit shows that earnings across the UK are up, but wages outside of London and its surrounding areas are behind the national average.

In the UK, the average salary is £37,430 according to the Office for National Statistics – up 6.9% from 2023.

The lowest earning place in the UK is Pendle, Lancashire, with an average salary of £28,945. 

In second place is Blackburn with Darwen which has an average salary of £29,153, followed by Boston at £29,503.

Across the UK, there has been a general increase in average salary levels, the research found. 

However, despite the increase, people living in more than half (55%) of the council areas in England, Scotland and Wales earn less than the national average. Local authority-level figures aren’t available for Northern Ireland.

According to the research, the 10 lowest earning places in England are:

Pendle: £28,945

Blackburn with Darwen UA: £29,153

Boston: £29,503

Leicester UA: £29,839

Nottingham UA: £29,983

Denbighshire / Sir Ddinbych: £30,112

Gwynedd / Gwynedd: £30,431

Stoke-on-Trent UA: £30,520

Kingston upon Hull UA: £30,586

Redcar and Cleveland UA: £30,595

The research also revealed the 10 highest-earning local authorities:

Richmond upon Thames: £56,048

St Albans: £53,829

Kensington and Chelsea: £52,622