Heat Pump Adoption by UK County: The Full Interactive Map
Heat pump adoption varies enormously across the UK — from Cornwall at 6-7% household penetration to some inner London boroughs at under 1%. This interactive map and data analysis shows exactly where heat pumps are being installed, which areas are leading, which are lagging, and what drives the difference. Find your county and see how it compares.
County-level data reveals patterns that regional averages hide. Within the same region, neighbouring counties can have dramatically different adoption rates — reflecting differences in housing stock, gas grid coverage, installer availability, council activity, and demographic factors. This granular view is essential for understanding the UK's heat pump transition and identifying where targeted support is most needed.
Our data combines MCS installation records, Ofgem BUS grant data, and ONS housing statistics to build the most comprehensive county-level picture available. For the regional summary, see our UK Renewable Heating Scorecard. For individual cost estimates, try our calculator.
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National Overview
3.2%
national average penetration
6-7%
highest county (Cornwall)
<1%
lowest areas (inner London)
6-7x
variation between highest and lowest
Top 20 Counties by Heat Pump Adoption Rate
| Rank | County/Area | Region | HP Penetration | Key Driver |
|---|---|---|---|---|
| 1 | Cornwall | South West | 6.8% | Off-gas-grid, community schemes |
| 2 | Devon | South West | 5.9% | Rural, strong installer network |
| 3 | Orkney & Shetland | Scotland | 5.7% | No gas grid, grants |
| 4 | Highland | Scotland | 5.5% | HES grants, oil replacement |
| 5 | Somerset | South West | 5.2% | Rural, council programmes |
| 6 | Dorset | South West | 5.0% | Affluent, off-grid areas |
| 7 | Argyll & Bute | Scotland | 4.9% | Island/rural, HES grants |
| 8 | Powys | Wales | 4.8% | Rural Wales, oil replacement |
| 9 | Norfolk | East of England | 4.6% | Rural, off-gas areas |
| 10 | Suffolk | East of England | 4.5% | Oil heating replacement |
| 11 | Herefordshire | West Midlands | 4.4% | Rural, off-grid |
| 12 | Wiltshire | South West | 4.3% | Mix of rural and affluent |
| 13 | Cumbria | North West | 4.2% | Oil replacement, rural |
| 14 | Dumfries & Galloway | Scotland | 4.1% | HES grants, rural |
| 15 | Ceredigion | Wales | 4.0% | Off-grid, Nest scheme |
| 16 | Gloucestershire | South West | 3.9% | Cotswolds affluence |
| 17 | Lincolnshire | East Midlands | 3.8% | Rural, off-grid |
| 18 | Oxfordshire | South East | 3.7% | Affluent, awareness |
| 19 | Northumberland | North East | 3.6% | Rural, oil replacement |
| 20 | Fife | Scotland | 3.5% | HES grants, council support |
Data from MCS installations and ONS housing statistics. Penetration = heat pumps as % of total households.
Counties with Lowest Adoption
The lowest adoption areas share common characteristics: urban, gas-grid-connected, with high proportions of flats and terraced housing.
| Area | HP Penetration | Key Challenge |
|---|---|---|
| Tower Hamlets | 0.3% | Dense urban, high flats proportion |
| Hackney | 0.4% | Conservation areas, flats |
| Newham | 0.4% | Social housing, affordability |
| Southwark | 0.5% | Council housing estates |
| Lambeth | 0.5% | Victorian terraces, flats |
| Middlesbrough | 0.7% | Affordability, awareness |
| Knowsley | 0.8% | Affordability, social housing |
| Stoke-on-Trent | 0.9% | Affordability, older housing |
What Drives County-Level Variation
Statistical analysis reveals the strongest predictors of county-level adoption:
- Off-gas-grid proportion (strongest predictor): Counties with more off-gas homes have 2-3x higher adoption
- Average household income: Higher-income areas adopt faster (even with grants, the out-of-pocket cost is a barrier)
- Installer density: More local installers = shorter waits = higher uptake
- Council programme activity: Active councils measurably boost local adoption
- Housing type mix: More detached and semi-detached houses = easier installation = higher adoption
South West Counties
The South West dominates the national rankings with Cornwall, Devon, Somerset, Dorset, Wiltshire, and Gloucestershire all in the top 20. The region benefits from the highest proportion of off-gas-grid homes in England, an early-mover installer community, and exceptionally active community energy groups. For homeowners in the South West, finding installers is relatively easy through our quote service.
Scottish Counties
Scotland's strong performance is driven by the Home Energy Scotland scheme, which provides grants up to £7,500 plus interest-free loans up to £9,000. Highland, island, and rural authorities lead, with urban Scotland (Glasgow, Edinburgh) showing more moderate but growing adoption. See our Scottish heat pump revolution report.
Midlands Counties
The Midlands shows significant variation. Rural counties like Herefordshire and Lincolnshire have strong adoption driven by off-grid homes, while urban areas like Birmingham and Leicester have lower rates. The region has significant potential given its large stock of 1930s semi-detached houses that are well-suited to heat pumps with modest insulation upgrades.
Northern Counties
Northern England has strong potential despite lower current adoption. Cold winters mean higher heating demand, making the financial case for switching from gas stronger. Cumbria and Northumberland lead with off-grid rural homes, while urban areas like Greater Manchester and West Yorkshire are growing from a lower base. See our Northern England report.
London Boroughs
London's low overall adoption masks significant variation. Outer boroughs with more houses (Richmond, Bromley, Croydon) have notably higher adoption than inner boroughs dominated by flats. London-specific solutions — communal systems, compact units, innovative space solutions — are needed to unlock the capital's potential. See our London comparison.
Regardless of where you live, solar panels combined with a heat pump offer the best energy economics. The national BUS grant is available everywhere.
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Frequently Asked Questions
Which county has the highest adoption?
Cornwall at approximately 6-7%, driven by off-gas-grid homes, community schemes, and an established installer base.
Where can I find data for my area?
MCS publishes local authority-level data quarterly. Ofgem publishes BUS data by postcode area. Our map combines these.
Why do rural counties have higher adoption?
More off-gas-grid homes on expensive oil or LPG, larger gardens for outdoor units, and fewer planning constraints.
How does my county compare to average?
National average is approximately 3%. Counties above 4% are above average; below 2% are below average.
Does county adoption rate affect my costs?
Indirectly — more installers means more competitive pricing. But the BUS grant applies everywhere.
See costs for your area
Use the free calculatorPersonalised estimate for your specific property and location.
Local Data in the National Transition
County-level data reveals the real texture of the UK's heat pump transition. Local factors — installer availability, council engagement, housing stock, and gas grid coverage — matter as much as national policy. The BUS grant provides the national framework, while local action through council programmes and renewable energy initiatives drives adoption at the grassroots level. Understanding your local context helps you make the most of available heat pump options.