Porthcothan on the map

Location in CornwallPorthcothan sits where the marker shows within the county.

4,106
Population
2,006
Households
5 / 10
Deprivation decile
Around average
5
Schools nearby
£45,175
Avg. household income
308
Businesses
76
People per km²
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About Porthcothan

Porthcothan is a small village located in Cornwall, England, within the PL28 postcode area. It is situated along the north coast, offering access to a sandy beach that is popular with both locals and visitors. The beach is ideal for families, providing a safe environment for swimming and various water activities. There are also opportunities for walking along the coastal paths that lead to nearby scenic spots.

The village features a few local amenities, including a shop and a café, catering to the needs of residents and holidaymakers. Porthcothan is surrounded by beautiful countryside, making it a suitable base for exploring the wider region of Cornwall. It is conveniently located for those wishing to visit other coastal towns and attractions in the area.

School Ratings in Porthcothan

There are 5 schools in and around Porthcothan. A further 2 schools hold a Good rating.

House Prices in Porthcothan

The average property price is £605K, with detached homes making up the majority of the housing stock at around £829K.

Crime and Anti-Social Behaviour in Porthcothan

Recorded crime levels are higher than the national average. Vehicle crime is prevalent across Porthcothan, with 8 recorded incidents in May 2026.

Deprivation and Employment in Porthcothan

Porthcothan sits around the middle of the national deprivation scale, according to the 2025 Index of Multiple Deprivation. Employment levels are broadly typical for the area, sitting close to the national average. Household incomes are broadly in line with the national average.

Property Prices 1,017 sales

Average Price £605K
£5K , £11.83M
Detached £829K 400
Semi £429K 135
Terraced £389K 230
Flat £554K 111

Household Income in Porthcothan ONS 2023

The average total household income in Porthcothan is approximately £45,175 a year before tax, 18% below the national average of £55,302. After tax and benefits, the average disposable (net) household income is around £36,417. These are modelled estimates from the Office for National Statistics for the financial year ending 2023.

Porthcothan £45,175
England & Wales avg. £55,302

Net (after tax) household income averages £36,417.

Businesses in Porthcothan ONS 2025

There are approximately 308 active businesses based in Porthcothan, around 75 for every 1,000 residents. The local economy is dominated by small firms: about 86% are micro-businesses employing fewer than 10 people, while 3 are larger employers with 50 or more staff. Figures are from the Office for National Statistics UK Business Counts.

308 Total businesses
75 Per 1,000 residents
Micro, 0-9 86%
Small, 10-49 12%
Medium, 50-249 1%
Large, 250+ 1%

Deprivation and Employment in Porthcothan IMD 2025

Porthcothan sits around the national average for deprivation according to the 2025 Index of Multiple Deprivation. Employment and income levels are broadly typical, reflecting a mixed local economy. The area offers a balance of residential and commercial activity common to most parts of England.

Overall Deprivation
5/10
Income
5/10
Employment
6/10
Education
5/10
Health
6/10
Housing
2/10
Living Environment
4/10
Children 0-15 16%
Working age 57%
Older 65+ 27%
642 Children (0-15) 16%
2,322 Working Age 57%
1,143 Older (65+) 28%
Average Child Poverty (IDACI) 40% of children in income-deprived families
Average Older Person Poverty (IDAOPI) 18.4% of over-60s in income-deprived households
Data from English Indices of Deprivation 2025 · Contains public sector information licensed under the Open Government Licence v3.0

Crime in Porthcothan 34 crimes · May 2026

High Crime Area

Porthcothan sees higher than average levels of reported crime relative to its population. Violence & sexual offences represents the most frequently recorded category. This pattern is not uncommon in densely populated urban areas and does not necessarily reflect the experience of most residents.

Violence & Sexual Offences 12
Vehicle Crime 8
Other Theft 6
Shoplifting 3
Anti-Social Behaviour 2
Criminal Damage & Arson 2
Drugs 1
Local Policing
Devon And Cornwall Padstow & St Merryn Visit force website →
Data from data.police.uk · Contains public sector information licensed under the Open Government Licence v3.0
Crime figures depend on reporting by individual police forces and may not reflect the full picture in all areas.

Nearest Train Stations 1 stations

Quintrell Downs Train Station 7.7 miles

Location

Local Government

District Cornwall
Ward Padstow
Constituency North Cornwall
Parish Padstow
Region South West

Home Ownership in Porthcothan

Of the 1,822 households in and around Porthcothan, 63% are owned, 22% are socially rented and 15% are privately rented. Home ownership here is in line with the England and Wales average of 63%.

Owned 63% Social rented 22% Private rented 15%

Tenure from the 2021 Census (ONS), for the postcode districts covering Porthcothan.

Frequently Asked Questions about Porthcothan

What is the population of Porthcothan?
Porthcothan has a population of approximately 4,106 residents, based on the latest census figures for the surrounding postcode area.
What is the average house price in Porthcothan?
The average property in and around Porthcothan sold for about £604,623, based on HM Land Registry Price Paid records. That is around 73% above the England and Wales average of £349,091.
Is Porthcothan a deprived area?
Porthcothan sits around the national average for deprivation, with an Index of Multiple Deprivation decile of 5 out of 10, where 1 is the most deprived and 10 the least deprived.
What postcodes cover Porthcothan?
Porthcothan is covered by the PL28 postcode district.
How many schools are there in Porthcothan?
There are 5 schools within easy reach of Porthcothan, spanning primary, secondary and other phases.
Where is the nearest train station to Porthcothan?
The nearest railway station to Porthcothan is Quintrell Downs Train Station, about 7.7 miles away.