Devon spans about 6,663 km² (2,573 sq mi) in England.
Outline from Office for National Statistics and Ordnance Survey data, Open Government Licence v3.0.
Living in Devon
Devon is a large county in the south west of England, known for its varied coastline, rolling countryside and long standing rural traditions. It is bordered by the Bristol Channel to the north and the English Channel to the south, giving the county a strong connection to the sea. Inland, the landscape is shaped by farmland, river valleys and open moorland, creating a gentle contrast between coast and countryside.
The county includes towns such as Exeter, Plymouth, Torquay, Barnstaple and Tiverton, each supporting their surrounding areas in different ways. Exeter serves as the county town and administrative centre, while Plymouth developed as an important naval and maritime city. Elsewhere, market towns and villages remain central to everyday life, supporting agriculture, local services and tourism across much of the county.
Devon is particularly recognised for its natural features, including Dartmoor and Exmoor, which provide wide open landscapes and a strong sense of space. The coastline, with its cliffs, beaches and estuaries, supports both wildlife and leisure activities throughout the year. Overall, Devon offers a calm and enduring mix of coastal influence, rural life and historic settlement, giving it a well balanced and quietly distinctive character within England.
Devon at a Glance
House Prices in Devon
The average sold price in Devon is £321,805 across 42,496 recorded sales, making it the 24th most expensive of 69 counties.
Source: HM Land Registry Price Paid Data. Figures are averages of recorded sales.
People & Demographics
Age structure
Housing tenure
Source: ONS Census 2021 and model-based income estimates.
Schools in Devon 511
Source: Department for Education and Ofsted.
Amenities & Getting Around
Source: NHS, National Rail and Open Charge Map.
Frequently Asked Questions
How much are houses in Devon?
The average sold price in Devon is around £321,805. A detached home averages £454,684, a terraced home £237,649 and a flat £183,976.
What is the population of Devon?
Devon has a population of about 1,216,729 people, at a density of 183 per square kilometre.
What is the average income in Devon?
The average household income in Devon is around £49,930 a year.
How many schools are there in Devon?
There are 511 schools in Devon.
Largest Towns in Devon 12
Location
Elevation & Terrain
Devon stretches from 0 ft at Axmouth up to 1,434 ft at Princetown, a span of 1,434 ft across 1,598 towns and villages. This reflects dramatic upland terrain, with a substantial climb from the lowest to the highest places.
Deprivation Index (IMD)
Average deprivation scores across 67 postcode areas in Devon. Higher deciles (closer to 10) indicate less deprivation.
Main Towns in Devon 60
Devon has 1,598 towns, villages and localities in total. The main towns are shown below. You can also browse the full A to Z of every place in Devon.
Postcode Areas in Devon 5
Devon is served by 5 postcode areas. Each area contains multiple postcode districts covering different parts of the county.