Ashwater on the map

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

5,418
Population
1,769
Households
4 / 10
Deprivation decile
Around average
4
Schools nearby
£42,647
Avg. household income
439
Businesses
30
People per km²
Create a free area profile for AshwaterDownload or embed an infographic of these statistics

About Ashwater

Ashwater is a small village located in the county of Devon, in the south-west of England. It lies within the EX21 postcode area and is situated near the border with Cornwall. The village is part of the civil parish of Ashwater and is known for its rural setting and close proximity to the River Taw. The area is characterised by rolling countryside and traditional Devonian landscapes, with a mix of residential homes and agricultural land.

The village has a community hall and a small shop, providing essential services to local residents. It is a peaceful place with a strong sense of community, and the surrounding countryside offers opportunities for walking and enjoying the natural environment. Ashwater is accessible by road and is within easy reach of larger towns such as Barnstaple and Bideford. Its location makes it a convenient base for exploring the wider Devon region.

School Ratings in Ashwater

Ashwater is served by 4 schools. A further 3 schools hold a Good rating.

House Prices in Ashwater

Property prices average £379K across the area, and detached homes are the most common property type, typically selling for £409K.

Deprivation and Employment in Ashwater

Based on the 2025 Index of Multiple Deprivation, Ashwater falls within the mid-range nationally for overall deprivation. Working-age employment is around the national average for the area. Income levels locally sit close to the national average.

Property Prices 694 sales

Average Price £379K
£3K , £1.36M
Detached £409K 369
Semi £273K 99
Terraced £213K 73
Flat £100K 10

Household Income in Ashwater ONS 2023

The average total household income in Ashwater is approximately £42,647 a year before tax, 23% below the national average of £55,302. After tax and benefits, the average disposable (net) household income is around £35,401. These are modelled estimates from the Office for National Statistics for the financial year ending 2023.

Ashwater £42,647
England & Wales avg. £55,302

Net (after tax) household income averages £35,401.

Businesses in Ashwater ONS 2025

There are approximately 439 active businesses based in Ashwater, around 81 for every 1,000 residents. The local economy is dominated by small firms: about 96% 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.

439 Total businesses
81 Per 1,000 residents
Micro, 0-9 96%
Small, 10-49 4%
Medium, 50-249 1%
Large, 250+ 0%

Deprivation and Employment in Ashwater IMD 2025

The 2025 Index of Multiple Deprivation places Ashwater in the mid-range nationally. Employment and income levels are close to the England average, with a mix of opportunities across sectors. Overall living conditions are comparable to similar areas across the country.

Overall Deprivation
4/10
Income
6/10
Employment
6/10
Education
5/10
Health
7/10
Housing
1/10
Living Environment
1/10
Children 0-15 13%
Working age 55%
Older 65+ 32%
709 Children (0-15) 13%
2,980 Working Age 55%
1,735 Older (65+) 32%
Average Child Poverty (IDACI) 30.7% of children in income-deprived families
Average Older Person Poverty (IDAOPI) 11.2% 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

Location

Local Government

District West Devon
County Devon
Ward Bridestowe
Constituency Central Devon
Parish Beaworthy
Region South West

Home Ownership in Ashwater

Of the 2,325 households in and around Ashwater, 81% are owned, 5% are socially rented and 14% are privately rented. Home ownership here is higher than the England and Wales average of 63%.

Owned 81% Social rented 5% Private rented 14%

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

Frequently Asked Questions about Ashwater

What is the population of Ashwater?
Ashwater has a population of approximately 5,418 residents, based on the latest census figures for the surrounding postcode area.
What is the average house price in Ashwater?
The average property in and around Ashwater sold for about £378,770, based on HM Land Registry Price Paid records. That is around 9% above the England and Wales average of £349,091.
Is Ashwater a deprived area?
Ashwater sits around the national average for deprivation, with an Index of Multiple Deprivation decile of 4 out of 10, where 1 is the most deprived and 10 the least deprived.
What postcodes cover Ashwater?
Ashwater is covered by the EX21 postcode district.
How many schools are there in Ashwater?
There are 4 schools within easy reach of Ashwater, spanning primary, secondary and other phases.