About Bideford

Bideford is a town located in the county of Devon, in the south-west of England. It lies on the estuary of the River Torridge, where the river meets the Bristol Channel. The town has a long history as a port and trading centre, and its waterfront features a mix of traditional and modern buildings. Bideford is known for its historic quay and the nearby Bideford Bridge, which spans the river and connects the town’s two sides. The town centre includes a range of shops, cafes, and public spaces, with a weekly market held in the town square. Bideford is easily accessible from the A361 and is served by rail services on the Tarka Line. The postcode area for the town is EX39.

School Ratings in Bideford

There are 15 schools in and around Bideford. A further 11 schools hold a Good rating.

House Prices in Bideford

The average property price is £299K, with detached homes making up the majority of the housing stock at around £399K.

Crime and Anti-Social Behaviour in Bideford

Recorded crime levels are lower than the national average. Anti-social behaviour is prevalent across Bideford, with 9 recorded incidents in March 2026.

Deprivation and Employment in Bideford

Bideford 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.

Broadband and Mobile Internet in Bideford

Broadband speeds in Bideford are generally strong, with superfast and ultrafast options widely available. Mobile coverage across 4G and 5G networks is reliable throughout most of the area. For the latest speed predictions, visit Ofcom's broadband checker.

Property Prices 7,429 sales

Average Price £299K
£300 £9M
Detached £399K 2,502
Semi £280K 980
Terraced £218K 2,440
Flat £176K 841

Deprivation and Employment in Bideford IMD 2025

Bideford 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
5/10
Education
4/10
Health
5/10
Housing
3/10
Living Environment
5/10
6,626 Children (0-15) 15%
24,334 Working Age 57%
15,690 Older (60+) 37%
Average Child Poverty (IDACI) 34.9% of children in income-deprived families
Average Older Person Poverty (IDAOPI) 14.8% 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 Bideford 58 crimes · March 2026

Low Crime Area

Bideford records relatively low levels of reported crime compared to national averages. Violence & sexual offences is the most commonly logged offence type, though overall numbers remain modest. The area is generally considered a safe and settled town with a strong sense of community.

28 Violence & Sexual Offences
9 Anti-Social Behaviour
5 Criminal Damage & Arson
4 Other Theft
3 Drugs
2 Public Order
2 Shoplifting
2 Vehicle Crime
1 Burglary
1 Weapons
1 Other Crime
Local Policing
Devon And Cornwall Bideford West 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 2 stations

Barnstaple Train Station 7.9 miles
Chapelton (Devon) Train Station 8.4 miles

Location

Local Government

District Torridge
County Devon
Ward Westward Ho!
Constituency Torridge and West Devon
Parish Northam
Region South West

Notable & Famous People from Bideford 3 people

Elizabeth Pepys
Homemaker
spouse of Samuel Pepys (1640 - 1669)
Graham James
Politician
Bishop of Norwich; Bishop of St Germans; British Anglican bishop (born 1951)
Matthew Allin
Cricketer
cricketer (born 1978)