Bideford on the map
Built-up area5.0 km² (1.9 sq mi)
Location in DevonBideford sits where the marker shows within the county.
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 £300K, with detached homes making up the majority of the housing stock at around £396K.
Crime and Anti-Social Behaviour in Bideford
Recorded crime levels are lower than the national average. Criminal damage & arson is prevalent across Bideford, with 13 recorded incidents in May 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.
Healthcare in Bideford
There are 4 GP surgeries within three miles of Bideford, the nearest being Bideford Medical Centre (0.3 miles away).
Local Data for Bideford
Dig deeper into the area around Bideford with our free postcode tools.
Property Prices 7,470 sales
Schools & Education 12 nearby View all schools
Ofsted ratings for schools in the EX39 postcode area.
Household Income in Bideford ONS 2023
The average total household income in Bideford is approximately £43,718 a year before tax, 21% below the national average of £55,302. After tax and benefits, the average disposable (net) household income is around £34,893. These are modelled estimates from the Office for National Statistics for the financial year ending 2023.
Net (after tax) household income averages £34,893.
Businesses in Bideford ONS 2025
There are approximately 1,584 active businesses based in Bideford, around 41 for every 1,000 residents. The local economy is dominated by small firms: about 88% are micro-businesses employing fewer than 10 people, while 35 are larger employers with 50 or more staff. Figures are from the Office for National Statistics UK Business Counts.
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.
Crime in Bideford 91 crimes · May 2026
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.
Crime figures depend on reporting by individual police forces and may not reflect the full picture in all areas.
Nearest Train Stations 2 stations
Location
Nearby Towns & Villages 12 found
Local Government
Home Ownership in Bideford
Of the 17,893 households in and around Bideford, 69% are owned, 11% are socially rented and 21% are privately rented. Home ownership here is higher than the England and Wales average of 63%.
Tenure from the 2021 Census (ONS), for the postcode districts covering Bideford.