Charles on the map

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

24,435
Population
10,147
Households
4 / 10
Deprivation decile
Around average
11
Schools nearby
£46,077
Avg. household income
1,014
Businesses
158
People per km²
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About Charles

Charles is a small settlement located in the county of Devon, in the south-west of England. It lies within the EX32 postcode area, which covers parts of the rural countryside in the region. The area is characterised by open fields and scattered dwellings, typical of the Devon landscape. While not a large community, Charles offers a quiet, rural environment with access to local amenities and services. The surrounding countryside provides opportunities for walking and enjoying the natural beauty of the area. The village is situated near other small communities and is part of the wider rural network of Devon. Its location makes it a convenient base for exploring the wider region, including nearby towns and attractions.

School Ratings in Charles

Charles is served by 11 schools. A further 6 schools hold a Good rating.

House Prices in Charles

Property prices average £271K across the area, and terraced houses are the most common property type, typically selling for £203K.

Crime and Anti-Social Behaviour in Charles

Local crime rates sit higher than national averages. Shoplifting accounts for the highest share in Charles, with 38 incidents logged in April 2026.

Deprivation and Employment in Charles

Based on the 2025 Index of Multiple Deprivation, Charles 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 3,274 sales

Average Price £271K
£250 , £7.69M
Detached £388K 926
Semi £248K 553
Terraced £203K 1,297
Flat £127K 324

Household Income in Charles ONS 2023

The average total household income in Charles is approximately £46,077 a year before tax, 17% below the national average of £55,302. After tax and benefits, the average disposable (net) household income is around £35,510. These are modelled estimates from the Office for National Statistics for the financial year ending 2023.

Charles £46,077
England & Wales avg. £55,302

Net (after tax) household income averages £35,510.

Businesses in Charles ONS 2025

There are approximately 1,014 active businesses based in Charles, 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 19 are larger employers with 50 or more staff. Figures are from the Office for National Statistics UK Business Counts.

1,014 Total businesses
41 Per 1,000 residents
Micro, 0-9 88%
Small, 10-49 10%
Medium, 50-249 2%
Large, 250+ 0%

Deprivation and Employment in Charles IMD 2025

The 2025 Index of Multiple Deprivation places Charles 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
5/10
Employment
5/10
Education
4/10
Health
5/10
Housing
3/10
Living Environment
5/10
Children 0-15 18%
Working age 61%
Older 65+ 21%
4,509 Children (0-15) 18%
14,905 Working Age 61%
5,019 Older (65+) 21%
Average Child Poverty (IDACI) 34.4% of children in income-deprived families
Average Older Person Poverty (IDAOPI) 19.9% 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 Charles 232 crimes · April 2026

High Crime Area

Reported crime in Charles is above the national average when measured per capita. Violence & sexual offences dominates the figures, a trend mirrored in many urban centres. Local policing teams work actively in the area, and community initiatives continue to address key concerns.

Violence & Sexual Offences 105
Shoplifting 38
Anti-Social Behaviour 29
Criminal Damage & Arson 18
Public Order 13
Drugs 9
Other Theft 6
Weapons 6
Burglary 5
Other Crime 3
Local Policing
Devon And Cornwall South Molton Rural 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 5 stations

Umberleigh Train Station 7.1 miles
Chapelton (Devon) Train Station 7.7 miles
Barnstaple Train Station 8 miles
Portsmouth Arms Train Station 9.1 miles
Kings Nympton Train Station 9.7 miles

Location

Local Government

District North Devon
County Devon
Ward Landkey
Constituency North Devon
Parish Swimbridge
Region South West

Home Ownership in Charles

Of the 10,824 households in and around Charles, 59% are owned, 18% are socially rented and 23% are privately rented. Home ownership here is lower than the England and Wales average of 63%.

Owned 59% Social rented 18% Private rented 23%

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

Frequently Asked Questions about Charles

What is the population of Charles?
Charles has a population of approximately 24,435 residents, based on the latest census figures for the surrounding postcode area.
What is the average house price in Charles?
The average property in and around Charles sold for about £270,719, based on HM Land Registry Price Paid records. That is around 22% below the England and Wales average of £349,091.
Is Charles a deprived area?
Charles 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 Charles?
Charles is covered by the EX32 postcode district.
How many schools are there in Charles?
There are 11 schools within easy reach of Charles, spanning primary, secondary and other phases.
Where is the nearest train station to Charles?
The nearest railway station to Charles is Umberleigh Train Station, about 7.1 miles away.