Cowley on the map

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

25,845
Population
7,884
Households
6 / 10
Deprivation decile
Around average
67
Schools nearby
£63,282
Avg. household income
1,506
Businesses
111
People per km²
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About Cowley

Cowley is a village located in Devon, England, within the EX5 postcode area. It is situated near the city of Exeter, making it easily accessible for those looking to explore the surrounding countryside. The village features a mix of residential homes and agricultural land, reflecting its rural character. Local amenities include a few shops and a primary school, catering to the needs of the community.

The area around Cowley offers opportunities for outdoor activities, with various walking paths and scenic views of the Devon landscape. The village is also close to the River Exe, which provides a pleasant setting for leisurely strolls. Cowley serves as a convenient base for visitors wishing to explore both the natural beauty of Devon and the nearby urban attractions of Exeter.

School Ratings in Cowley

There are 67 schools in and around Cowley. Broadclyst Community Primary School is rated Outstanding by Ofsted. A further 9 schools hold a Good rating.

House Prices in Cowley

The average property price is £348K, with terraced houses making up the majority of the housing stock at around £246K.

Crime and Anti-Social Behaviour in Cowley

Recorded crime levels are lower than the national average. Criminal damage & arson is prevalent across Cowley, with 6 recorded incidents in April 2026.

Deprivation and Employment in Cowley

Cowley 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 Cowley

There are 19 GP surgeries within three miles of Cowley, the nearest being Foxhayes Practice (1.6 miles away).

Property Prices 4,469 sales

Average Price £348K
£750 , £17.65M
Detached £459K 1,418
Semi £290K 1,057
Terraced £246K 1,433
Flat £173K 200

Household Income in Cowley ONS 2023

The average total household income in Cowley is approximately £63,282 a year before tax, 14% above the national average of £55,302. After tax and benefits, the average disposable (net) household income is around £46,964. These are modelled estimates from the Office for National Statistics for the financial year ending 2023.

Cowley £63,282
England & Wales avg. £55,302

Net (after tax) household income averages £46,964.

Businesses in Cowley ONS 2025

There are approximately 1,506 active businesses based in Cowley, around 58 for every 1,000 residents. The local economy is dominated by small firms: about 89% are micro-businesses employing fewer than 10 people, while 28 are larger employers with 50 or more staff. Figures are from the Office for National Statistics UK Business Counts.

1,506 Total businesses
58 Per 1,000 residents
Micro, 0-9 89%
Small, 10-49 9%
Medium, 50-249 2%
Large, 250+ 0%

Deprivation and Employment in Cowley IMD 2025

Cowley 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
6/10
Income
7/10
Employment
7/10
Education
7/10
Health
7/10
Housing
2/10
Living Environment
5/10
Children 0-15 20%
Working age 60%
Older 65+ 20%
5,142 Children (0-15) 20%
15,383 Working Age 60%
5,299 Older (65+) 21%
Average Child Poverty (IDACI) 21.3% of children in income-deprived families
Average Older Person Poverty (IDAOPI) 12.4% 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 Cowley 66 crimes · April 2026

Low Crime Area

Cowley 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.

Violence & Sexual Offences 45
Criminal Damage & Arson 6
Public Order 5
Anti-Social Behaviour 4
Other Theft 2
Vehicle Crime 2
Burglary 1
Weapons 1
Local Policing
Devon And Cornwall Ottery 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 6 stations

St James Park (Exeter) Train Station 1.8 miles
Exeter St Thomas Train Station 2.3 miles
Polsloe Bridge Train Station 2.6 miles
Newton St Cyres Train Station 2.6 miles
Marsh Barton Train Station 3.4 miles
Pinhoe Train Station 3.8 miles

Location

Local Government

District East Devon
County Devon
Ward Clyst Valley
Constituency East Devon
Parish Sowton
Region South West

Home Ownership in Cowley

Of the 10,644 households in and around Cowley, 74% are owned, 12% are socially rented and 15% are privately rented. Home ownership here is higher than the England and Wales average of 63%.

Owned 74% Social rented 12% Private rented 15%

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

Frequently Asked Questions about Cowley

What is the population of Cowley?
Cowley has a population of approximately 25,845 residents, based on the latest census figures for the surrounding postcode area.
What is the average house price in Cowley?
The average property in and around Cowley sold for about £348,013, based on HM Land Registry Price Paid records. That is close to the England and Wales average of £349,091.
Is Cowley a deprived area?
Cowley sits around the national average for deprivation, with an Index of Multiple Deprivation decile of 6 out of 10, where 1 is the most deprived and 10 the least deprived.
What postcodes cover Cowley?
Cowley is covered by the EX5 postcode district.
How many schools are there in Cowley?
There are 67 schools within 5 miles of Cowley, spanning primary, secondary and other phases.
Where is the nearest train station to Cowley?
The nearest railway station to Cowley is St James Park (Exeter) Train Station, about 1.8 miles away.