Dawlish on the map

Dawlish built-up area

Built-up area3.2 km² (1.2 sq mi)

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

15,264
Population
5,663
Households
5 / 10
Deprivation decile
Around average
12
Schools nearby
£46,027
Avg. household income
467
Businesses
692
People per km²
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About Dawlish

Dawlish is a coastal town located in Devon, England, with the postcode area EX7. It is known for its sandy beach and the scenic Dawlish Warren Nature Reserve, which offers opportunities for walking and birdwatching. The town features a pleasant promenade along the seafront, where visitors can enjoy views of the English Channel.

In addition to its natural attractions, Dawlish has a variety of shops, cafes, and restaurants that cater to both locals and tourists. The town is also home to the famous black swans that inhabit the brook running through the centre, adding a unique aspect to its character. Dawlish is well-connected by rail and road, making it a convenient destination for those exploring the Devon coastline.

School Ratings in Dawlish

There are 30 schools in and around Dawlish. Oakwood Specialist College is rated Outstanding by Ofsted. A further 2 schools hold a Good rating.

House Prices in Dawlish

The average property price is £282K, with detached homes making up the majority of the housing stock at around £394K.

Crime and Anti-Social Behaviour in Dawlish

Recorded crime levels are broadly in line with the national average. Shoplifting is prevalent across Dawlish, with 21 recorded incidents in May 2026.

Deprivation and Employment in Dawlish

Dawlish 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 Dawlish

There are 4 GP surgeries within three miles of Dawlish, the nearest being Barton Surgery (0.5 miles away).

Property Prices 2,642 sales

Average Price £282K
£1K , £3.3M
Detached £394K 851
Semi £279K 469
Terraced £235K 673
Flat £143K 493

Household Income in Dawlish ONS 2023

The average total household income in Dawlish is approximately £46,027 a year before tax, 17% below the national average of £55,302. After tax and benefits, the average disposable (net) household income is around £36,300. These are modelled estimates from the Office for National Statistics for the financial year ending 2023.

Dawlish £46,027
England & Wales avg. £55,302

Net (after tax) household income averages £36,300.

Businesses in Dawlish ONS 2025

There are approximately 467 active businesses based in Dawlish, around 31 for every 1,000 residents. The local economy is dominated by small firms: about 88% are micro-businesses employing fewer than 10 people, while 9 are larger employers with 50 or more staff. Figures are from the Office for National Statistics UK Business Counts.

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

Deprivation and Employment in Dawlish IMD 2025

Dawlish 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
6/10
Employment
5/10
Education
5/10
Health
5/10
Housing
4/10
Living Environment
6/10
Children 0-15 14%
Working age 55%
Older 65+ 31%
2,115 Children (0-15) 14%
8,347 Working Age 55%
4,809 Older (65+) 31%
Average Child Poverty (IDACI) 32.4% of children in income-deprived families
Average Older Person Poverty (IDAOPI) 13.7% 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 Dawlish 98 crimes · May 2026

Average Crime Area

Reported crime levels in Dawlish sit broadly in line with national averages for a small town of this size. Violence & sexual offences accounts for the largest share of recorded offences. The profile is typical of a well-populated area with a mix of residential and commercial activity.

Violence & Sexual Offences 47
Shoplifting 21
Anti-Social Behaviour 11
Other Theft 7
Other Crime 3
Burglary 2
Criminal Damage & Arson 2
Public Order 2
Vehicle Crime 2
Robbery 1
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

Dawlish Train Station 0.1 miles
Dawlish Warren Train Station 1.5 miles
Starcross Train Station 3.5 miles
Exmouth Train Station 3.6 miles
Lympstone Commando Train Station 4.8 miles
Lympstone Village Train Station 5 miles

Location

Local Government

District Teignbridge
County Devon
Ward Dawlish North East
Constituency Newton Abbot
Parish Dawlish
Region South West

Home Ownership in Dawlish

Of the 7,089 households in and around Dawlish, 70% are owned, 10% are socially rented and 20% are privately rented. Home ownership here is higher than the England and Wales average of 63%.

Owned 70% Social rented 10% Private rented 20%

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

Frequently Asked Questions about Dawlish

What is the population of Dawlish?
Dawlish has a population of approximately 15,264 residents, based on the latest census figures for the surrounding postcode area.
What is the average house price in Dawlish?
The average property in and around Dawlish sold for about £281,547, based on HM Land Registry Price Paid records. That is around 19% below the England and Wales average of £349,091.
Is Dawlish a deprived area?
Dawlish sits around the national average for deprivation, with an Index of Multiple Deprivation decile of 5 out of 10, where 1 is the most deprived and 10 the least deprived.
What postcodes cover Dawlish?
Dawlish is covered by the EX7 postcode district.
How many schools are there in Dawlish?
There are 12 schools within easy reach of Dawlish, spanning primary, secondary and other phases.
Where is the nearest train station to Dawlish?
The nearest railway station to Dawlish is Dawlish Train Station, about 0.1 miles away.