Shortacombe on the map

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

24,318
Population
8,511
Households
4 / 10
Deprivation decile
Around average
5
Schools nearby
£48,010
Avg. household income
1,422
Businesses
46
People per km²
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About Shortacombe

Shortacombe is a small village located in Devon, England, within the postcode area EX20. This rural community is surrounded by the scenic countryside typical of the region, offering a peaceful atmosphere for residents and visitors alike. The village features traditional Devonshire architecture, with stone cottages and farmhouses that reflect the local building styles.

The area is ideal for those who enjoy outdoor activities, with numerous walking paths and opportunities for exploring the natural landscape. Shortacombe is conveniently situated near larger towns, providing access to local amenities and services. Its location makes it a suitable base for exploring the wider Devon area, known for its diverse landscapes and attractions.

School Ratings in Shortacombe

Shortacombe is served by 5 schools. A further 7 schools hold a Good rating.

House Prices in Shortacombe

Property prices average £321K across the area, and detached homes are the most common property type, typically selling for £400K.

Crime and Anti-Social Behaviour in Shortacombe

Local crime rates sit lower than national averages. Shoplifting accounts for the highest share in Shortacombe, with 6 incidents logged in April 2026.

Deprivation and Employment in Shortacombe

Based on the 2025 Index of Multiple Deprivation, Shortacombe 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 3,688 sales

Average Price £321K
£1K , £4.64M
Detached £400K 1,395
Semi £251K 745
Terraced £218K 922
Flat £140K 220

Household Income in Shortacombe ONS 2023

The average total household income in Shortacombe is approximately £48,010 a year before tax, 13% below the national average of £55,302. After tax and benefits, the average disposable (net) household income is around £37,729. These are modelled estimates from the Office for National Statistics for the financial year ending 2023.

Shortacombe £48,010
England & Wales avg. £55,302

Net (after tax) household income averages £37,729.

Businesses in Shortacombe ONS 2025

There are approximately 1,422 active businesses based in Shortacombe, around 58 for every 1,000 residents. The local economy is dominated by small firms: about 92% are micro-businesses employing fewer than 10 people, while 12 are larger employers with 50 or more staff. Figures are from the Office for National Statistics UK Business Counts.

1,422 Total businesses
58 Per 1,000 residents
Micro, 0-9 92%
Small, 10-49 6%
Medium, 50-249 1%
Large, 250+ 1%

Deprivation and Employment in Shortacombe IMD 2025

The 2025 Index of Multiple Deprivation places Shortacombe 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
6/10
Employment
6/10
Education
5/10
Health
6/10
Housing
2/10
Living Environment
2/10
Children 0-15 16%
Working age 58%
Older 65+ 26%
3,915 Children (0-15) 16%
14,089 Working Age 58%
6,316 Older (65+) 26%
Average Child Poverty (IDACI) 30.3% of children in income-deprived families
Average Older Person Poverty (IDAOPI) 13.1% 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 Shortacombe 48 crimes · April 2026

Low Crime Area

Reported crime in Shortacombe falls below the national average, suggesting a comparatively safe environment. Violence & sexual offences tops the list of recorded incidents, but figures are low overall. Residents and visitors alike tend to find this a quiet and reassuring town.

Violence & Sexual Offences 20
Shoplifting 6
Criminal Damage & Arson 5
Other Theft 5
Public Order 4
Vehicle Crime 3
Anti-Social Behaviour 2
Other Crime 2
Burglary 1
Local Policing
Devon And Cornwall Okehampton Rural 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 1 stations

Okehampton Train Station 6.5 miles

Location

Local Government

District West Devon
County Devon
Ward Okehampton North
Constituency Central Devon
Parish Okehampton
Region South West

Home Ownership in Shortacombe

Of the 10,407 households in and around Shortacombe, 69% are owned, 9% are socially rented and 21% are privately rented. Home ownership here is higher than the England and Wales average of 63%.

Owned 69% Social rented 9% Private rented 21%

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

Frequently Asked Questions about Shortacombe

What is the population of Shortacombe?
Shortacombe has a population of approximately 24,318 residents, based on the latest census figures for the surrounding postcode area.
What is the average house price in Shortacombe?
The average property in and around Shortacombe sold for about £321,196, based on HM Land Registry Price Paid records. That is around 8% below the England and Wales average of £349,091.
Is Shortacombe a deprived area?
Shortacombe 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 Shortacombe?
Shortacombe is covered by the EX20 postcode district.
How many schools are there in Shortacombe?
There are 5 schools within easy reach of Shortacombe, spanning primary, secondary and other phases.
Where is the nearest train station to Shortacombe?
The nearest railway station to Shortacombe is Okehampton Train Station, about 6.5 miles away.