South Molton on the map

South Molton built-up area

Built-up area2.2 km² (0.8 sq mi)

Location in DevonSouth Molton sits where the marker shows within the county.

10,548
Population
3,726
Households
4 / 10
Deprivation decile
Around average
10
Schools nearby
£45,336
Avg. household income
752
Businesses
40
People per km²
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About South Molton

South Molton is a market town located in Devon, England, within the postcode area EX36. It serves as a central point for the surrounding rural communities and is known for its weekly market, which has been a tradition for many years. The town offers a variety of shops, cafes, and local services, catering to both residents and visitors alike.

The town is surrounded by beautiful Devonshire countryside, providing opportunities for outdoor activities such as walking and cycling. South Molton is also close to Exmoor National Park, which is easily accessible for those looking to explore the natural landscape. The town has a friendly atmosphere, making it a pleasant place to stop and enjoy the local offerings or to use as a base for exploring the wider area.

School Ratings in South Molton

There are 10 schools in and around South Molton. Blackford Education (Schools) Ltd t/a the Libra School is rated Outstanding by Ofsted.

House Prices in South Molton

The average property price is £338K, with detached homes making up the majority of the housing stock at around £362K.

Crime and Anti-Social Behaviour in South Molton

Recorded crime levels are lower than the national average. Anti-social behaviour is prevalent across South Molton, with 2 recorded incidents in April 2026.

Deprivation and Employment in South Molton

South Molton 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 South Molton

There is 1 GP surgery within three miles of South Molton, the nearest being South Molton Medical Centre (0.3 miles away).

Local Data for South Molton

Dig deeper into the area around South Molton with our free postcode tools.

Food Hygiene Ratings Hygiene scores for cafes, takeaways and shops Nearest GP Surgery Find the GP surgeries closest to a postcode Compare Areas Put two areas head to head House Prices Recent sale prices and trends

Property Prices 1,767 sales

Average Price £338K
£350 , £21.75M
Detached £362K 753
Semi £252K 317
Terraced £206K 432
Flat £160K 81

Schools & Education 10 nearby View all schools

6 Primary
1 Secondary
3 Other
Outstanding 1

Ofsted ratings for schools in the EX36 postcode area.

South Molton & District Children's Centre 136 yards South Molton Community College Secondary 0.1 miles South Molton United CofE Primary School Primary 0.3 miles South Molton Community Primary School Primary 0.5 miles North Molton Primary School Primary 2.9 miles Bishops Nympton Primary School Primary 3 miles Filleigh Community Primary School Primary 3.4 miles Kings Nympton Community Primary School Primary Good 4.3 miles West Buckland School Not applicable 4.8 miles Blackford Education (Schools) Ltd t/a the Libra School Not applicable Outstanding 4.9 miles

Household Income in South Molton ONS 2023

The average total household income in South Molton is approximately £45,336 a year before tax, 18% below the national average of £55,302. After tax and benefits, the average disposable (net) household income is around £36,324. These are modelled estimates from the Office for National Statistics for the financial year ending 2023.

South Molton £45,336
England & Wales avg. £55,302

Net (after tax) household income averages £36,324.

Businesses in South Molton ONS 2025

There are approximately 752 active businesses based in South Molton, around 71 for every 1,000 residents. The local economy is dominated by small firms: about 93% are micro-businesses employing fewer than 10 people, while 8 are larger employers with 50 or more staff. Figures are from the Office for National Statistics UK Business Counts.

752 Total businesses
71 Per 1,000 residents
Micro, 0-9 93%
Small, 10-49 6%
Medium, 50-249 1%
Large, 250+ 0%

Deprivation and Employment in South Molton IMD 2025

South Molton 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
4/10
Income
6/10
Employment
6/10
Education
4/10
Health
6/10
Housing
2/10
Living Environment
3/10
Children 0-15 17%
Working age 56%
Older 65+ 27%
1,761 Children (0-15) 17%
5,889 Working Age 56%
2,894 Older (65+) 27%
Average Child Poverty (IDACI) 31% of children in income-deprived families
Average Older Person Poverty (IDAOPI) 12.3% 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 South Molton 14 crimes · April 2026

Low Crime Area

South Molton 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 small town with a strong sense of community.

Violence & Sexual Offences 7
Anti-Social Behaviour 2
Criminal Damage & Arson 2
Drugs 1
Public Order 1
Vehicle Crime 1
Local Policing
Devon And Cornwall South Molton 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

Kings Nympton Train Station 6.2 miles
Umberleigh Train Station 6.6 miles
Portsmouth Arms Train Station 6.9 miles
Chapelton (Devon) Train Station 8.3 miles
Eggesford Train Station 8.8 miles

Location

Nearby Towns & Villages 12 found

Grilstone 1.4 miles George Nympton 1.4 miles Bish Mill 1.9 miles Alswear 2 miles Garliford 2.5 miles Clapworthy 2.6 miles Mariansleigh 2.6 miles Shallowford 2.6 miles Bishop's Nympton 2.8 miles Stag's Head 2.8 miles North Molton 2.8 miles Newtown 3.1 miles

Local Government

District North Devon
County Devon
Ward South Molton
Constituency North Devon
Parish South Molton
Region South West

Home Ownership in South Molton

Of the 4,573 households in and around South Molton, 67% are owned, 12% are socially rented and 21% are privately rented. Home ownership here is higher than the England and Wales average of 63%.

Owned 67% Social rented 12% Private rented 21%

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

Frequently Asked Questions about South Molton

What is the population of South Molton?
South Molton has a population of approximately 10,548 residents, based on the latest census figures for the surrounding postcode area.
What is the average house price in South Molton?
The average property in and around South Molton sold for about £337,503, based on HM Land Registry Price Paid records. That is around 3% below the England and Wales average of £349,091.
Is South Molton a deprived area?
South Molton 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 South Molton?
South Molton is covered by the EX36 postcode district.
How many schools are there in South Molton?
There are 10 schools within easy reach of South Molton, spanning primary, secondary and other phases.
Where is the nearest train station to South Molton?
The nearest railway station to South Molton is Kings Nympton Train Station, about 6.2 miles away.

Streets in EX36 30 shown View all streets

A399 1 Aclands 1 Aller Cross 1 Aller Hill 1 Alswear New Road 6 Alswear Old Road 1 Ash Drive 3 B3137 3 B3226 5 B3227 12 Back Lane 1 Barnstaple Street 1 Beech Grove 1 Bendle Lane 2 Bluecoat Close 1 Broad Close 1 Broad Street 10 Broad Street The Square 2 Brook Meadow 1 Buckham Hill 1 Bulgis Park 1 Burwell Lane 1 Church Street 2 Churchill Crescent 2 Cider Way 1 Closewool Grove 1 Cooks Cross 1 Crooked Oaks 2 Cross Side Hill 1 Dart Park 1

Postcodes in EX36 50 shown View all postcodes

EX36 3AA EX36 3AB EX36 3AD EX36 3AE EX36 3AG EX36 3AJ EX36 3AL EX36 3AN EX36 3AQ EX36 3AS EX36 3AT EX36 3AU EX36 3AW EX36 3AX EX36 3AY EX36 3AZ EX36 3BA EX36 3BB EX36 3BD EX36 3BE EX36 3BG EX36 3BH EX36 3BJ EX36 3BL EX36 3BN EX36 3BQ EX36 3BR EX36 3BS EX36 3BT EX36 3BU EX36 3BW EX36 3BX EX36 3BY EX36 3BZ EX36 3DA EX36 3DB EX36 3DE EX36 3DF EX36 3DG EX36 3DH EX36 3DJ EX36 3DL EX36 3DN EX36 3DP EX36 3DQ EX36 3DR EX36 3DS EX36 3DT EX36 3DU EX36 3DW