South Zeal on the map

South Zeal built-up area

Built-up area0.5 km² (0.2 sq mi)

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

24,318
Population
8,511
Households
4 / 10
Deprivation decile
Around average
8
Schools nearby
£48,010
Avg. household income
1,422
Businesses
46
People per km²
Create a free area profile for South ZealDownload or embed an infographic of these statistics

About South Zeal

South Zeal is a village located in Devon, England, within the postcode area EX20. It lies on the edge of Dartmoor National Park, providing access to a variety of outdoor activities. The village features traditional stone cottages and a local pub, which serves as a gathering place for residents and visitors alike.

The surrounding countryside offers scenic walks and opportunities for exploring the natural landscape. South Zeal is also known for its proximity to the historic market town of Okehampton, which is just a short drive away. This makes it a convenient base for those wishing to explore the wider area of Devon and Dartmoor.

School Ratings in South Zeal

There are 8 schools in and around South Zeal. A further 7 schools hold a Good rating.

House Prices in South Zeal

The average property price is £321K, with detached homes making up the majority of the housing stock at around £400K.

Crime and Anti-Social Behaviour in South Zeal

Recorded crime levels are lower than the national average. Other theft is prevalent across South Zeal, with 6 recorded incidents in May 2026.

Deprivation and Employment in South Zeal

South Zeal 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.

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 South Zeal ONS 2023

The average total household income in South Zeal 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.

South Zeal £48,010
England & Wales avg. £55,302

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

Businesses in South Zeal ONS 2025

There are approximately 1,422 active businesses based in South Zeal, 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 South Zeal IMD 2025

South Zeal 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
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 South Zeal 44 crimes · May 2026

Low Crime Area

South Zeal 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 17
Other Theft 6
Public Order 5
Shoplifting 4
Anti-Social Behaviour 3
Criminal Damage & Arson 3
Vehicle Crime 2
Burglary 1
Drugs 1
Robbery 1
Other Crime 1
Local Policing
Devon And Cornwall Okehampton Rural East 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 4 stations

Okehampton Train Station 3.9 miles
Yeoford Train Station 8.6 miles
Copplestone Train Station 9.1 miles
Morchard Road Train Station 9.3 miles

Location

Local Government

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

Home Ownership in South Zeal

Of the 10,407 households in and around South Zeal, 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 South Zeal.

Frequently Asked Questions about South Zeal

What is the population of South Zeal?
South Zeal 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 South Zeal?
The average property in and around South Zeal 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 South Zeal a deprived area?
South Zeal 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 Zeal?
South Zeal is covered by the EX20 postcode district.
How many schools are there in South Zeal?
There are 8 schools within easy reach of South Zeal, spanning primary, secondary and other phases.
Where is the nearest train station to South Zeal?
The nearest railway station to South Zeal is Okehampton Train Station, about 3.9 miles away.