Sowton on the map

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

25,845
Population
7,884
Households
6 / 10
Deprivation decile
Around average
12
Schools nearby
£63,282
Avg. household income
1,506
Businesses
111
People per km²
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About Sowton

Sowton is a village located in Devon, England, within the postcode area EX5. It lies approximately three miles northeast of Exeter, making it easily accessible for those travelling to the city. The village is primarily residential, with a mix of traditional and modern housing. It features local amenities, including a pub and a few small shops, catering to the needs of the community.

The surrounding area is characterised by its rural landscape, offering opportunities for walking and enjoying the natural environment. Sowton is also close to the Exeter International Airport, which provides convenient travel options for visitors. The village is well-connected by road, making it a practical base for exploring the wider region of Devon and its attractions.

School Ratings in Sowton

Families in Sowton have access to 78 local schools. Broadclyst Community Primary School is rated Outstanding by Ofsted. A further 9 schools hold a Good rating.

House Prices in Sowton

Homes sell for an average of £348K locally. Most of the housing is made up of terraced houses, averaging £246K.

Crime and Anti-Social Behaviour in Sowton

Crime in the area is lower than the national average. Criminal damage & arson is the leading concern across Sowton, with 6 incidents recorded in April 2026.

Deprivation and Employment in Sowton

The 2025 Index of Multiple Deprivation places Sowton around the national average for deprivation. Employment rates locally are in line with what is seen across England. Average incomes in the area are typical for England.

Healthcare in Sowton

There are 24 GP surgeries within three miles of Sowton, the nearest being Somerset 999 Gp Car (0.5 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 Sowton ONS 2023

The average total household income in Sowton 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.

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

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

Businesses in Sowton ONS 2025

There are approximately 1,506 active businesses based in Sowton, 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 Sowton IMD 2025

Deprivation levels in Sowton are around the national average based on the 2025 Index of Multiple Deprivation. Employment is accessible for most residents and household incomes reflect the broader national picture. The area maintains a steady balance between affordability and quality of life.

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 Sowton 66 crimes · April 2026

Low Crime Area

Crime levels in Sowton are lower than the England and Wales average. While violence & sexual offences is the most frequently recorded category, the overall picture is one of a settled and secure town where serious incidents remain uncommon.

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 Clyst Valley, Woodbury & Lympstone 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

Pinhoe Train Station 1.2 miles
Newcourt Train Station 1.6 miles
Polsloe Bridge Train Station 2.1 miles
Digby And Sowton Train Station 2.2 miles
Cranbrook (Devon) Train Station 2.2 miles
Topsham Train Station 2.6 miles

Location

Local Government

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

Home Ownership in Sowton

Of the 10,644 households in and around Sowton, 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 Sowton.

Frequently Asked Questions about Sowton

What is the population of Sowton?
Sowton 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 Sowton?
The average property in and around Sowton 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 Sowton a deprived area?
Sowton 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 Sowton?
Sowton is covered by the EX5 postcode district.
How many schools are there in Sowton?
There are 12 schools within easy reach of Sowton, spanning primary, secondary and other phases.
Where is the nearest train station to Sowton?
The nearest railway station to Sowton is Pinhoe Train Station, about 1.2 miles away.