Torquay on the map

Torquay built-up area

Built-up area12.3 km² (4.7 sq mi)

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

69,580
Population
29,562
Households
3 / 10
Deprivation decile
More deprived
59
Schools nearby
£42,641
Avg. household income
2,106
Businesses
2,545
People per km²

About Torquay

Torquay is a seaside town located in Devon, England, within the TQ1 postcode area. Known for its coastal scenery, it offers a variety of attractions along its waterfront. The town features several beaches, including Torre Abbey Sands and Meadfoot Beach, which are popular for sunbathing and water activities. Visitors can enjoy a pleasant promenade that runs along the seafront, providing access to shops, cafes, and restaurants.

In addition to its natural beauty, Torquay is home to several cultural sites, such as the historic Torre Abbey, which dates back to the 12th century. The town also hosts various events throughout the year, catering to different interests. With its combination of outdoor activities and cultural experiences, Torquay serves as a suitable destination for those seeking a coastal getaway.

School Ratings in Torquay

There are 59 schools in and around Torquay. A further 10 schools hold a Good rating.

House Prices in Torquay

The average property price is £264K, with flats making up the majority of the housing stock at around £168K.

Crime and Anti-Social Behaviour in Torquay

Recorded crime levels are higher than the national average. Anti-social behaviour is prevalent across Torquay, with 120 recorded incidents in July 2026.

Deprivation and Employment in Torquay

Torquay falls within the more deprived areas of England, according to the 2025 Index of Multiple Deprivation. Employment deprivation is higher than average, with a larger share of working-age residents out of work. Household incomes are broadly in line with the national average.

Healthcare in Torquay

There are 16 GP surgeries within three miles of Torquay, the nearest being Southover Medical Practice (0.3 miles away).

Explore Torquay with our data tools

Free tools that work on any Torquay postcode, from house prices and council tax bands to schools and local services.

Council tax bands in Torquay Check the band for any address School catchments near Torquay See which schools serve an address GP surgeries near Torquay Find the closest practices Stations near Torquay Nearest stations and their lines How high is Torquay? Elevation above sea level by postcode How crowded is Torquay? People per square kilometre

Property Prices 11,138 sales

Average Price £264K
£200 , £16.6M
Detached £494K 1,613
Semi £275K 1,767
Terraced £213K 3,400
Flat £168K 3,710

Schools & Education 59 within 5 miles View all schools

37 Primary
6 Secondary
16 Other
Good 10

Ofsted ratings for schools in the TQ1 postcode area.

Homelands Primary School Primary Good 0.1 miles St Margaret's Academy Primary Good 0.2 miles Priory Roman Catholic Primary School, Torquay Primary Good 0.3 miles Upton St James CofE Primary School Primary 0.4 miles The Spires College Secondary Good 0.4 miles St Cuthbert Mayne School Secondary 0.4 miles Abbey School Not applicable Good 0.4 miles Ellacombe Church of England Academy Primary Good 0.5 miles Torquay Academy Secondary Good 0.5 miles St Marychurch Church of England Primary and Nursery School Primary Good 0.5 miles Torre Church of England Academy Primary 0.7 miles All Saints Babbacombe CofE Primary School Primary 0.7 miles

Household Income in Torquay ONS 2023

The average total household income in Torquay is approximately £42,641 a year before tax, 23% below the national average of £55,302. After tax and benefits, the average disposable (net) household income is around £33,839. These are modelled estimates from the Office for National Statistics for the financial year ending 2023.

Torquay £42,641
England & Wales avg. £55,302

Net (after tax) household income averages £33,839.

Businesses in Torquay ONS 2025

There are approximately 2,106 active businesses based in Torquay, around 30 for every 1,000 residents. The local economy is dominated by small firms: about 88% are micro-businesses employing fewer than 10 people, while 55 are larger employers with 50 or more staff. Figures are from the Office for National Statistics UK Business Counts.

2,106 Total businesses
30 Per 1,000 residents
Micro, 0-9 88%
Small, 10-49 10%
Medium, 50-249 2%
Large, 250+ 0%

Deprivation and Employment in Torquay IMD 2025

Torquay falls within the more deprived areas of England according to the 2025 Index of Multiple Deprivation. Employment opportunities can be more limited and household incomes tend to sit below the national average. Investment in local services and regeneration continues to support the community.

Overall Deprivation
3/10
Income
4/10
Employment
3/10
Education
4/10
Health
3/10
Housing
6/10
Living Environment
3/10
Children 0-15 17%
Working age 59%
Older 65+ 24%
11,703 Children (0-15) 17%
41,147 Working Age 59%
16,737 Older (65+) 24%
Average Child Poverty (IDACI) 41.2% of children in income-deprived families
Average Older Person Poverty (IDAOPI) 22.5% 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 Torquay 863 crimes · July 2026

High Crime Area

Torquay sees higher than average levels of reported crime relative to its population. Violence & sexual offences represents the most frequently recorded category. This pattern is not uncommon in densely populated urban areas and does not necessarily reflect the experience of most residents.

Violence & Sexual Offences 350
Anti-Social Behaviour 120
Shoplifting 111
Other Theft 62
Criminal Damage & Arson 57
Public Order 48
Drugs 29
Vehicle Crime 21
Burglary 17
Other Crime 14
Weapons 13
Robbery 10
Theft from Person 7
Bicycle Theft 4
Local Policing
Devon And Cornwall St Marychurch 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

Torre Train Station 0.8 miles
Newton Abbot Train Station 4.5 miles
Dawlish Train Station 7.6 miles
Dawlish Warren Train Station 9 miles

Location

Nearby Towns & Villages 12 found

Hele 0.6 miles Babbacombe 0.6 miles Combe Pafford 0.6 miles Torre 0.9 miles Wellswood 0.9 miles Ellacombe 0.9 miles St Marychurch 0.9 miles Shiphay 1.2 miles Watcombe 1.2 miles Chelston 1.4 miles Barton 1.4 miles Cockington 1.8 miles

Local Government

District Torbay
County Devon
Ward Tormohun
Constituency Torbay
Parish Torbay, unparished area
Region South West

Home Ownership in Torquay

Of the 31,540 households in and around Torquay, 60% are owned, 9% are socially rented and 31% are privately rented. Home ownership here is lower than the England and Wales average of 63%.

Owned 60% Social rented 9% Private rented 31%

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

Frequently Asked Questions about Torquay

What is the population of Torquay?
Torquay has a population of approximately 69,580 residents, based on the latest census figures for the surrounding postcode area.
What is the average house price in Torquay?
The average property in and around Torquay sold for about £264,315, based on HM Land Registry Price Paid records. That is around 24% below the England and Wales average of £349,091.
Is Torquay a deprived area?
Torquay sits among the more deprived areas in England, with an Index of Multiple Deprivation decile of 3 out of 10, where 1 is the most deprived and 10 the least deprived.
What postcodes cover Torquay?
Torquay is covered by the TQ1, TQ2 postcode districts.
How many schools are there in Torquay?
There are 59 schools within 5 miles of Torquay, spanning primary, secondary and other phases.
Where is the nearest train station to Torquay?
The nearest railway station to Torquay is Torre Train Station, about 0.8 miles away.

Streets in Torquay 30 shown View all streets

A3022 3 A379 1 Abbey Road 12 Acre Lane 2 Alexandra Lane 1 Alexandra Road 2 All Saints' Road 1 Alpine Road 4 Anstey's Cove Road 3 Ansteys Close 1 Arden Drive 1 Armada Crescent 1 Arran Close 1 Arthington 1 Ash Hill Road 3 Asheldon Road 5 Ashfield Road 4 Ashleigh Close 1 Ashleigh Court 1 Ashley Priors Lane 1 Ashton Terrace 1 Audley Avenue 1 Aveland Road 1 Avenue Road 8 Avoca Avenue 1 Avon Road 4 Babbacombe Downs Road 5 Babbacombe Road 32 Bampfylde Road 2 Banbury Park 1

Postcodes in Torquay 50 shown View all postcodes

TQ1 1AG TQ1 1AH TQ1 1AJ TQ1 1AL TQ1 1AN TQ1 1AP TQ1 1AQ TQ1 1AR TQ1 1BA TQ1 1BB TQ1 1BG TQ1 1BH TQ1 1BJ TQ1 1BL TQ1 1BN TQ1 1BQ TQ1 1BX TQ1 1DB TQ1 1DD TQ1 1DE TQ1 1DL TQ1 1DP TQ1 1DR TQ1 1DS TQ1 1DT TQ1 1DU TQ1 1DW TQ1 1DZ TQ1 1EB TQ1 1ED TQ1 1EG TQ1 1EH TQ1 1EJ TQ1 1EQ TQ1 1ES TQ1 1ET TQ1 1EU TQ1 1EY TQ1 1EZ TQ1 1HA TQ1 1HB TQ1 1HD TQ1 1HE TQ1 1HF TQ1 1HG TQ1 1HH TQ1 1HJ TQ1 1HL TQ1 1HN TQ1 1HQ