Watcombe on the map

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

36,768
Population
14,796
Households
4 / 10
Deprivation decile
Around average
12
Schools nearby
£45,229
Avg. household income
1,094
Businesses
2,477
People per km²
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About Watcombe

Watcombe is a small village located in Devon, England, within the TQ2 postcode area. It is situated near the coast, providing easy access to local beaches and scenic coastal paths. The village features a mix of residential homes and green spaces, making it a pleasant area for both residents and visitors.

The surrounding landscape includes rolling hills and fields, offering opportunities for walking and enjoying nature. Watcombe is conveniently close to the larger town of Torquay, which provides additional amenities, shops, and dining options. The village's proximity to the coast allows for various outdoor activities, including swimming and hiking along the cliffs. Overall, Watcombe serves as a peaceful retreat with access to the beauty of Devon's coastline.

School Ratings in Watcombe

Watcombe is served by 71 schools. Torquay Girls' Grammar School is rated Outstanding by Ofsted. A further 10 schools hold a Good rating.

House Prices in Watcombe

Property prices average £270K across the area, and terraced houses are the most common property type, typically selling for £203K.

Crime and Anti-Social Behaviour in Watcombe

Local crime rates sit higher than national averages. Anti-social behaviour accounts for the highest share in Watcombe, with 97 incidents logged in May 2026.

Deprivation and Employment in Watcombe

Based on the 2025 Index of Multiple Deprivation, Watcombe 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.

Healthcare in Watcombe

There are 14 GP surgeries within three miles of Watcombe, the nearest being Chilcote Practice (1.1 miles away).

Property Prices 4,966 sales

Average Price £270K
£200 , £16.6M
Detached £418K 941
Semi £261K 1,239
Terraced £203K 1,451
Flat £166K 1,036

Household Income in Watcombe ONS 2023

The average total household income in Watcombe is approximately £45,229 a year before tax, 18% below the national average of £55,302. After tax and benefits, the average disposable (net) household income is around £35,263. These are modelled estimates from the Office for National Statistics for the financial year ending 2023.

Watcombe £45,229
England & Wales avg. £55,302

Net (after tax) household income averages £35,263.

Businesses in Watcombe ONS 2025

There are approximately 1,094 active businesses based in Watcombe, 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 30 are larger employers with 50 or more staff. Figures are from the Office for National Statistics UK Business Counts.

1,094 Total businesses
30 Per 1,000 residents
Micro, 0-9 88%
Small, 10-49 9%
Medium, 50-249 2%
Large, 250+ 1%

Deprivation and Employment in Watcombe IMD 2025

The 2025 Index of Multiple Deprivation places Watcombe 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
4/10
Employment
4/10
Education
4/10
Health
3/10
Housing
5/10
Living Environment
5/10
Children 0-15 19%
Working age 60%
Older 65+ 21%
6,842 Children (0-15) 19%
22,192 Working Age 60%
7,737 Older (65+) 21%
Average Child Poverty (IDACI) 41.1% of children in income-deprived families
Average Older Person Poverty (IDAOPI) 21.8% 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 Watcombe 756 crimes · May 2026

High Crime Area

Reported crime in Watcombe is above the national average when measured per capita. Violence & sexual offences dominates the figures, a trend mirrored in many urban centres. Local policing teams work actively in the area, and community initiatives continue to address key concerns.

Violence & Sexual Offences 337
Anti-Social Behaviour 97
Shoplifting 75
Other Theft 56
Criminal Damage & Arson 54
Public Order 34
Burglary 26
Drugs 22
Vehicle Crime 21
Other Crime 10
Theft from Person 9
Weapons 6
Robbery 6
Bicycle Theft 3
Local Policing
Devon And Cornwall Watcombe 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

Torre Train Station 1.8 miles
Newton Abbot Train Station 3.7 miles
Dawlish Train Station 6.5 miles
Dawlish Warren Train Station 7.9 miles
Starcross Train Station 9.8 miles
Exmouth Train Station 10 miles

Location

Local Government

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

Home Ownership in Watcombe

Of the 15,969 households in and around Watcombe, 60% are owned, 12% are socially rented and 28% are privately rented. Home ownership here is lower than the England and Wales average of 63%.

Owned 60% Social rented 12% Private rented 28%

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

Frequently Asked Questions about Watcombe

What is the population of Watcombe?
Watcombe has a population of approximately 36,768 residents, based on the latest census figures for the surrounding postcode area.
What is the average house price in Watcombe?
The average property in and around Watcombe sold for about £269,989, based on HM Land Registry Price Paid records. That is around 23% below the England and Wales average of £349,091.
Is Watcombe a deprived area?
Watcombe 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 Watcombe?
Watcombe is covered by the TQ2 postcode district.
How many schools are there in Watcombe?
There are 12 schools within easy reach of Watcombe, spanning primary, secondary and other phases.
Where is the nearest train station to Watcombe?
The nearest railway station to Watcombe is Torre Train Station, about 1.8 miles away.