Waterhead on the map

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

18,756
Population
7,593
Households
6 / 10
Deprivation decile
Around average
11
Schools nearby
£51,677
Avg. household income
1,154
Businesses
113
People per km²
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About Waterhead

Waterhead is a small settlement located in Devon, England, within the TQ7 postcode area. It is situated near the coast, offering access to the scenic views of the surrounding landscape. The area is primarily residential, with a mix of traditional and modern homes. Visitors can enjoy walks along the nearby coastline and explore the natural beauty of the region.

The settlement is conveniently located for those wishing to explore the larger towns nearby, such as Kingsbridge and Salcombe. These towns provide a range of amenities, including shops, restaurants, and recreational activities. Waterhead serves as a peaceful base for exploring the South Hams district, known for its coastal paths and countryside walks. Whether you are looking for a quiet retreat or a starting point for outdoor adventures, Waterhead offers a simple and accessible option.

School Ratings in Waterhead

There are 11 schools in and around Waterhead. A further 4 schools hold a Good rating.

House Prices in Waterhead

The average property price is £480K, with detached homes making up the majority of the housing stock at around £662K.

Crime and Anti-Social Behaviour in Waterhead

Recorded crime levels are lower than the national average. Other theft is prevalent across Waterhead, with 7 recorded incidents in May 2026.

Deprivation and Employment in Waterhead

Waterhead 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 3,461 sales

Average Price £480K
£500 , £6.5M
Detached £662K 1,338
Semi £377K 493
Terraced £303K 818
Flat £291K 433

Household Income in Waterhead ONS 2023

The average total household income in Waterhead is approximately £51,677 a year before tax, 7% below the national average of £55,302. After tax and benefits, the average disposable (net) household income is around £40,868. These are modelled estimates from the Office for National Statistics for the financial year ending 2023.

Waterhead £51,677
England & Wales avg. £55,302

Net (after tax) household income averages £40,868.

Businesses in Waterhead ONS 2025

There are approximately 1,154 active businesses based in Waterhead, around 62 for every 1,000 residents. The local economy is dominated by small firms: about 90% are micro-businesses employing fewer than 10 people, while 10 are larger employers with 50 or more staff. Figures are from the Office for National Statistics UK Business Counts.

1,154 Total businesses
62 Per 1,000 residents
Micro, 0-9 90%
Small, 10-49 9%
Medium, 50-249 1%
Large, 250+ 0%

Deprivation and Employment in Waterhead IMD 2025

Waterhead 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
6/10
Income
7/10
Employment
7/10
Education
7/10
Health
9/10
Housing
2/10
Living Environment
3/10
Children 0-15 15%
Working age 54%
Older 65+ 31%
2,865 Children (0-15) 15%
10,079 Working Age 54%
5,804 Older (65+) 31%
Average Child Poverty (IDACI) 23.3% of children in income-deprived families
Average Older Person Poverty (IDAOPI) 11.3% 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 Waterhead 30 crimes · May 2026

Low Crime Area

Waterhead 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 8
Other Theft 7
Criminal Damage & Arson 5
Anti-Social Behaviour 4
Public Order 3
Weapons 1
Shoplifting 1
Vehicle Crime 1
Local Policing
Devon And Cornwall Kingsbridge Rural West 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 1 stations

Ivybridge Train Station 6.2 miles

Location

Local Government

District South Hams
County Devon
Ward Kingsbridge
Constituency Totnes
Parish Kingsbridge
Region South West

Home Ownership in Waterhead

Of the 8,431 households in and around Waterhead, 71% are owned, 13% are socially rented and 17% are privately rented. Home ownership here is higher than the England and Wales average of 63%.

Owned 71% Social rented 13% Private rented 17%

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

Frequently Asked Questions about Waterhead

What is the population of Waterhead?
Waterhead has a population of approximately 18,756 residents, based on the latest census figures for the surrounding postcode area.
What is the average house price in Waterhead?
The average property in and around Waterhead sold for about £480,059, based on HM Land Registry Price Paid records. That is around 38% above the England and Wales average of £349,091.
Is Waterhead a deprived area?
Waterhead 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 Waterhead?
Waterhead is covered by the TQ7 postcode district.
How many schools are there in Waterhead?
There are 11 schools within easy reach of Waterhead, spanning primary, secondary and other phases.
Where is the nearest train station to Waterhead?
The nearest railway station to Waterhead is Ivybridge Train Station, about 6.2 miles away.