West Ashford on the map

Location in DevonWest Ashford sits where the marker shows within the county.

27,911
Population
10,388
Households
5 / 10
Deprivation decile
Around average
12
Schools nearby
£49,290
Avg. household income
1,197
Businesses
139
People per km²
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About West Ashford

West Ashford is a village located in Devon, England, within the postcode area EX31. It is situated near the River Taw, offering a scenic environment for those who enjoy nature. The village features a mix of residential homes and agricultural land, reflecting its rural character. Local amenities include a small shop and a community hall, which serves as a gathering place for residents.

The surrounding area is characterised by its countryside, providing opportunities for walking and exploring the landscape. Nearby, visitors can find larger towns with more extensive facilities and services. West Ashford is well-connected by road, making it accessible for those wishing to visit or explore the wider region of Devon. Overall, it presents a quiet setting for those looking to experience village life in this part of England.

School Ratings in West Ashford

There are 30 schools in and around West Ashford. A further 10 schools hold a Good rating.

House Prices in West Ashford

The average property price is £334K, with detached homes making up the majority of the housing stock at around £381K.

Crime and Anti-Social Behaviour in West Ashford

Recorded crime levels are higher than the national average. Shoplifting is prevalent across West Ashford, with 43 recorded incidents in May 2026.

Deprivation and Employment in West Ashford

West Ashford 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.

Healthcare in West Ashford

There are 8 GP surgeries within three miles of West Ashford, the nearest being Chivenor Medical Centre (1.5 miles away).

Local Data for West Ashford

Dig deeper into the area around West Ashford with our free postcode tools.

Food Hygiene Ratings Hygiene scores for cafes, takeaways and shops Nearest GP Surgery Find the GP surgeries closest to a postcode Compare Areas Put two areas head to head House Prices Recent sale prices and trends

Property Prices 4,982 sales

Average Price £334K
£1K , £14.95M
Detached £381K 2,293
Semi £275K 981
Terraced £234K 907
Flat £179K 361

Schools & Education 12 nearby View all schools

22 Primary
3 Secondary
5 Other
Good 10

Ofsted ratings for schools in the EX31 postcode area.

Pilton Community College Secondary Good 1.9 miles Southmead School Primary Good 2.1 miles Braunton Academy Secondary Good 2.1 miles Pathfield School Not applicable Good 2.1 miles Pilton Bluecoat Church of England Academy Primary Good 2.1 miles Pilton Infants' Academy Primary 2.1 miles Barnstaple (Sticklepath) Good 2.2 miles Sticklepath Community Primary Academy Primary Good 2.2 miles Fremington Primary School Primary 2.2 miles Roundswell Community Primary Academy Primary Good 2.2 miles Caen Community Primary School Primary Good 2.4 miles On Track Education Barnstaple Not applicable Good 2.6 miles

Household Income in West Ashford ONS 2023

The average total household income in West Ashford is approximately £49,290 a year before tax, 11% below the national average of £55,302. After tax and benefits, the average disposable (net) household income is around £38,054. These are modelled estimates from the Office for National Statistics for the financial year ending 2023.

West Ashford £49,290
England & Wales avg. £55,302

Net (after tax) household income averages £38,054.

Businesses in West Ashford ONS 2025

There are approximately 1,197 active businesses based in West Ashford, around 43 for every 1,000 residents. The local economy is dominated by small firms: about 89% are micro-businesses employing fewer than 10 people, while 19 are larger employers with 50 or more staff. Figures are from the Office for National Statistics UK Business Counts.

1,197 Total businesses
43 Per 1,000 residents
Micro, 0-9 89%
Small, 10-49 9%
Medium, 50-249 2%
Large, 250+ 0%

Deprivation and Employment in West Ashford IMD 2025

West Ashford 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
5/10
Income
6/10
Employment
6/10
Education
5/10
Health
6/10
Housing
2/10
Living Environment
5/10
Children 0-15 17%
Working age 57%
Older 65+ 26%
4,725 Children (0-15) 17%
15,788 Working Age 57%
7,398 Older (65+) 27%
Average Child Poverty (IDACI) 28.8% of children in income-deprived families
Average Older Person Poverty (IDAOPI) 12.6% 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 West Ashford 320 crimes · May 2026

High Crime Area

West Ashford 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 141
Shoplifting 43
Anti-Social Behaviour 32
Criminal Damage & Arson 29
Public Order 24
Other Theft 18
Drugs 9
Weapons 6
Burglary 5
Other Crime 4
Robbery 3
Vehicle Crime 3
Theft from Person 2
Bicycle Theft 1
Local Policing
Devon And Cornwall Braunton Rural 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 3 stations

Barnstaple Train Station 2.6 miles
Chapelton (Devon) Train Station 6.9 miles
Umberleigh Train Station 9 miles

Location

Nearby Towns & Villages 12 found

Ashford 0.6 miles Heanton Punchardon 1.2 miles Pippacott 1.2 miles Penhill 1.2 miles Prixford 1.4 miles Chivenor 1.4 miles Whitehall 1.4 miles Marwood 1.8 miles Guineaford 1.8 miles Wrafton 1.9 miles Muddlebridge 1.9 miles Combrew 1.9 miles

Local Government

District North Devon
County Devon
Ward Barnstaple with Pilton
Constituency North Devon
Parish Barnstaple
Region South West

Home Ownership in West Ashford

Of the 11,890 households in and around West Ashford, 75% are owned, 10% are socially rented and 15% are privately rented. Home ownership here is higher than the England and Wales average of 63%.

Owned 75% Social rented 10% Private rented 15%

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

Frequently Asked Questions about West Ashford

What is the population of West Ashford?
West Ashford has a population of approximately 27,911 residents, based on the latest census figures for the surrounding postcode area.
What is the average house price in West Ashford?
The average property in and around West Ashford sold for about £334,360, based on HM Land Registry Price Paid records. That is around 4% below the England and Wales average of £349,091.
Is West Ashford a deprived area?
West Ashford sits around the national average for deprivation, with an Index of Multiple Deprivation decile of 5 out of 10, where 1 is the most deprived and 10 the least deprived.
What postcodes cover West Ashford?
West Ashford is covered by the EX31 postcode district.
How many schools are there in West Ashford?
There are 12 schools within easy reach of West Ashford, spanning primary, secondary and other phases.
Where is the nearest train station to West Ashford?
The nearest railway station to West Ashford is Barnstaple Train Station, about 2.6 miles away.

Streets in EX31 30 shown View all streets

A3125 2 A361 6 A377 1 A39 11 A399 3 Abbey Road 3 Adder Lane 1 Alder Glade 1 Allenstyle Close 1 Allenstyle Drive 2 Allenstyle Gardens 1 Allenstyle Road 3 Allenstyle View 1 Allenstyle Way 1 Almond Court 1 Andrew Road 1 Anne Crescent 1 Ashfield Close 1 Ashley Court 2 Aspen Grove 2 Atlantic Highway 2 Aviemore Industrial Estate 1 B3227 2 B3229 2 B3230 8 B3232 8 B3358 3 Babbages 3 Ballards Crescent 1 Ballards Grove 1

Postcodes in EX31 50 shown View all postcodes

EX31 1AB EX31 1AD EX31 1AE EX31 1AF EX31 1AG EX31 1AH EX31 1AJ EX31 1AL EX31 1AN EX31 1AP EX31 1AQ EX31 1AR EX31 1AS EX31 1AT EX31 1AU EX31 1BA EX31 1BD EX31 1BE EX31 1BG EX31 1BH EX31 1BJ EX31 1BL EX31 1BN EX31 1BP EX31 1BQ EX31 1BS EX31 1BU EX31 1BW EX31 1BX EX31 1BZ EX31 1DD EX31 1DE EX31 1DF EX31 1DG EX31 1DH EX31 1DJ EX31 1DP EX31 1DR EX31 1DT EX31 1DW EX31 1DX EX31 1DY EX31 1EA EX31 1EE EX31 1EF EX31 1EG EX31 1EH EX31 1EL EX31 1ER EX31 1ES