West Down on the map

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

15,882
Population
7,534
Households
4 / 10
Deprivation decile
Around average
12
Schools nearby
£44,404
Avg. household income
771
Businesses
123
People per km²
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About West Down

West Down is a village located in Devon, England, within the postcode area EX34. It is situated approximately three miles from the North Devon coast, making it a convenient spot for those wishing to explore the nearby beaches and coastal paths. The village itself features a mix of traditional and modern homes, along with local amenities that cater to residents and visitors alike.

Surrounding West Down are fields and countryside, offering opportunities for walking and enjoying the natural landscape. The village is served by a primary school and a local pub, providing essential services to the community. With its proximity to the coast and rural charm, West Down serves as a peaceful base for exploring the wider region of North Devon.

School Ratings in West Down

Families in West Down have access to 15 local schools. A further 3 schools hold a Good rating.

House Prices in West Down

Homes sell for an average of £315K locally. Most of the housing is made up of flats, averaging £203K.

Crime and Anti-Social Behaviour in West Down

Crime in the area is broadly in line with the national average. Anti-social behaviour is the leading concern across West Down, with 20 incidents recorded in April 2026.

Deprivation and Employment in West Down

The 2025 Index of Multiple Deprivation places West Down 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 West Down

There is 1 GP surgery within three miles of West Down, the nearest being Combe Coastal Practice (2.9 miles away).

Property Prices 3,317 sales

Average Price £315K
£100 , £22.2M
Detached £450K 759
Semi £296K 378
Terraced £230K 863
Flat £203K 899

Household Income in West Down ONS 2023

The average total household income in West Down is approximately £44,404 a year before tax, 20% below the national average of £55,302. After tax and benefits, the average disposable (net) household income is around £35,556. These are modelled estimates from the Office for National Statistics for the financial year ending 2023.

West Down £44,404
England & Wales avg. £55,302

Net (after tax) household income averages £35,556.

Businesses in West Down ONS 2025

There are approximately 771 active businesses based in West Down, around 49 for every 1,000 residents. The local economy is dominated by small firms: about 90% are micro-businesses employing fewer than 10 people, while 12 are larger employers with 50 or more staff. Figures are from the Office for National Statistics UK Business Counts.

771 Total businesses
49 Per 1,000 residents
Micro, 0-9 90%
Small, 10-49 8%
Medium, 50-249 2%
Large, 250+ 0%

Deprivation and Employment in West Down IMD 2025

Deprivation levels in West Down 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
4/10
Income
5/10
Employment
4/10
Education
4/10
Health
5/10
Housing
3/10
Living Environment
3/10
Children 0-15 16%
Working age 58%
Older 65+ 26%
2,480 Children (0-15) 16%
9,187 Working Age 58%
4,207 Older (65+) 27%
Average Child Poverty (IDACI) 37.1% of children in income-deprived families
Average Older Person Poverty (IDAOPI) 16.4% 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 West Down 125 crimes · April 2026

Average Crime Area

Crime in West Down is around the national average, with violence & sexual offences representing the most common offence type. These figures are characteristic of a small town with an active centre and diverse population, and are neither unusually high nor particularly low.

Violence & Sexual Offences 42
Anti-Social Behaviour 20
Burglary 15
Criminal Damage & Arson 12
Public Order 10
Vehicle Crime 9
Shoplifting 4
Other Crime 4
Other Theft 3
Drugs 2
Weapons 2
Robbery 2
Local Policing
Devon And Cornwall Mortehoe & Woolacombe 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

Barnstaple Train Station 6.6 miles

Location

Local Government

District North Devon
County Devon
Ward Combe Martin
Constituency North Devon
Parish Combe Martin
Region South West

Home Ownership in West Down

Of the 7,177 households in and around West Down, 64% are owned, 8% are socially rented and 27% are privately rented. Home ownership here is in line with the England and Wales average of 63%.

Owned 64% Social rented 8% Private rented 27%

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

Frequently Asked Questions about West Down

What is the population of West Down?
West Down has a population of approximately 15,882 residents, based on the latest census figures for the surrounding postcode area.
What is the average house price in West Down?
The average property in and around West Down sold for about £315,033, based on HM Land Registry Price Paid records. That is around 10% below the England and Wales average of £349,091.
Is West Down a deprived area?
West Down 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 West Down?
West Down is covered by the EX34 postcode district.
How many schools are there in West Down?
There are 12 schools within easy reach of West Down, spanning primary, secondary and other phases.
Where is the nearest train station to West Down?
The nearest railway station to West Down is Barnstaple Train Station, about 6.6 miles away.