Westward Ho! on the map

Westward Ho! built-up area

Built-up area1.4 km² (0.5 sq mi)

Location in DevonWestward Ho! sits where the marker shows within the county.

39,023
Population
16,773
Households
5 / 10
Deprivation decile
Around average
12
Schools nearby
£43,718
Avg. household income
1,584
Businesses
158
People per km²
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About Westward Ho!

Westward Ho! is a coastal village located in Devon, England, within the postcode area EX39. It is known for its long stretch of sandy beach, which is popular for various water sports, including surfing and paddleboarding. The area is also suitable for family outings, with ample space for beach games and picnics.

The village features a range of amenities, including shops, cafes, and restaurants, catering to both locals and visitors. The nearby Northam Burrows Country Park offers opportunities for walking and enjoying the natural landscape. Westward Ho! is also home to the Royal North Devon Golf Club, one of the oldest golf clubs in England, attracting golf enthusiasts from afar. Overall, it serves as a pleasant destination for those looking to enjoy the seaside.

School Ratings in Westward Ho!

There are 12 schools in and around Westward Ho!. A further 11 schools hold a Good rating.

House Prices in Westward Ho!

The average property price is £300K, with detached homes making up the majority of the housing stock at around £396K.

Crime and Anti-Social Behaviour in Westward Ho!

Recorded crime levels are lower than the national average. Anti-social behaviour is prevalent across Westward Ho!, with 6 recorded incidents in April 2026.

Deprivation and Employment in Westward Ho!

Westward Ho! 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 Westward Ho!

There are 4 GP surgeries within three miles of Westward Ho!, the nearest being Northam Surgery (0.9 miles away).

Property Prices 7,470 sales

Average Price £300K
£300 , £18.42M
Detached £396K 2,535
Semi £273K 1,079
Terraced £218K 2,400
Flat £177K 768

Household Income in Westward Ho! ONS 2023

The average total household income in Westward Ho! is approximately £43,718 a year before tax, 21% below the national average of £55,302. After tax and benefits, the average disposable (net) household income is around £34,893. These are modelled estimates from the Office for National Statistics for the financial year ending 2023.

Westward Ho! £43,718
England & Wales avg. £55,302

Net (after tax) household income averages £34,893.

Businesses in Westward Ho! ONS 2025

There are approximately 1,584 active businesses based in Westward Ho!, around 41 for every 1,000 residents. The local economy is dominated by small firms: about 88% are micro-businesses employing fewer than 10 people, while 35 are larger employers with 50 or more staff. Figures are from the Office for National Statistics UK Business Counts.

1,584 Total businesses
41 Per 1,000 residents
Micro, 0-9 88%
Small, 10-49 10%
Medium, 50-249 2%
Large, 250+ 0%

Deprivation and Employment in Westward Ho! IMD 2025

Westward Ho! 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
5/10
Employment
5/10
Education
4/10
Health
5/10
Housing
3/10
Living Environment
5/10
Children 0-15 15%
Working age 56%
Older 65+ 29%
6,045 Children (0-15) 15%
21,960 Working Age 56%
10,999 Older (65+) 28%
Average Child Poverty (IDACI) 34.9% of children in income-deprived families
Average Older Person Poverty (IDAOPI) 14.8% 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 Westward Ho! 60 crimes · April 2026

Low Crime Area

Westward Ho! 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 town with a strong sense of community.

Violence & Sexual Offences 32
Anti-Social Behaviour 6
Public Order 5
Burglary 4
Criminal Damage & Arson 4
Other Theft 2
Vehicle Crime 2
Drugs 1
Weapons 1
Robbery 1
Shoplifting 1
Other Crime 1
Local Policing
Devon And Cornwall Westward Ho!, Northam & Appledore, Hartland 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 2 stations

Barnstaple Train Station 7.8 miles
Chapelton (Devon) Train Station 9.3 miles

Location

Local Government

District Torridge
County Devon
Ward Westward Ho!
Constituency Torridge and West Devon
Parish Northam
Region South West

Home Ownership in Westward Ho!

Of the 17,893 households in and around Westward Ho!, 69% are owned, 11% are socially rented and 21% are privately rented. Home ownership here is higher than the England and Wales average of 63%.

Owned 69% Social rented 11% Private rented 21%

Tenure from the 2021 Census (ONS), for the postcode districts covering Westward Ho!.

Frequently Asked Questions about Westward Ho!

What is the population of Westward Ho!?
Westward Ho! has a population of approximately 39,023 residents, based on the latest census figures for the surrounding postcode area.
What is the average house price in Westward Ho!?
The average property in and around Westward Ho! sold for about £299,786, based on HM Land Registry Price Paid records. That is around 14% below the England and Wales average of £349,091.
Is Westward Ho! a deprived area?
Westward Ho! 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 Westward Ho!?
Westward Ho! is covered by the EX39 postcode district.
How many schools are there in Westward Ho!?
There are 12 schools within easy reach of Westward Ho!, spanning primary, secondary and other phases.
Where is the nearest train station to Westward Ho!?
The nearest railway station to Westward Ho! is Barnstaple Train Station, about 7.8 miles away.