Woody Bay on the map

Location in DevonWoody Bay sits where the marker shows within the county.

27,911
Population
10,388
Households
5 / 10
Deprivation decile
Around average
2
Schools nearby
£49,290
Avg. household income
1,197
Businesses
139
People per km²
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About Woody Bay

Woody Bay is located in Devon, England, within the postcode area EX31. This small coastal area is known for its rugged cliffs and scenic views of the Atlantic Ocean. The bay is part of the North Devon Coast Area of Outstanding Natural Beauty, which attracts visitors interested in walking and enjoying the natural landscape. There are several walking trails nearby, providing opportunities to explore the coastline and surrounding countryside.

The beach at Woody Bay features a mix of pebbles and sand, making it suitable for a variety of activities such as rock pooling and beachcombing. Facilities in the area are limited, ensuring a peaceful environment for those who wish to escape the busier tourist spots. Visitors can also find a few local amenities, including a café, where one can enjoy refreshments while taking in the views.

House Prices in Woody Bay

Property prices average £334K across the area, and detached homes are the most common property type, typically selling for £381K.

Crime and Anti-Social Behaviour in Woody Bay

Local crime rates sit higher than national averages. Shoplifting accounts for the highest share in Woody Bay, with 43 incidents logged in May 2026.

Deprivation and Employment in Woody Bay

Based on the 2025 Index of Multiple Deprivation, Woody Bay 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.

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 2 nearby View all schools

2 Primary
Good 10

Ofsted ratings for schools in the EX31 postcode area.

Household Income in Woody Bay ONS 2023

The average total household income in Woody Bay 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.

Woody Bay £49,290
England & Wales avg. £55,302

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

Businesses in Woody Bay ONS 2025

There are approximately 1,197 active businesses based in Woody Bay, 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 Woody Bay IMD 2025

The 2025 Index of Multiple Deprivation places Woody Bay 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
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 Woody Bay 320 crimes · May 2026

High Crime Area

Reported crime in Woody Bay 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 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
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.

Location

Local Government

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

Home Ownership in Woody Bay

Of the 11,890 households in and around Woody Bay, 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 Woody Bay.

Frequently Asked Questions about Woody Bay

What is the population of Woody Bay?
Woody Bay 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 Woody Bay?
The average property in and around Woody Bay 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 Woody Bay a deprived area?
Woody Bay 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 Woody Bay?
Woody Bay is covered by the EX31 postcode district.
How many schools are there in Woody Bay?
There are 2 schools within easy reach of Woody Bay, spanning primary, secondary and other phases.