Woolacombe on the map

Woolacombe built-up area

Built-up area0.7 km² (0.3 sq mi)

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

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

Woolacombe is a coastal village located in Devon, England, known for its expansive sandy beach that stretches for three miles. The beach is popular with both locals and visitors, providing ample opportunities for swimming, surfing, and sunbathing. The surrounding area features impressive cliffs and scenic views, making it a great spot for coastal walks.

In addition to its natural beauty, Woolacombe offers a range of amenities including shops, cafes, and restaurants that cater to various tastes. The village is also well-served by accommodation options, from hotels to holiday parks, making it suitable for families and individuals alike. Woolacombe is easily accessible by road and is a popular destination for those looking to enjoy the Devon coastline.

School Ratings in Woolacombe

Woolacombe is served by 10 schools. A further 3 schools hold a Good rating.

House Prices in Woolacombe

Property prices average £315K across the area, and flats are the most common property type, typically selling for £203K.

Crime and Anti-Social Behaviour in Woolacombe

Local crime rates sit broadly in line with national averages. Anti-social behaviour accounts for the highest share in Woolacombe, with 20 incidents logged in April 2026.

Deprivation and Employment in Woolacombe

Based on the 2025 Index of Multiple Deprivation, Woolacombe 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 3,317 sales

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

Household Income in Woolacombe ONS 2023

The average total household income in Woolacombe 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.

Woolacombe £44,404
England & Wales avg. £55,302

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

Businesses in Woolacombe ONS 2025

There are approximately 771 active businesses based in Woolacombe, 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 Woolacombe IMD 2025

The 2025 Index of Multiple Deprivation places Woolacombe 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
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 Woolacombe 125 crimes · April 2026

Average Crime Area

Woolacombe experiences crime rates that are roughly comparable to the national picture. Violence & sexual offences is the most reported category, consistent with broader patterns across similar communities. Day-to-day life here reflects the usual mix of challenges found in any established small town.

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 9.2 miles

Location

Local Government

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

Home Ownership in Woolacombe

Of the 7,177 households in and around Woolacombe, 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 Woolacombe.

Frequently Asked Questions about Woolacombe

What is the population of Woolacombe?
Woolacombe 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 Woolacombe?
The average property in and around Woolacombe 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 Woolacombe a deprived area?
Woolacombe 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 Woolacombe?
Woolacombe is covered by the EX34 postcode district.
How many schools are there in Woolacombe?
There are 10 schools within easy reach of Woolacombe, spanning primary, secondary and other phases.
Where is the nearest train station to Woolacombe?
The nearest railway station to Woolacombe is Barnstaple Train Station, about 9.2 miles away.