Downside on the map

Location in East SussexDownside sits where the marker shows within the county.

29,214
Population
12,412
Households
6 / 10
Deprivation decile
Around average
12
Schools nearby
£47,965
Avg. household income
1,173
Businesses
3,612
People per km²
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About Downside

Downside is a residential area located in East Sussex, England, within the postcode area BN21. It is situated to the east of the town of Eastbourne, making it easily accessible for those looking to explore the local amenities and attractions. The area features a mix of housing, including family homes and flats, providing a variety of living options.

Nearby, residents and visitors can enjoy the local parks and green spaces, which offer opportunities for leisurely walks and outdoor activities. The proximity to Eastbourne means that Downside benefits from the town's shops, restaurants, and cultural offerings, while still providing a quieter environment for those who prefer a more suburban lifestyle. Public transport links are available, allowing for convenient travel to surrounding areas.

School Ratings in Downside

There are 41 schools in and around Downside. A further 3 schools hold a Good rating.

House Prices in Downside

The average property price is £293K, with flats making up the majority of the housing stock at around £196K.

Crime and Anti-Social Behaviour in Downside

Recorded crime levels are higher than the national average. Anti-social behaviour is prevalent across Downside, with 256 recorded incidents in May 2026.

Deprivation and Employment in Downside

Downside 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 Downside

There are 27 GP surgeries within three miles of Downside, the nearest being Ans Kestrel (0.4 miles away).

Property Prices 5,218 sales

Average Price £293K
£1K , £16.17M
Detached £507K 582
Semi £419K 298
Terraced £337K 784
Flat £196K 3,203

Household Income in Downside ONS 2023

The average total household income in Downside is approximately £47,965 a year before tax, 13% below the national average of £55,302. After tax and benefits, the average disposable (net) household income is around £37,306. These are modelled estimates from the Office for National Statistics for the financial year ending 2023.

Downside £47,965
England & Wales avg. £55,302

Net (after tax) household income averages £37,306.

Businesses in Downside ONS 2025

There are approximately 1,173 active businesses based in Downside, around 40 for every 1,000 residents. The local economy is dominated by small firms: about 86% are micro-businesses employing fewer than 10 people, while 26 are larger employers with 50 or more staff. Figures are from the Office for National Statistics UK Business Counts.

1,173 Total businesses
40 Per 1,000 residents
Micro, 0-9 86%
Small, 10-49 12%
Medium, 50-249 2%
Large, 250+ 0%

Deprivation and Employment in Downside IMD 2025

Downside 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
6/10
Income
5/10
Employment
5/10
Education
6/10
Health
5/10
Housing
9/10
Living Environment
5/10
Children 0-15 14%
Working age 60%
Older 65+ 26%
4,118 Children (0-15) 14%
17,660 Working Age 60%
7,416 Older (65+) 25%
Average Child Poverty (IDACI) 36.4% of children in income-deprived families
Average Older Person Poverty (IDAOPI) 19% 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 Downside 997 crimes · May 2026

High Crime Area

Downside 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 301
Anti-Social Behaviour 256
Shoplifting 142
Public Order 82
Criminal Damage & Arson 65
Other Theft 35
Drugs 30
Vehicle Crime 28
Burglary 17
Theft from Person 12
Robbery 9
Weapons 7
Other Crime 7
Bicycle Theft 6
Local Policing
Sussex Rodmill
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 6 stations

Eastbourne Train Station 1.2 miles
Hampden Park (Sussex) Train Station 1.3 miles
Polegate Train Station 2.8 miles
Pevensey And Westham Train Station 3.6 miles
Pevensey Bay Train Station 4.4 miles
Berwick (Sussex) Train Station 5.8 miles

Location

Local Government

District Eastbourne
County East Sussex
Ward Upperton
Constituency Eastbourne
Parish Eastbourne, unparished area
Region South East

Home Ownership in Downside

Of the 14,214 households in and around Downside, 53% are owned, 8% are socially rented and 39% are privately rented. Home ownership here is lower than the England and Wales average of 63%.

Owned 53% Social rented 8% Private rented 39%

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

Frequently Asked Questions about Downside

What is the population of Downside?
Downside has a population of approximately 29,214 residents, based on the latest census figures for the surrounding postcode area.
What is the average house price in Downside?
The average property in and around Downside sold for about £293,429, based on HM Land Registry Price Paid records. That is around 16% below the England and Wales average of £349,091.
Is Downside a deprived area?
Downside sits around the national average for deprivation, with an Index of Multiple Deprivation decile of 6 out of 10, where 1 is the most deprived and 10 the least deprived.
What postcodes cover Downside?
Downside is covered by the BN21 postcode district.
How many schools are there in Downside?
There are 12 schools within easy reach of Downside, spanning primary, secondary and other phases.
Where is the nearest train station to Downside?
The nearest railway station to Downside is Eastbourne Train Station, about 1.2 miles away.