West Firle on the map

Location in East SussexWest Firle sits where the marker shows within the county.

17,326
Population
6,542
Households
7 / 10
Deprivation decile
Around average
12
Schools nearby
£63,871
Avg. household income
1,051
Businesses
106
People per km²
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About West Firle

West Firle is a small village located in East Sussex, England, within the BN8 postcode area. It is situated near the South Downs National Park, offering access to various walking trails and scenic views of the surrounding countryside. The village is characterised by its traditional architecture, including several historic buildings that reflect the local heritage.

In West Firle, you will find a local pub that serves food and drinks, providing a gathering place for residents and visitors alike. The village is also home to a few small shops and community facilities, which cater to everyday needs. Its proximity to larger towns such as Lewes makes it a convenient spot for those seeking a quieter lifestyle while still being close to urban amenities.

School Ratings in West Firle

West Firle is served by 26 schools. Chailey Heritage School is rated Outstanding by Ofsted. A further 6 schools hold a Good rating.

House Prices in West Firle

Property prices average £577K across the area, and detached homes are the most common property type, typically selling for £738K.

Crime and Anti-Social Behaviour in West Firle

Local crime rates sit lower than national averages. Anti-social behaviour accounts for the highest share in West Firle, with 8 incidents logged in May 2026.

Deprivation and Employment in West Firle

Based on the 2025 Index of Multiple Deprivation, West Firle 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 2,055 sales

Average Price £577K
£3K , £5.6M
Detached £738K 824
Semi £441K 583
Terraced £359K 343
Flat £298K 149

Household Income in West Firle ONS 2023

The average total household income in West Firle is approximately £63,871 a year before tax, 15% above the national average of £55,302. After tax and benefits, the average disposable (net) household income is around £46,103. These are modelled estimates from the Office for National Statistics for the financial year ending 2023.

West Firle £63,871
England & Wales avg. £55,302

Net (after tax) household income averages £46,103.

Businesses in West Firle ONS 2025

There are approximately 1,051 active businesses based in West Firle, around 61 for every 1,000 residents. The local economy is dominated by small firms: about 91% are micro-businesses employing fewer than 10 people, while 18 are larger employers with 50 or more staff. Figures are from the Office for National Statistics UK Business Counts.

1,051 Total businesses
61 Per 1,000 residents
Micro, 0-9 91%
Small, 10-49 7%
Medium, 50-249 2%
Large, 250+ 0%

Deprivation and Employment in West Firle IMD 2025

The 2025 Index of Multiple Deprivation places West Firle 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
7/10
Income
7/10
Employment
7/10
Education
7/10
Health
8/10
Housing
3/10
Living Environment
4/10
Children 0-15 17%
Working age 57%
Older 65+ 26%
2,969 Children (0-15) 17%
9,790 Working Age 57%
4,557 Older (65+) 26%
Average Child Poverty (IDACI) 22% of children in income-deprived families
Above Average Older Person Poverty (IDAOPI) 9.8% 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 West Firle 31 crimes · May 2026

Low Crime Area

Reported crime in West Firle falls below the national average, suggesting a comparatively safe environment. Violence & sexual offences tops the list of recorded incidents, but figures are low overall. Residents and visitors alike tend to find this a quiet and reassuring small town.

Violence & Sexual Offences 12
Anti-Social Behaviour 8
Public Order 4
Criminal Damage & Arson 2
Burglary 1
Drugs 1
Other Theft 1
Weapons 1
Other Crime 1
Local Policing
Sussex Glynde, Firle, Beddingham and Southease
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

Glynde Train Station 1.3 miles
Southease Train Station 2.8 miles
Berwick (Sussex) Train Station 3.2 miles
Lewes Train Station 3.9 miles
Newhaven Town Train Station 4.1 miles
Newhaven Harbour Train Station 4.4 miles

Location

Local Government

District Lewes
County East Sussex
Ward Chailey, Barcombe & Hamsey
Constituency Lewes
Parish Chailey
Region South East

Home Ownership in West Firle

Of the 7,209 households in and around West Firle, 73% are owned, 11% are socially rented and 16% are privately rented. Home ownership here is higher than the England and Wales average of 63%.

Owned 73% Social rented 11% Private rented 16%

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

Frequently Asked Questions about West Firle

What is the population of West Firle?
West Firle has a population of approximately 17,326 residents, based on the latest census figures for the surrounding postcode area.
What is the average house price in West Firle?
The average property in and around West Firle sold for about £576,960, based on HM Land Registry Price Paid records. That is around 65% above the England and Wales average of £349,091.
Is West Firle a deprived area?
West Firle sits around the national average for deprivation, with an Index of Multiple Deprivation decile of 7 out of 10, where 1 is the most deprived and 10 the least deprived.
What postcodes cover West Firle?
West Firle is covered by the BN8 postcode district.
How many schools are there in West Firle?
There are 12 schools within easy reach of West Firle, spanning primary, secondary and other phases.
Where is the nearest train station to West Firle?
The nearest railway station to West Firle is Glynde Train Station, about 1.3 miles away.