Living in Isles of Scilly

The Isles of Scilly are a small county area located off the south west coast of England, lying in the Atlantic Ocean beyond Cornwall. Made up of a cluster of islands, the area is defined by its maritime setting, mild climate and close relationship with the sea. The landscape includes sandy beaches, rocky shores and low lying countryside, giving the islands a distinctive and peaceful character.

The main islands include St Mary’s, Tresco, St Martin’s, Bryher and St Agnes, with St Mary’s acting as the administrative and commercial centre. Communities are small and closely connected, with everyday life shaped by island living and seasonal change. Traditional activities such as fishing and farming remain important, alongside tourism, which now plays a central role in the local economy.

The Isles of Scilly are particularly valued for their natural environment, including clear waters, wildlife and unspoilt landscapes. Walking, boating and outdoor leisure are widely enjoyed, often in quiet and sheltered surroundings. Overall, the Isles of Scilly offer a calm and distinctive mix of island living, natural beauty and close knit communities, giving them a unique and enduring place within England.

Location

Elevation & Terrain

Lowest point Higher Town — 0 ft (0 m)
Highest point Rocky Hill — 115 ft (35 m)
Average across towns 23 ft (7 m)
Elevation range 115 ft (35 m)

Isles of Scilly stretches from 0 ft at Higher Town up to 115 ft at Rocky Hill, a span of 115 ft across 15 towns and villages. This reflects gently undulating terrain, with modest variation between lower and higher places.

Deprivation Index (IMD)

Average deprivation scores across 4 postcode areas in Isles of Scilly. Higher deciles (closer to 10) indicate less deprivation.

Overall Deprivation
6/10
Income
9/10
Employment
9/10
Education
8/10
Health
9/10
Housing
4/10
Environment
1/10
1,685 Children (0-15) 15%
6,694 Working Age 60%
3,590 Older (60+) 32%

Places in Isles of Scilly 15

B H L M N O P R T

Postcode Areas in Isles of Scilly 1

Isles of Scilly is served by 1 postcode area. Each area contains multiple postcode districts covering different parts of the county.