Downhead on the map

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

20,503
Population
7,227
Households
6 / 10
Deprivation decile
Around average
12
Schools nearby
£56,152
Avg. household income
876
Businesses
123
People per km²
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About Downhead

Downhead is a small village located in Somerset, England, within the postcode area BA22. The village is surrounded by the picturesque countryside typical of this region, offering a peaceful environment for residents and visitors alike. Downhead is primarily a residential area, featuring a mix of traditional and modern homes. The local community is close-knit, with a focus on maintaining the village's character and charm.

Nearby, you will find various walking paths and fields that provide opportunities for outdoor activities. The village is conveniently situated for those wishing to explore the surrounding areas, including the larger towns of Shepton Mallet and Wells, which are just a short drive away. Downhead serves as a quiet retreat for those looking to escape the busyness of urban life while still having access to essential amenities.

School Ratings in Downhead

There are 14 schools in and around Downhead. Kingfisher Primary School is rated Outstanding by Ofsted. A further 9 schools hold a Good rating.

House Prices in Downhead

The average property price is £359K, with detached homes making up the majority of the housing stock at around £473K.

Crime and Anti-Social Behaviour in Downhead

Recorded crime levels are higher than the national average. Anti-social behaviour is prevalent across Downhead, with 29 recorded incidents in May 2026.

Deprivation and Employment in Downhead

Downhead 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 Downhead

There are 2 GP surgeries within three miles of Downhead, the nearest being Heron Medical Centre (1.5 miles away).

Local Data for Downhead

Dig deeper into the area around Downhead with our free postcode tools.

Food Hygiene Ratings Hygiene scores for cafes, takeaways and shops Nearest GP Surgery Find the GP surgeries closest to a postcode Compare Areas Put two areas head to head House Prices Recent sale prices and trends

Property Prices 3,003 sales

Average Price £359K
£500 , £7.05M
Detached £473K 1,107
Semi £273K 654
Terraced £228K 792
Flat £138K 228

Schools & Education 12 nearby View all schools

9 Primary
1 Secondary
4 Other
Outstanding 1
Good 9
Requires improvement 1

Ofsted ratings for schools in the BA22 postcode area.

Countess Gytha Primary School Primary Good 2 miles Chilton Bridge School Not applicable Good 2.1 miles Hazlegrove Preparatory School Not applicable 2.3 miles Charlton Mackrell CofE Primary School Primary Good 2.8 miles South Somerset North 2.9 miles Ilchester Community School Primary 3.2 miles Keinton Mandeville Primary School Primary Good 3.3 miles Lovington Church of England Primary School Primary 4.1 miles North Cadbury Church of England Primary School Primary Good 4.5 miles Trent Young's CofE Primary School Primary 4.7 miles Chilthorne Domer Church School Primary Good 4.7 miles Fairmead School Not applicable Good 4.8 miles

Household Income in Downhead ONS 2023

The average total household income in Downhead is approximately £56,152 a year before tax, in line with the national average of £55,302. After tax and benefits, the average disposable (net) household income is around £40,966. These are modelled estimates from the Office for National Statistics for the financial year ending 2023.

Downhead £56,152
England & Wales avg. £55,302

Net (after tax) household income averages £40,966.

Businesses in Downhead ONS 2025

There are approximately 876 active businesses based in Downhead, around 43 for every 1,000 residents. The local economy is dominated by small firms: about 91% 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.

876 Total businesses
43 Per 1,000 residents
Micro, 0-9 91%
Small, 10-49 8%
Medium, 50-249 1%
Large, 250+ 0%

Deprivation and Employment in Downhead IMD 2025

Downhead 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
7/10
Employment
7/10
Education
7/10
Health
8/10
Housing
2/10
Living Environment
3/10
Children 0-15 17%
Working age 59%
Older 65+ 24%
3,430 Children (0-15) 17%
12,195 Working Age 59%
4,878 Older (65+) 24%
Average Child Poverty (IDACI) 21.5% of children in income-deprived families
Average Older Person Poverty (IDAOPI) 10.4% 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 Downhead 178 crimes · May 2026

High Crime Area

Downhead 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 84
Anti-Social Behaviour 29
Shoplifting 23
Criminal Damage & Arson 13
Other Theft 11
Public Order 10
Burglary 3
Drugs 3
Weapons 1
Robbery 1
Local Policing
Avon And Somerset Wincanton Rural West
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

Yeovil Pen Mill Train Station 5.7 miles
Castle Cary Train Station 6.6 miles
Yeovil Junction Train Station 7.1 miles
Sherborne Train Station 7.4 miles
Thornford Train Station 7.8 miles
Templecombe Train Station 9.1 miles

Location

Nearby Towns & Villages 12 found

Urgashay 0.6 miles Bridgehampton 0.6 miles Stockwitch Cross 0.9 miles West Camel 0.9 miles Eyewell 1.2 miles Steart 1.2 miles Speckington 1.2 miles Wales 1.4 miles Podimore 1.4 miles Cary Fitzpaine 1.8 miles Babcary 1.9 miles Queen Camel 2 miles

Local Government

District South Somerset
County Somerset
Ward Cary
Constituency Somerton and Frome
Parish Castle Cary
Region South West

Home Ownership in Downhead

Of the 8,378 households in and around Downhead, 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 Downhead.

Frequently Asked Questions about Downhead

What is the population of Downhead?
Downhead has a population of approximately 20,503 residents, based on the latest census figures for the surrounding postcode area.
What is the average house price in Downhead?
The average property in and around Downhead sold for about £358,820, based on HM Land Registry Price Paid records. That is around 3% above the England and Wales average of £349,091.
Is Downhead a deprived area?
Downhead 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 Downhead?
Downhead is covered by the BA22 postcode district.
How many schools are there in Downhead?
There are 12 schools within easy reach of Downhead, spanning primary, secondary and other phases.
Where is the nearest train station to Downhead?
The nearest railway station to Downhead is Yeovil Pen Mill Train Station, about 5.7 miles away.

Streets in BA22 30 shown View all streets

A30 8 A303 10 A3088 1 A359 11 A37 6 Ainstey Drive 1 Alder Close 1 Alvington Fields 1 Alvington Lane 2 Armoury Road 1 Artillery Road 2 Ashington Lane 2 Avocet Drive 1 B3148 3 B3151 32 B3152 2 Back Lane 3 Back Street 1 Badger Heights 1 Ball's Hill 1 Barley Mead 1 Barry Lane 2 Barton Court 1 Bearley Lane 1 Bindwell Lane 1 Bineham Lane 2 Birch Lane 1 Black Mere 1 Blackford Hollow 1 Blackthorne Close 1

Postcodes in BA22 50 shown View all postcodes

BA22 7AA BA22 7AB BA22 7AD BA22 7AE BA22 7AF BA22 7AG BA22 7AH BA22 7AJ BA22 7AL BA22 7AN BA22 7AP BA22 7AQ BA22 7AR BA22 7AS BA22 7AT BA22 7AU BA22 7AW BA22 7AX BA22 7AY BA22 7AZ BA22 7BA BA22 7BB BA22 7BD BA22 7BE BA22 7BG BA22 7BH BA22 7BJ BA22 7BL BA22 7BP BA22 7BQ BA22 7BR BA22 7BS BA22 7BT BA22 7BU BA22 7BW BA22 7BX BA22 7BY BA22 7BZ BA22 7DA BA22 7DB BA22 7DD BA22 7DE BA22 7DF BA22 7DG BA22 7DH BA22 7DJ BA22 7DL BA22 7DN BA22 7DP BA22 7DQ