Downside on the map

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

36,023
Population
13,970
Households
7 / 10
Deprivation decile
Around average
45
Schools nearby
£54,437
Avg. household income
1,593
Businesses
288
People per km²

About Downside

Downside is a small village located in Somerset, England, within the BA3 postcode area. It is situated near the larger town of Midsomer Norton and is surrounded by the scenic landscapes typical of the region. The village features a mix of residential homes and local amenities, providing a quiet environment for its residents.

The area is primarily rural, offering opportunities for walking and enjoying the natural surroundings. Downside is also home to a few local businesses, including a pub and a shop, catering to the needs of the community. The village is well-connected by road, making it accessible for those wishing to explore the nearby towns and countryside.

School Ratings in Downside

Downside is served by 45 schools. Norton Hill Primary School is rated Outstanding by Ofsted. A further 12 schools hold a Good rating.

House Prices in Downside

Property prices average £337K across the area, and detached homes are the most common property type, typically selling for £442K.

Crime and Anti-Social Behaviour in Downside

Local crime rates sit lower than national averages. Anti-social behaviour accounts for the highest share in Downside, with 18 incidents logged in June 2026.

Deprivation and Employment in Downside

Based on the 2025 Index of Multiple Deprivation, Downside 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.

Healthcare in Downside

There are 3 GP surgeries within three miles of Downside, the nearest being Oakhill Surgery (2.1 miles away).

Property Prices 4,834 sales

Average Price £337K
£100 , £41.33M
Detached £442K 1,476
Semi £283K 1,380
Terraced £239K 1,338
Flat £151K 352

Household Income in Downside ONS 2023

The average total household income in Downside is approximately £54,437 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 £40,179. These are modelled estimates from the Office for National Statistics for the financial year ending 2023.

Downside £54,437
England & Wales avg. £55,302

Net (after tax) household income averages £40,179.

Businesses in Downside ONS 2025

There are approximately 1,593 active businesses based in Downside, around 44 for every 1,000 residents. The local economy is dominated by small firms: about 90% are micro-businesses employing fewer than 10 people, while 29 are larger employers with 50 or more staff. Figures are from the Office for National Statistics UK Business Counts.

1,593 Total businesses
44 Per 1,000 residents
Micro, 0-9 90%
Small, 10-49 8%
Medium, 50-249 2%
Large, 250+ 0%

Deprivation and Employment in Downside IMD 2025

The 2025 Index of Multiple Deprivation places Downside 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
4/10
Living Environment
5/10
Children 0-15 19%
Working age 60%
Older 65+ 21%
6,797 Children (0-15) 19%
21,646 Working Age 60%
7,580 Older (65+) 21%
Average Child Poverty (IDACI) 22.9% of children in income-deprived families
Average Older Person Poverty (IDAOPI) 10.1% 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 133 crimes · June 2026

Low Crime Area

Reported crime in Downside 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 town.

Violence & Sexual Offences 54
Anti-Social Behaviour 18
Criminal Damage & Arson 17
Public Order 10
Burglary 8
Vehicle Crime 7
Other Crime 6
Shoplifting 5
Robbery 4
Other Theft 3
Weapons 1
Local Policing
Avon And Somerset Wells Rural
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

Frome Train Station 8.8 miles

Location

Local Government

District Bath and North East Somerset
County Somerset
Ward Midsomer Norton North
Constituency North East Somerset
Parish Midsomer Norton
Region South West

Home Ownership in Downside

Of the 14,794 households in and around Downside, 74% are owned, 13% are socially rented and 14% are privately rented. Home ownership here is higher than the England and Wales average of 63%.

Owned 74% Social rented 13% Private rented 14%

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 36,023 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 £336,745, based on HM Land Registry Price Paid records. That is around 4% 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 7 out of 10, where 1 is the most deprived and 10 the least deprived.
What postcodes cover Downside?
Downside is covered by the BA3 postcode district.
How many schools are there in Downside?
There are 45 schools within 5 miles of Downside, spanning primary, secondary and other phases.
Where is the nearest train station to Downside?
The nearest railway station to Downside is Frome Train Station, about 8.8 miles away.