The Downs on the map

Location in SurreyThe Downs sits where the marker shows within the county.

19,476
Population
6,960
Households
7 / 10
Deprivation decile
Around average
12
Schools nearby
£70,995
Avg. household income
1,228
Businesses
144
People per km²
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About The Downs

The Downs is a scenic area located in Surrey, England, within the GU8 postcode. This region is characterised by its rolling hills and open fields, making it an attractive spot for walking and enjoying the outdoors. The Downs offers various trails that cater to both casual walkers and more experienced hikers, providing opportunities to appreciate the natural landscape.

In addition to its natural beauty, The Downs is also home to a variety of wildlife, which can be observed throughout the year. The area is accessible from nearby villages, making it a convenient destination for those looking to escape the hustle of urban life. With its combination of open spaces and accessible paths, The Downs serves as a pleasant retreat for both locals and visitors.

School Ratings in The Downs

There are 29 schools in and around The Downs. A further 7 schools hold a Good rating.

House Prices in The Downs

The average property price is £926K, with detached homes making up the majority of the housing stock at around £1.1M.

Crime and Anti-Social Behaviour in The Downs

Recorded crime levels are lower than the national average. Criminal damage & arson is prevalent across The Downs, with 5 recorded incidents in May 2026.

Deprivation and Employment in The Downs

The Downs sits around the middle of the national deprivation scale, according to the 2025 Index of Multiple Deprivation. Employment levels are strong, with low rates of working-age exclusion from the labour market. Household incomes are generally above the national average.

Healthcare in The Downs

There is 1 GP surgery within three miles of The Downs, the nearest being Chiddingfold Surgery (0.3 miles away).

Property Prices 2,085 sales

Average Price £926K
£700 , £41.24M
Detached £1.1M 861
Semi £555K 550
Terraced £467K 310
Flat £368K 185

Household Income in The Downs ONS 2023

The average total household income in The Downs is approximately £70,995 a year before tax, 28% above the national average of £55,302. After tax and benefits, the average disposable (net) household income is around £51,118. These are modelled estimates from the Office for National Statistics for the financial year ending 2023.

The Downs £70,995
England & Wales avg. £55,302

Net (after tax) household income averages £51,118.

Businesses in The Downs ONS 2025

There are approximately 1,228 active businesses based in The Downs, around 63 for every 1,000 residents. The local economy is dominated by small firms: about 90% are micro-businesses employing fewer than 10 people, while 15 are larger employers with 50 or more staff. Figures are from the Office for National Statistics UK Business Counts.

1,228 Total businesses
63 Per 1,000 residents
Micro, 0-9 90%
Small, 10-49 9%
Medium, 50-249 1%
Large, 250+ 0%

Deprivation and Employment in The Downs IMD 2025

The Downs 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
7/10
Income
8/10
Employment
8/10
Education
8/10
Health
9/10
Housing
3/10
Living Environment
4/10
Children 0-15 19%
Working age 59%
Older 65+ 22%
3,762 Children (0-15) 19%
11,401 Working Age 59%
4,322 Older (65+) 22%
Above Average Child Poverty (IDACI) 13% of children in income-deprived families
Above Average Older Person Poverty (IDAOPI) 9.5% 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 The Downs 29 crimes · May 2026

Low Crime Area

The Downs records relatively low levels of reported crime compared to national averages. Violence & sexual offences is the most commonly logged offence type, though overall numbers remain modest. The area is generally considered a safe and settled small town with a strong sense of community.

Violence & Sexual Offences 9
Criminal Damage & Arson 5
Other Theft 4
Anti-Social Behaviour 3
Public Order 3
Burglary 1
Drugs 1
Weapons 1
Vehicle Crime 1
Other Crime 1
Local Policing
Surrey Haslemere, Grayswood & Chiddingfold
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

Witley Train Station 1.5 miles
Milford (Surrey) Train Station 3.6 miles
Haslemere Train Station 3.7 miles
Godalming Train Station 5.3 miles
Farncombe Train Station 6.1 miles
Liphook Train Station 7.7 miles

Location

Local Government

District Waverley
County Surrey
Ward Bramley, Busbridge and Hascombe
Constituency South West Surrey
Parish Busbridge
Region South East

Home Ownership in The Downs

Of the 7,898 households in and around The Downs, 75% are owned, 12% are socially rented and 13% are privately rented. Home ownership here is higher than the England and Wales average of 63%.

Owned 75% Social rented 12% Private rented 13%

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

Frequently Asked Questions about The Downs

What is the population of The Downs?
The Downs has a population of approximately 19,476 residents, based on the latest census figures for the surrounding postcode area.
What is the average house price in The Downs?
The average property in and around The Downs sold for about £926,022, based on HM Land Registry Price Paid records. That is around 165% above the England and Wales average of £349,091.
Is The Downs a deprived area?
The Downs 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 The Downs?
The Downs is covered by the GU8 postcode district.
How many schools are there in The Downs?
There are 12 schools within easy reach of The Downs, spanning primary, secondary and other phases.
Where is the nearest train station to The Downs?
The nearest railway station to The Downs is Witley Train Station, about 1.5 miles away.