Fontwell on the map

Location in West SussexFontwell sits where the marker shows within the county.

12,384
Population
5,566
Households
5 / 10
Deprivation decile
Around average
31
Schools nearby
£57,127
Avg. household income
872
Businesses
127
People per km²
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About Fontwell

Fontwell is a village located in West Sussex, England, within the postcode area BN18. It is primarily known for its racecourse, which hosts various horse racing events throughout the year. The racecourse has become a focal point for both locals and visitors, offering an opportunity to enjoy a day out in a lively atmosphere.

The village itself features a mix of residential homes and local amenities, including shops and pubs that cater to the community. Fontwell is conveniently situated near the A27, providing easy access to nearby towns such as Arundel and Chichester. The surrounding countryside offers pleasant views and walking routes for those who enjoy outdoor activities. Overall, Fontwell presents a blend of rural charm and community spirit.

School Ratings in Fontwell

Fontwell is served by 31 schools. A further 4 schools hold a Good rating.

House Prices in Fontwell

Property prices average £486K across the area, and detached homes are the most common property type, typically selling for £586K.

Crime and Anti-Social Behaviour in Fontwell

Local crime rates sit lower than national averages. Anti-social behaviour accounts for the highest share in Fontwell, with 7 incidents logged in May 2026.

Deprivation and Employment in Fontwell

Based on the 2025 Index of Multiple Deprivation, Fontwell 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 Fontwell

There are 2 GP surgeries within three miles of Fontwell, the nearest being The Croft Surgery (1.2 miles away).

Property Prices 2,728 sales

Average Price £486K
£1K , £22.42M
Detached £586K 964
Semi £379K 675
Terraced £373K 643
Flat £260K 257

Household Income in Fontwell ONS 2023

The average total household income in Fontwell is approximately £57,127 a year before tax, 3% above the national average of £55,302. After tax and benefits, the average disposable (net) household income is around £41,509. These are modelled estimates from the Office for National Statistics for the financial year ending 2023.

Fontwell £57,127
England & Wales avg. £55,302

Net (after tax) household income averages £41,509.

Businesses in Fontwell ONS 2025

There are approximately 872 active businesses based in Fontwell, around 70 for every 1,000 residents. The local economy is dominated by small firms: about 88% are micro-businesses employing fewer than 10 people, while 13 are larger employers with 50 or more staff. Figures are from the Office for National Statistics UK Business Counts.

872 Total businesses
70 Per 1,000 residents
Micro, 0-9 88%
Small, 10-49 11%
Medium, 50-249 1%
Large, 250+ 0%

Deprivation and Employment in Fontwell IMD 2025

The 2025 Index of Multiple Deprivation places Fontwell 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
5/10
Income
6/10
Employment
6/10
Education
5/10
Health
6/10
Housing
1/10
Living Environment
6/10
Children 0-15 15%
Working age 56%
Older 65+ 29%
1,918 Children (0-15) 15%
6,981 Working Age 56%
3,478 Older (65+) 28%
Average Child Poverty (IDACI) 33% of children in income-deprived families
Average Older Person Poverty (IDAOPI) 11.7% 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 Fontwell 22 crimes · May 2026

Low Crime Area

Reported crime in Fontwell falls below the national average, suggesting a comparatively safe environment. Anti-social behaviour 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.

Anti-Social Behaviour 7
Criminal Damage & Arson 4
Other Theft 4
Public Order 3
Violence & Sexual Offences 2
Weapons 1
Shoplifting 1
Local Policing
Sussex Barnham
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

Barnham Train Station 2.1 miles
Ford Train Station 4.1 miles
Bognor Regis Train Station 4.9 miles
Arundel Train Station 5 miles
Chichester Train Station 5.7 miles
Amberley Train Station 5.9 miles

Location

Local Government

District Arun
County West Sussex
Ward Arundel & Walberton
Constituency Arundel and South Downs
Parish Arundel
Region South East

Home Ownership in Fontwell

Of the 5,341 households in and around Fontwell, 74% are owned, 11% are socially rented and 15% are privately rented. Home ownership here is higher than the England and Wales average of 63%.

Owned 74% Social rented 11% Private rented 15%

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

Frequently Asked Questions about Fontwell

What is the population of Fontwell?
Fontwell has a population of approximately 12,384 residents, based on the latest census figures for the surrounding postcode area.
What is the average house price in Fontwell?
The average property in and around Fontwell sold for about £486,326, based on HM Land Registry Price Paid records. That is around 39% above the England and Wales average of £349,091.
Is Fontwell a deprived area?
Fontwell sits around the national average for deprivation, with an Index of Multiple Deprivation decile of 5 out of 10, where 1 is the most deprived and 10 the least deprived.
What postcodes cover Fontwell?
Fontwell is covered by the BN18 postcode district.
How many schools are there in Fontwell?
There are 31 schools within 5 miles of Fontwell, spanning primary, secondary and other phases.
Where is the nearest train station to Fontwell?
The nearest railway station to Fontwell is Barnham Train Station, about 2.1 miles away.