Southwater on the map

Southwater built-up area

Built-up area3.9 km² (1.5 sq mi)

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

42,196
Population
15,199
Households
8 / 10
Deprivation decile
Among least deprived
12
Schools nearby
£68,430
Avg. household income
2,108
Businesses
274
People per km²
Create a free area profile for SouthwaterDownload or embed an infographic of these statistics →

About Southwater

Southwater is a village located in West Sussex, England, within the postcode area RH13. It is situated approximately three miles north of Horsham and offers a mix of residential areas and green spaces. The village features a variety of local amenities, including shops, schools, and recreational facilities, making it a convenient place for families and individuals alike.

The Southwater Country Park is a notable feature of the area, providing opportunities for walking, cycling, and enjoying nature. The park encompasses a large lake and several walking trails, attracting both locals and visitors. Southwater also hosts community events throughout the year, fostering a sense of connection among residents. Overall, Southwater presents a practical option for those looking to live in a village setting while still having access to nearby towns and services.

School Ratings in Southwater

There are 43 schools in and around Southwater. Heron Way Primary School and Queen Elizabeth II Silver Jubilee School, Horsham are each rated Outstanding by Ofsted. A further 16 schools hold a Good rating.

House Prices in Southwater

The average property price is £527K, with detached homes making up the majority of the housing stock at around £711K.

Crime and Anti-Social Behaviour in Southwater

Recorded crime levels are lower than the national average. Anti-social behaviour is prevalent across Southwater, with 26 recorded incidents in May 2026.

Deprivation and Employment in Southwater

According to the 2025 Index of Multiple Deprivation, Southwater ranks among the least deprived areas in England. 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 Southwater

There are 6 GP surgeries within three miles of Southwater, the nearest being Village Surgery (0.3 miles away).

Local Data for Southwater

Dig deeper into the area around Southwater 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 5,183 sales

Average Price £527K
£2K , £37.71M
Detached £711K 1,823
Semi £439K 1,241
Terraced £364K 877
Flat £223K 926

Schools & Education 12 nearby View all schools

27 Primary
4 Secondary
12 Other
Outstanding 2
Good 16
Requires improvement 2

Ofsted ratings for schools in the RH13 postcode area.

Southwater Junior Academy Primary Good 0.2 miles Southwater Infant Academy Primary Good 0.2 miles Castlewood Primary School Primary Good 0.5 miles Christ's Hospital Not applicable 1.3 miles Barns Green Primary School Primary 1.7 miles Muntham House School Not applicable Good 2 miles St Andrew's CofE Primary School Primary Good 2.3 miles Horsham Family Hub (the Needles) 2.4 miles St Mary's CofE (Aided) Primary School Primary Good 2.5 miles Arunside School, Horsham Primary Good 2.6 miles St John's Catholic Primary School Primary Good 2.6 miles Tanbridge House School Secondary Outstanding 2.7 miles

Household Income in Southwater ONS 2023

The average total household income in Southwater is approximately £68,430 a year before tax, 24% above the national average of £55,302. After tax and benefits, the average disposable (net) household income is around £46,877. These are modelled estimates from the Office for National Statistics for the financial year ending 2023.

Southwater £68,430
England & Wales avg. £55,302

Net (after tax) household income averages £46,877.

Businesses in Southwater ONS 2025

There are approximately 2,108 active businesses based in Southwater, around 50 for every 1,000 residents. The local economy is dominated by small firms: about 90% are micro-businesses employing fewer than 10 people, while 33 are larger employers with 50 or more staff. Figures are from the Office for National Statistics UK Business Counts.

2,108 Total businesses
50 Per 1,000 residents
Micro, 0-9 90%
Small, 10-49 8%
Medium, 50-249 1%
Large, 250+ 1%

Deprivation and Employment in Southwater IMD 2025

Southwater is one of the least deprived areas in England according to the 2025 Index of Multiple Deprivation. Employment opportunities are widely accessible and household incomes tend to sit comfortably above the national average. The area benefits from strong local services and a settled, established community.

Overall Deprivation
8/10
Income
8/10
Employment
8/10
Education
8/10
Health
9/10
Housing
4/10
Living Environment
6/10
Children 0-15 18%
Working age 62%
Older 65+ 20%
7,764 Children (0-15) 18%
25,965 Working Age 62%
8,468 Older (65+) 20%
Above Average Child Poverty (IDACI) 18.4% of children in income-deprived families
Above Average Older Person Poverty (IDAOPI) 8.8% 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 Southwater 80 crimes · May 2026

Low Crime Area

Southwater 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 town with a strong sense of community.

Violence & Sexual Offences 28
Anti-Social Behaviour 26
Public Order 8
Shoplifting 5
Criminal Damage & Arson 4
Burglary 2
Drugs 2
Other Theft 2
Weapons 2
Vehicle Crime 1
Local Policing
Sussex Broadbridge Heath and Southwater
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

Christs Hospital Train Station 1.6 miles
Horsham Train Station 3.1 miles
Billingshurst Train Station 4.3 miles
Littlehaven Train Station 4.3 miles
Warnham Train Station 4.7 miles
Faygate Train Station 6.5 miles

Location

Nearby Towns & Villages 12 found

Southwater Street 0.6 miles Two Mile Ash 0.9 miles Itchingfield 1.8 miles Copsale 1.8 miles Barns Green 2 miles Brooks Green 2 miles Tower Hill 2 miles Dragons Green 2 miles Nuthurst 2.5 miles Green Street 2.6 miles New Town 2.6 miles Maplehurst 2.8 miles

Local Government

District Horsham
County West Sussex
Ward Denne
Constituency Horsham
Parish Horsham, unparished area
Region South East

Home Ownership in Southwater

Of the 17,308 households in and around Southwater, 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 Southwater.

Frequently Asked Questions about Southwater

What is the population of Southwater?
Southwater has a population of approximately 42,196 residents, based on the latest census figures for the surrounding postcode area.
What is the average house price in Southwater?
The average property in and around Southwater sold for about £527,259, based on HM Land Registry Price Paid records. That is around 51% above the England and Wales average of £349,091.
Is Southwater a deprived area?
Southwater sits among the least deprived areas in England, with an Index of Multiple Deprivation decile of 8 out of 10, where 1 is the most deprived and 10 the least deprived.
What postcodes cover Southwater?
Southwater is covered by the RH13 postcode district.
How many schools are there in Southwater?
There are 12 schools within easy reach of Southwater, spanning primary, secondary and other phases.
Where is the nearest train station to Southwater?
The nearest railway station to Southwater is Christs Hospital Train Station, about 1.6 miles away.

Streets in RH13 30 shown View all streets

Abbots Leigh 1 Abbotsbury Court 1 Acorn Avenue 3 Acorns 1 Allendale 1 Alley Groves 2 Amber Glade 2 Andrew's Lane 1 Andrews Road 2 Anvil Close 1 Arthur Road 3 Arun Gardens 1 Arun Way 1 Ash Road 1 Ashdown Court 1 Athelstan Way 1 Ayshe Court Drive 4 Bakers Close 2 Bakers Lane 4 Bakers Mews 1 Bar Lane 2 Barleycroft 1 Barnes Wallis Avenue 1 Barrington Road 1 Bashurst Copse 1 Bashurst Hill 5 Bassels Lane 1 Bedford Road 4 Bedford Square 1 Beechwood 2

Postcodes in RH13 50 shown View all postcodes

RH13 0AA RH13 0AB RH13 0AD RH13 0AE RH13 0AF RH13 0AG RH13 0AH RH13 0AJ RH13 0AL RH13 0AN RH13 0AQ RH13 0AR RH13 0AS RH13 0AT RH13 0AU RH13 0AW RH13 0AX RH13 0AY RH13 0AZ RH13 0BA RH13 0BB RH13 0BD RH13 0BE RH13 0BF RH13 0BG RH13 0BH RH13 0BJ RH13 0BL RH13 0BN RH13 0BP RH13 0BQ RH13 0BS RH13 0BU RH13 0GN RH13 0JA RH13 0JB RH13 0JD RH13 0JE RH13 0JL RH13 0JN RH13 0JQ RH13 0JR RH13 0JS RH13 0JT RH13 0JU RH13 0JW RH13 0JX RH13 0JY RH13 0JZ RH13 0LA