West Dean on the map

Location in West SussexWest Dean sits where the marker shows within the county.

14,773
Population
5,690
Households
6 / 10
Deprivation decile
Around average
12
Schools nearby
£62,567
Avg. household income
859
Businesses
108
People per km²
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About West Dean

West Dean is a village located in West Sussex, England, within the PO18 postcode area. It is known for its beautiful countryside and the nearby South Downs National Park, which offers a variety of walking and cycling routes. The village features a mix of traditional architecture, including period cottages and larger homes, which contribute to its character.

One of the main attractions in West Dean is the West Dean Gardens, a restored Victorian garden that spans 90 acres. The gardens are home to a variety of plants and landscapes, including a walled garden, a vineyard, and a large glasshouse. Additionally, the village has a local shop and a pub, providing essential services for residents and visitors alike. West Dean serves as a peaceful base for exploring the surrounding countryside and nearby towns.

School Ratings in West Dean

Families in West Dean have access to 24 local schools. A further 7 schools hold a Good rating.

House Prices in West Dean

Homes sell for an average of £622K locally. Most of the housing is made up of detached homes, averaging £806K.

Crime and Anti-Social Behaviour in West Dean

Crime in the area is broadly in line with the national average. Anti-social behaviour is the leading concern across West Dean, with 25 incidents recorded in May 2026.

Deprivation and Employment in West Dean

The 2025 Index of Multiple Deprivation places West Dean around the national average for deprivation. Employment rates locally are in line with what is seen across England. Average incomes in the area are typical for England.

Property Prices 2,025 sales

Average Price £622K
£100 , £10.48M
Detached £806K 923
Semi £414K 483
Terraced £396K 330
Flat £234K 130

Household Income in West Dean ONS 2023

The average total household income in West Dean is approximately £62,567 a year before tax, 13% above the national average of £55,302. After tax and benefits, the average disposable (net) household income is around £46,271. These are modelled estimates from the Office for National Statistics for the financial year ending 2023.

West Dean £62,567
England & Wales avg. £55,302

Net (after tax) household income averages £46,271.

Businesses in West Dean ONS 2025

There are approximately 859 active businesses based in West Dean, around 58 for every 1,000 residents. The local economy is dominated by small firms: about 91% 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.

859 Total businesses
58 Per 1,000 residents
Micro, 0-9 91%
Small, 10-49 8%
Medium, 50-249 2%
Large, 250+ 0%

Deprivation and Employment in West Dean IMD 2025

Deprivation levels in West Dean are around the national average based on the 2025 Index of Multiple Deprivation. Employment is accessible for most residents and household incomes reflect the broader national picture. The area maintains a steady balance between affordability and quality of life.

Overall Deprivation
6/10
Income
6/10
Employment
7/10
Education
6/10
Health
7/10
Housing
3/10
Living Environment
6/10
Children 0-15 16%
Working age 56%
Older 65+ 28%
2,342 Children (0-15) 16%
8,225 Working Age 56%
4,204 Older (65+) 28%
Average Child Poverty (IDACI) 28.8% of children in income-deprived families
Average Older Person Poverty (IDAOPI) 11.2% 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 West Dean 76 crimes · May 2026

Average Crime Area

Crime in West Dean is around the national average, with anti-social behaviour representing the most common offence type. These figures are characteristic of a small town with an active centre and diverse population, and are neither unusually high nor particularly low.

Anti-Social Behaviour 25
Violence & Sexual Offences 17
Shoplifting 8
Other Theft 7
Public Order 7
Criminal Damage & Arson 4
Burglary 2
Drugs 2
Vehicle Crime 2
Bicycle Theft 1
Other Crime 1
Local Policing
Sussex Boxgrove
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

Fishbourne (Sussex) Train Station 5 miles
Chichester Train Station 5.1 miles
Bosham Train Station 5.5 miles
Nutbourne Train Station 6.4 miles
Southbourne Train Station 7.1 miles
Barnham Train Station 7.6 miles

Location

Local Government

District Chichester
County West Sussex
Ward Lavant
Constituency Chichester
Parish Lavant
Region South East

Home Ownership in West Dean

Of the 6,415 households in and around West Dean, 70% are owned, 13% are socially rented and 17% are privately rented. Home ownership here is higher than the England and Wales average of 63%.

Owned 70% Social rented 13% Private rented 17%

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

Frequently Asked Questions about West Dean

What is the population of West Dean?
West Dean has a population of approximately 14,773 residents, based on the latest census figures for the surrounding postcode area.
What is the average house price in West Dean?
The average property in and around West Dean sold for about £621,745, based on HM Land Registry Price Paid records. That is around 78% above the England and Wales average of £349,091.
Is West Dean a deprived area?
West Dean 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 West Dean?
West Dean is covered by the PO18 postcode district.
How many schools are there in West Dean?
There are 12 schools within easy reach of West Dean, spanning primary, secondary and other phases.
Where is the nearest train station to West Dean?
The nearest railway station to West Dean is Fishbourne (Sussex) Train Station, about 5 miles away.