Devon covers 2,687 square miles with two coastlines and a range of nationally protected landscapes and internationally important UNESCO designated sites. Our world-class environment is home to 842,313 people and more than 38,725 VAT registered businesses. We have 3,500 miles of walking routes and a range of long distance and off-road cycle routes. Our natural habitats support a rich biodiversity, including rare and globally threatened species and ones that are not found anywhere else in the world, such as the Lundy cabbage flea beetle.
Devon is a destination of choice for visitors, and our landscape supports the production of internationally recognised food and drink, from cheese and cider to whisky and ice cream. Our food and farming sector remains strong, with around 30% of the country’s dairy industry based here and growing skills and knowledge using technologies and regenerative farming techniques.
We have relatively low levels of levels of unemployment, and a healthy business creation rate, with strong performing sectors such as professional services and advanced manufacturing. We have a diverse business base, with 98% of our enterprises being small or micro businesses. We have a number of growth opportunities around defence, marine, digital and creative sectors, including floating offshore wind in the Celtic Sea. Our key employment sectors, including the visitor economy, agri-food, health and social care are the bedrock of our economy, providing 212,000 jobs, 47% of all employment in Devon, and contributing £8.7 billion in gross value add each year to the local economy.
The proportion of people with apprenticeships is higher in most of Devon than nationally, especially outside Exeter. All areas of Devon have generally seen an increase in apprenticeship starts and achievements since 2019, with a significant increase in most areas of both take-up and achievement in higher level apprenticeships.
Devon’s population is becoming increasingly diverse, reflecting national and global demographic shifts. This evolving diversity is a vital asset in shaping inclusive, equitable, and responsive public services across the county. According to the most recent data, approximately 7.4% of Devon residents identify as belonging to ethnically diverse communities, including individuals from Asian, Black, Mixed, and other minority ethnic backgrounds. In addition, Devon is home to a visible and vibrant LGBT+ community, whose presence and contributions enrich the social, cultural, and economic fabric of the county.
Devon does face a number of challenges, with the most significant being the availability of housing which can support local needs. Average earnings are below the national average and the average house prices to earnings ratio is nine times, well above the national picture. Almost half of residents live in areas ranked among the most deprived 20% of places for indoor environmental quality, 27% live in areas ranked amongst the most deprived 20% of places for access to housing and services, and 4% of our residents live in areas ranked among the most deprived 20% of places nationally.
Devon is below the national average for levels of child poverty, although rates are slightly above the South West’s. Devon also experiences higher levels of homelessness, amongst the worst in the region, with hotspots in Exeter and North Devon. The county’s reported domestic violence incident rate is below Southwest, near neighbour group and national averages.
Our workforce is ageing and there are around 2.2 working-age adults for every one person aged 65 and over. Our workforce is ageing and there are around 2.2 working-age adults for every one person aged 65 and over. Devon has seen a particularly strong growth over the past decade in residents aged over 65 years, with this age group making up more that 25% of the county’s population, above the national figure of 19%. This demographic shift is happening in Devon around 15 years before a similar challenge is seen nationally. This growth places pressures on a range of services, including adult social care, transport, public health and housing. Working to balance our population structure and increase our working age population is a challenge to ensure economic growth.
While health outcomes generally compare favourably with the national average we have significant health inequalities. In some of our rural and coastal communities there is a 15-year life expectancy gap with other similar Devon communities. Reflecting the national picture, improvements in life expectancy and health have stalled over the last decade, with some people spending more years in poorer health. Further challenges exist in relation to mental health, suicide and self-harm rates all being above the national average.
Our economy has below the national average productivity, and economic hubs such as Exeter have seen a tailing off of economic performance with resident and workplace earnings increasing more slowly than other cities and other locations in Devon. Average earnings across the county remain below national levels, and while unemployment is below the national average, we experience peaks and troughs, especially across our younger workforce many of whom remain reliant on seasonal employment.
Some of our town centres are seeing increasing retail vacancy rates and need support to remain vibrant, with some experiencing closures and decreasing footfall. While educational attainment is close to national averages, this is not shared by all. Our care experienced young people and adults with a disability often experience a barrier to work, training or education.