Devon County Council is the largest local authority area in the South-West of England with a population of 841,000 in 2024.
It has eight districts. These are East Devon, Exeter, Mid Devon, North Devon, South Hams, Teignbridge, Torridge and West Devon. It is a predominately rural county, albeit with a number of significant urban settlements, the largest of which is Exeter. Devon also includes Dartmoor and Exmoor National Parks, as well as five Areas of Outstanding Natural Beauty.
Plymouth and Torbay are within the ceremonial county of Devon, but are independent unitary authorities that are separate from Devon County Council administration. Where they are grouped in the data on this website, it is noted.
Many economic datasets are produced in arrears. Some datasets reflect the pre COVID-19 economic situation, and lockdown anomalies. When more recent data is available, we have provided this.
Total economic output in Devon County Council area was £23.3bn (2023), £2.2bn more than Bristol. It was £33.1bn combined with Plymouth and Torbay. The Devon economy grew slightly faster than the national average, increasing by 33% from 2018 to 20239. Output per person was 79.6% of UK average in DCC area and 76.2% for Devon, Plymouth and Torbay combined.
There is significant variation between areas within Devon. Other main Devon headlines are:
- The employment rate in Devon is slightly above the national average
- Self-employment is much higher than nationally
- There is a very high proportion of small and micro businesses in the County
- Economic activity rates are around the national average, but inactivity is much higher for over 50s.
- The Universal Credit Claimant Count (unemployment) is below the national average everywhere, although has been rising in the past two years from a low base
- Average earnings for Devon residents have been rising faster than for the UK as a whole, but are on average well below the national average
- Torridge, North Devon, Teignbridge and West Devon have among the lowest earnings in the UK (Average Gross Weekly Earnings: UK, £613; Devon, £552; West Devon £489)
- Although levels of employment in Devon are high, many households are described as ‘Just About Managing’. Those able to access higher paid employment further afield, in growth sectors around Exeter, or better-off retired people have fared better.
- Lower than average wages and lack of access to affordable housing, public transport and digital connectivity has a major impact on rural communities.
- Housing is expensive: the housing affordability ratio in Devon is 9.5 compared to 7.7 nationally (as high as 11.6 in South Hams).
- There are very high concentrations of Airbnb accommodation and second homes in some coastal communities such as Woolacombe, Salcombe and Dartmouth.
- Compared to the rest of England, Devon has: a higher proportion people who can’t access mains gas; lower levels of social rented properties (outside of Exeter); higher levels of privately rented properties and lower levels of mortgaged properties.
- There are areas of greater risk to disposable incomes when mortgage rates are higher around Cranbrook, parts of Exeter, Barnstaple, Tiverton, Cullompton, and Newton Abbot/Kingsteignton, particularly among younger first-time buyers.
- The population of Devon is growing, but the working age population is declining as a share. By 2031 the proportion of over 65s is expected to increase from 26% to 29.7%. Nationally, the proportion of over 65s isn’t expected to reach 25% until 2048.
- 44.3% of the working age population is qualified to Level 4 (just below degree), or above. These rates are slightly lower than nationally, but with significant variation by location and with more people qualified in apprenticeships in much of Devon than the UK.
The economy of Devon has a broad sectoral base. In 2023 the core industries of Health, Retail and Tourism accounted for 42.7% of employment. Agriculture, Education, Manufacturing, Construction and Real Estate employment were also over-represented in Devon compared with nationally. Some shift in the composition of Devon’s economy is expected over time and has shifted slightly as a result of the impacts of COVID-19. The current slow growing economy, with global and national impacts on disposable incomes is expected to impact on Devon’s tourism, construction and retail sectors. There are some significant growth opportunities particularly around the marine, energy, digital and advanced manufacturing sectors.
Last Updated: 08/05/2025