Key Facts and Statistics
Stats and interesting facts
Newton Abbot is more than just a town—it’s a place full of stories, green spaces, and exciting things to do. Take a look at a range of facts and statistics about our wonderful town!
Location & General Information
County: Devon
District: Teignbridge
Position: Situated roughly 16 miles south of Exeter; well-connected by road (A380) and rail (Newton Abbot station on the main line).
Status: A historic market town often referred to as the “gateway to the English Riviera” (Torquay, Paignton, and Brixham) and a convenient link to Dartmoor.
Location & General Information
County: Devon
District: Teignbridge
Position: Situated roughly 16 miles south of Exeter; well-connected by road (A380) and rail (Newton Abbot station on the main line).
Status: A historic market town often referred to as the “gateway to the English Riviera” (Torquay, Paignton, and Brixham) and a convenient link to Dartmoor.
Population & Demographics
Population (Town):
Estimates vary, but Newton Abbot’s built-up area is often cited at around 26,000–28,000 residents.
The 2021 Census data (for the wider Newton Abbot parish area) indicates a population in the mid-20,000s range.
Age Structure:
Similar to wider Devon, Newton Abbot has a slightly older average age compared to large urban centres. However, there is a mix of families, working-age adults, and retirees.
The population of Teignbridge (the district) also has a notable 65+ demographic, reflecting the area’s popularity with retirees.
Ethnicity:
Predominantly White British, with a small but growing mix of other ethnic backgrounds—particularly Eastern European and Asian communities—reflecting national trends.
Economy & Employment
Key Sectors:
1. Retail & Services: Newton Abbot is a major retail hub for the surrounding rural area, with a historic market tradition.
2. Manufacturing & Light Industry: Industrial estates (such as Brunel Industrial Estate) house manufacturing, distribution, and tech service companies.
3. Tourism & Hospitality: Proximity to the coast and Dartmoor makes tourism significant—hotels, B&Bs, restaurants, and tourism services benefit from visitors.
4. Clay & Minerals: The ball clay industry remains important in the wider Bovey Basin area.
5. Agriculture: Though less so in town proper, the surrounding farmland contributes to local food production and supply.
Employment Rates:
Teignbridge’s employment rate is generally in line with (or slightly above) the national average; unemployment has historically been relatively low, with seasonal variations due to tourism.
Major Employers:
Retail chains (in the town centre and at out-of-town retail parks), local manufacturing firms, the local council, and service-sector businesses.
Newton Abbot Racecourse also provides seasonal employment opportunities.
Economy & Employment
Key Sectors:
1. Retail & Services: Newton Abbot is a major retail hub for the surrounding rural area, with a historic market tradition.
2. Manufacturing & Light Industry: Industrial estates (such as Brunel Industrial Estate) house manufacturing, distribution, and tech service companies.
3. Tourism & Hospitality: Proximity to the coast and Dartmoor makes tourism significant—hotels, B&Bs, restaurants, and tourism services benefit from visitors.
4. Clay & Minerals: The ball clay industry remains important in the wider Bovey Basin area.
5. Agriculture: Though less so in town proper, the surrounding farmland contributes to local food production and supply.
Employment Rates:
Teignbridge’s employment rate is generally in line with (or slightly above) the national average; unemployment has historically been relatively low, with seasonal variations due to tourism.
Major Employers:
Retail chains (in the town centre and at out-of-town retail parks), local manufacturing firms, the local council, and service-sector businesses.
Newton Abbot Racecourse also provides seasonal employment opportunities.
Housing & Development
Housing Stock:
A mix of Victorian terraces, post-war estates, and newer developments on the outskirts.
Recent growth includes significant new-build estates in areas like Hele Park and Ogwell, catering to commuters and families.
House Prices:
Devon house prices have been on the rise; Newton Abbot often offers more affordable options than some coastal or Dartmoor-adjacent towns, though still above the national average for similar towns in other regions.
As of 2023/24 estimates, average house prices in Newton Abbot can range from £250,000–£300,000+ for a standard three-bed property, depending on location and property type.
Transport & Connectivity
Road:
The A380 links Newton Abbot to Exeter (M5) to the north and Torbay to the south.
The A38 is accessible near Ashburton, providing another route towards Plymouth.
Rail:
Newton Abbot Railway Station is on the main line between Exeter and Plymouth/Penzance. It offers direct services to London Paddington, Bristol, and cross-country routes to the Midlands and the North.
Bus Services:
Local and regional routes connect Newton Abbot to nearby towns (Teignmouth, Dawlish) and to Torbay and Exeter.
Cycling & Walking:
Various cycle routes, including the Stover Trail (to Bovey Tracey) and the Templer Way (for walkers from Haytor to Teignmouth).
Transport & Connectivity
Road:
The A380 links Newton Abbot to Exeter (M5) to the north and Torbay to the south.
The A38 is accessible near Ashburton, providing another route towards Plymouth.
Rail:
Newton Abbot Railway Station is on the main line between Exeter and Plymouth/Penzance. It offers direct services to London Paddington, Bristol, and cross-country routes to the Midlands and the North.
Bus Services:
Local and regional routes connect Newton Abbot to nearby towns (Teignmouth, Dawlish) and to Torbay and Exeter.
Cycling & Walking:
Various cycle routes, including the Stover Trail (to Bovey Tracey) and the Templer Way (for walkers from Haytor to Teignmouth).
Education & Health
Schools:
Several primary schools spread across the town and surrounding villages.
Newton Abbot College, Coombeshead Academy and Teign School (Kingsteignton) offer secondary education.
Specialist and private schooling options exist in the broader district (e.g., Stover School).
Healthcare:
Newton Abbot Community Hospital provides some outpatient services. Larger hospitals are in Torquay (Torbay Hospital) and Exeter (RD&E).
Multiple GP surgeries within town; dental practices and pharmacies are well distributed.
