Understanding the Population of Devon (2025)
This chapter of the Joint Strategic Needs Assessment explores the characteristics and trends within Devon’s population. Gaining a clear understanding of who lives in Devon is essential for designing effective health, care, and wellbeing strategies. The county is home to a dynamic and diverse population, distributed across rural, coastal, and urban settings. Population demographic trends, including an ageing population and shifting migration patterns, have important implications for service planning, workforce development, and community resilience across the county. Protected characteristic insights are essential for ensuring that services, policies, and community initiatives are inclusive and responsive to the needs of all residents, particularly those from underrepresented or vulnerable groups.
JSNA Headline Dashboard Observations
Devon’s demographic landscape is shaped by its geography. The population is distributed across a mix of rural, urban, and coastal communities. Around half of Devon’s residents live in rural areas, reflecting the county’s dispersed settlement pattern. Urban centres such as Exeter, Barnstaple, and Newton Abbot serve as key hubs for employment, education, and healthcare, attracting younger populations and inward migration. Meanwhile, coastal towns like Torquay, Exmouth, Ilfracombe, and Brixham are popular with retirees and tourists, contributing to an older age profile and seasonal economic patterns. These geographic differences have important implications for service delivery, infrastructure planning, and community resilience across the county.
Devon is home to a population of approximately 833,408 people, with a near-even gender split (49% female and 51% male). The county’s population is projected to grow steadily over the coming decades, rising from 811,000 in 2020 to an estimated 879,000 by 2030, and reaching around 926,000 by 2040. This growth reflects broader demographic trends, including an ageing population and patterns of internal migration. In 2021 alone, Devon experienced a net gain in population, with 47,000 people moving into the county and 39,000 moving out.
Coastal towns in Devon experience seasonal economic shifts driven by tourism, leading to temporary and often insecure jobs in sectors like hospitality and retail. These roles are typically filled by a diverse, often underrepresented workforce including young people, older adults, and migrant workers who may face challenges such as low paid work, limited housing, healthcare, and transport. This seasonal influx also strains local services, highlighting the need for flexible, inclusive planning that supports both workers and communities.
Devon’s population structure reveals a significantly older demographic profile compared to the national average, with a slightly higher number of males (51%) than females (49%). However, this balance shifts notably in older age groups, where females outnumber males, particularly among those aged 85 and over, reflecting national trends in life expectancy.
A key feature of Devon’s population is the high proportion of older adults. The number of residents aged 65 and over is much higher when compared to national picture, with particularly large cohorts in the 70–74 and 75–79 age bands. This ageing population presents both challenges and opportunities: while it underscores the need for robust health and social care services, it also highlights the importance of planning for age-friendly communities and supporting older adults to remain active and independent.
This demographic shift also places increasing pressure on the working-age population. Currently, there are around 2.2 working-age adults for every person aged 65 and over in Devon. By 2043, this ratio is projected to fall to just 1.7:1. This trend has significant implications for the sustainability of the health and care workforce, the availability of informal carers, and the broader economic resilience of the county.
In contrast, the younger age groups (0–19 years) are comparatively smaller in Devon, suggesting a potential long-term impact on school enrolments, youth services, and the future workforce. The working-age population (20–64 years) remains relatively stable, though demographic pressures from an ageing population may increase demand for adult social care and healthcare services.
While Devon’s falling birth rate is reflective of a broader national trend across the UK, it is slightly lower than the UK average and appears to be shaped by local-specific challenges such as economic insecurity, housing pressures and youth external migration.
The Devon population is less ethnically diverse compared to the national average, with 92.6% of residents identifying as White British, compared to 74.4% across England. Other ethnic groups, including Asian, Black, and Mixed heritage populations, each represent less than 2% of the county’s population.
Similarly, religious affiliation is less varied in Devon, with nearly 45% of residents reporting no religion and 47% identifying as Christian. This is slightly higher than the national average for Christianity but with lower representation of other faiths.
In terms of sexual orientation and gender identity, the majority of Devon residents identify as heterosexual (89.6%), with around 2.6% identifying as lesbian, gay, or bisexual. This is slightly below national figures. Around 0.3% of residents identify as transgender or with a gender different from their sex at birth, in line with national trends.
Devon is home to many neurodiverse individuals, including those with autism, ADHD, and other neurodevelopmental conditions. These individuals may face barriers in accessing services not designed with their needs in mind, highlighting the importance of inclusive, sensory-aware, and co-produced approaches.
In addition to broader demographic trends, it is important to recognise the presence and needs of Inclusion Health populations in Devon who face severe health inequalities, such as people experiencing homelessness, vulnerable migrants, Gypsy, Roma and Traveller communities, and those with complex needs. These populations often experience stigma and exclusion, making it vital that services are trauma-informed, equitable, and shaped by lived experience.
Local Insights, Lived Experience and Research: Population Chapter
🧭 1. Transport, Digital Access, and Healthcare
Insight questions:
• How do residents in remote areas experience transport, digital access, or healthcare?
• What informal networks or community assets do they rely on?
Source: Breaking Barriers Report (2025) – Devon Communities Together, Healthwatch Annual Report 2024-25
This report focuses on Ilfracombe, Okehampton, Dartmouth, and Dawlish.
Insight: Residents in rural and coastal Devon face significant challenges in daily life due to limited transport, poor digital access, and barriers to healthcare, often feeling isolated and underserved. Many rely on infrequent buses or informal lifts to reach essential services, while digital exclusion especially among older adults prevents access to online healthcare and support. Stigma and lack of privacy in small communities further discourage people from seeking help, particularly for mental health or addiction. In response, local spaces like village halls, cafés, and food banks have become vital community assets, offering not just practical support but also a sense of connection, dignity, and trust where formal systems fall short.
👵 2. Older Adults and Ageing Well
Insight questions:
• What do older residents say about housing, mobility, or loneliness?
• How do they experience transitions in care or support?
Source: Welcome to Devon Communities Together | Devon Communities Together, Census 2021 Report – Facts and Figures – Devon County Council, Needs of the over 55s in rural Devon
Insight: Older adults in Devon express a strong desire to maintain independence, stay in their own homes, and remain connected to their communities, but face challenges related to housing suitability, mobility, and loneliness.
Many report that rural isolation and limited transport options reduce their ability to access services and social opportunities, while digital exclusion further compounds feelings of disconnection.
Transitions in care such as moving from home to supported living can be stressful and disempowering without clear communication and continuity of support. Community spaces and informal networks play a vital role in helping older residents feel valued and supported, especially where formal services are limited or difficult to access.
🧒 3. Children, Young People, and Families
Insight questions:
• What are young people’s experiences of education, mental health, or rural isolation?
• How do families experience childcare, SEND support, or youth services?
• Why young people leave Devon and do not return?
Source: Resources for supporting young people into work | Devon Communities Together, Devon Communities Together – Empowering Enterprise Insight Tool, Experience Works Project (Devon Communities Together & Petroc College), Youth Voice Action Tracker (Devon County Council), CPRE Rural Youth Survey (national but includes Devon responses)
Insight: Young people in Devon face a range of challenges shaped by geography, service access, and social pressures. Many report mental health struggles, especially in rural areas where isolation and limited youth services exacerbate feelings of anxiety and disconnection. The Youth Voice Action Tracker captures young people’s calls for better mental health support up to age 25, smoother transitions into adult services, and more inclusive, identity-affirming environments. Families, particularly those with children who have SEND (Special Educational Needs and Disabilities), often experience delays in accessing support, inconsistent provision, and a lack of joined-up care. Childcare availability and affordability remain key concerns, especially in rural communities. Projects like Empowering Enterprise and Experience Works by Devon Communities Together highlight the aspirations of young people aged 16–25, many of whom face barriers such as unemployment, housing insecurity, and low confidence. These insights underscore the importance of youth voice, early intervention, and community-based support in shaping services that meet the real needs of Devon’s younger population.
Young people in Devon often leave in search of education, employment, and lifestyle opportunities they feel are unavailable locally. Many describe a sense of limited future prospects, especially in rural and coastal areas where access to higher education, skilled jobs, and cultural life is restricted. In interviews from projects like Empowering Enterprise and Experience Works (Devon Communities Together), young people shared that they feel overlooked, with few spaces to express their aspirations or influence local decisions. Even those who want to stay or return often face barriers like unaffordable housing, poor transport, and a lack of youth-focused infrastructure. One participant from Holsworthy said, “I’d like to stay, but there’s nothing here for me. No jobs, no transport, and no one listens to what we need.” This sense of disconnection and invisibility is a recurring theme. The decision not to return is often shaped by a mismatch between qualifications and local job markets, and a perception that Devon lacks the vibrancy, diversity, and opportunity found in larger cities.
🌍 4. Ethnic Minority and Migrant Communities
Insight questions:
• What are the barriers to inclusion, trust, or culturally appropriate care?
• How do migrant workers or asylum seekers navigate services?
Source: Devon Communities Together – Impact Report (2022–23), Devon Food Insecurity Hub – Research Summary (2023), Mental Health Foundation – Voices of Lived Experience (2024)
Insight: People from ethnic minority and migrant backgrounds in Devon often share experiences of feeling overlooked or misunderstood by mainstream services. Common barriers include language difficulties, cultural insensitivity, and a lack of trust in statutory systems—particularly in healthcare and mental health settings. Asylum seekers and migrant workers frequently describe confusion when trying to access services, often turning to community organisations or informal networks for help. Frustrations include limited translation support, inadequate access to culturally appropriate food and care, and unclear information about rights and entitlements. Despite these challenges, local organisations such as Sunrise Diversity and Devon Communities Together have created trusted spaces where individuals feel respected, supported, and heard. National research that includes voices from Devon also highlights the emotional strain caused by delays in asylum decisions, poor communication, and the uncertainty of living in limbo. Additionally, stigma around accessing food support, lack of culturally suitable food, and bureaucratic hurdles further complicate the experience for many ethnic minority groups.
🧠 5. Neurodiversity and Inclusion Health Populations
Insight questions:
• What do neurodivergent people say about navigating health, education, or employment?
• How do people experiencing homelessness or complex needs describe their interactions with services?
Source: Devon Communities Together – Impact Report (2022–23), Experience Works Project (Devon Communities Together & Petroc College), Devon Communities Together – Empowering Enterprise Insight Tool, Devon County Council – SEND and Inclusion Reports
Insights: In Devon, neurodivergent individuals, particularly young people, have shared challenges navigating education, health, and employment systems that often lack flexibility and understanding. Through projects like Experience Works, participants described feeling unsupported in traditional learning environments and facing anxiety and low confidence when seeking work. Many reported that employers and services were not equipped to accommodate neurodiverse needs, making transitions into adulthood and employment especially difficult. Positive outcomes were linked to personalised mentoring and inclusive, strengths-based approaches.
People experiencing homelessness or complex needs in Devon have also voiced frustration with fragmented services and a lack of trauma-informed care. Lived experience accounts from Devon Communities Together’s work highlight how individuals often feel judged, passed between services, and unsupported until reaching crisis point. However, when services are co-designed, person-centred, and delivered with empathy, people report feeling more respected and empowered. These insights underscore the importance of trust, continuity, and holistic support in improving outcomes for marginalised groups.
| Gaps in insights and local research The population chapter provides rich insights across several population groups. There are areas where lived experience data is limited or could be expanded. These include: Neurodivergent Adults: There is limited qualitative data on how neurodivergent adults navigate employment, healthcare, and social services. Ethnic Minority and Migrant Communities: While barriers are identified, there is a need for more direct, co-produced research capturing the voices of diverse ethnic groups, especially those outside asylum-seeking contexts. Gypsy, Roma and Traveller Communities: These groups are mentioned as facing severe inequalities, but specific lived experience accounts are lacking. LGBTQ+ Communities: First-hand accounts of navigating health, education, or community services. Faith and Belief Communities: There is limited insight into how religious or belief-based identities affect access to culturally appropriate care or inclusion in public services. |
Population Priorities for Devon
- Plan for an ageing population: Strengthen health, social care, and community support services to meet the needs of a growing older population. Develop age-friendly communities that promote active ageing and expand services for people with age-related disabilities.
- Address Disability Inequalities: Ensure services are accessible and inclusive for the nearly 1 in 5 residents reporting a disability. Improve physical accessibility, digital inclusion, and targeted support in employment, housing, and transport.
- Promote Community Cohesion: Foster cultural awareness and inclusion across all Devon communities. Support community cohesion initiatives, anti-discrimination education, and inclusive service design for minority ethnic groups.
- Support LGBTQ+ Health, Visibility and Access: Ensure services are inclusive of diverse sexual orientations, intersex, and transgender identities. Provide LGBTQ+ awareness training for staff and ensure access to safe spaces and tailored health and wellbeing services.
- Promote multi-faith and belief dialogue: Respect and accommodate religious and non-religious beliefs in public services. Promote interfaith dialogue and ensure culturally appropriate care and support in health, education, and community settings.
- Tackle Gender-Based Inequalities: Address disparities in health, employment and safety between men and women, particularly in older age groups. Promote gender equity in workforce policies, health screening and community safety initiatives.
- Support Diverse Home Lives: Recognise the impact of different living arrangements and relationships on wellbeing, including those of single people, older residents, people with disabilities, and others living in non-traditional or community-based households. Provide flexible, person-centred support services that respect and include all forms of households, whether based on family, friendship, care, or community, and ensure that policies and services reflect the diversity of modern home lives.
- Support Care Experienced Individuals, Migrants and non-traditional or community-based households: Support the unique challenges and strengths of care-experienced people, international migrants, and non-traditional or community-based households. Ensure that services are trauma-informed, culturally sensitive, and shaped by the voices of those with lived experience. Provide targeted support that promotes stability, belonging, and opportunity, and work to eliminate stigma and structural barriers that affect these communities.
- Address the needs of inclusion group populations: Improve access to services for people experiencing homelessness, vulnerable migrants, Gypsy, Roma and Traveller communities, and others facing multiple disadvantages.
- Support Neurodiverse Individuals: Recognise and respond to the needs of people with neurodevelopmental conditions such as autism, ADHD, dyslexia, and others. Promote inclusive education, employment, and health services that are sensory-aware, strengths-based, and co-designed with neurodiverse people and their families.
- Expanding Lived Experience Research: Prioritise expanding research that captures the lived experiences of diverse and underrepresented groups to better understand service barriers and inform inclusive, equitable, and person-centred policy and practice.
- Champion Youth Voice and Opportunity: Develop a strategic plan that empowers young people in Devon by addressing barriers like housing, transport, and limited services. Ensure their voices shape inclusive, accessible opportunities in education, employment, and wellbeing especially in rural and coastal areas.
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