South West: official statistics
The South West region (ONS code E12000009) runs from Gloucestershire and Wiltshire to Cornwall and the Isles of Scilly. It is the largest English region by area, 23,836 square kilometres, and the most thinly populated, at 248 people per square kilometre, in the ONS mid-2025 estimates. Its 27 local authority districts are Cornwall, the Isles of Scilly, Devon's 8 districts, Plymouth, Torbay, Somerset, Dorset, Bournemouth, Christchurch and Poole, Wiltshire, Swindon, Gloucestershire's 6 districts, Bristol, Bath and North East Somerset, North Somerset and South Gloucestershire.
Labour market rates on this page update automatically from the ONS. Pay, house prices, rents and output are the latest published figures, read on 13 October 2026.
Figures from the ONS update automatically when a new release comes out; the others show the latest value when we last checked, with its period.
Aerospace, defence, farming and tourism
The region's £197.7 billion of gross value added in 2024 included several industries with their highest shares in England, according to the ONS regional GVA by industry. Manufacture of other transport equipment, which includes aircraft and ships, was 1.9% of output, more than three times the UK share of 0.6%. Public administration and defence was 6.7% (UK 5.0%), the highest share among English regions. Agriculture, forestry and fishing (1.3%) and accommodation and food services (3.3%) also had their largest shares in England.
Real estate was 17.1% of GVA, the highest of any English region; the industry includes the imputed rent of owner-occupied homes. Finance (5.5%) and information and communication (4.1%) are below UK shares.
Output and income
GDP per head was £37,769 in 2024, third among the English regions behind London and the South East but below the UK's £41,627, in the ONS regional GDP release. Real growth was 1.3% in both 2023 and 2024. Disposable household income was £25,924 per head, 99.8% of the UK average. For the other nations, see the population of Wales and Scotland's GDP.
Jobs: low unemployment, high employment
In May to July 2026 the South West had an unemployment rate of 3.9%, second lowest in England, and an employment rate of 78.2%, joint highest with the South East. Both figures were less favourable than a year earlier (3.4% and 79.8%), and inactivity rose to 18.5%. Regional survey estimates move around, so compare several releases. The region's claimant count rate, 3.0% in August 2026, was the lowest in England.
Median full-time pay for jobs in the region was £37,195 in April 2025, fifth of nine and 95% of the UK median. Council-level figures are in the Nomis South West profile.
Homes and rents
The UK House Price Index average for July 2026 was £302,298, down 0.2% on a year earlier, fourth highest in England. Detached homes averaged £495,113 and flats £171,240. Private rents averaged £1,245 a month in August 2026, up 4.4% on the year.
For the official count of second homes, which MHCLG publishes by council, see how many second homes there are in England.
The oldest population in England
The South West had 5,906,997 residents at mid-2025, up 22,446 (0.4%). Its median age, 44.1, is the highest of any English region. Deaths exceeded births by 14,420, the largest natural decrease of any region; the population grew because a net 25,093 people moved in from elsewhere in the UK and 11,311 from abroad. Somerset (590,972) and Cornwall (584,782) are the most populous unitary councils. For the national picture, see whether the UK population is ageing.
Combined authorities
The West of England Combined Authority covers Bristol, Bath and North East Somerset, and South Gloucestershire and has an elected mayor; North Somerset is not a member. The Devon and Torbay Combined County Authority is a foundation authority without a mayor. Both are listed in the GOV.UK Mayoral Strategic Authority funding note. Cornwall, Plymouth, Somerset, Dorset, Wiltshire, Gloucestershire and the other councils are not part of either.
Questions about South West
What is the average salary in the South West?
Median full-time pay for jobs in the South West was £37,195 a year in April 2025 (£728.70 a week), according to provisional ONS ASHE data. Across all employees, including part-time, the median was £31,047.
What is the population of the South West of England?
5,906,997 at mid-2025 (ONS). It has the oldest population of England's regions, with a median age of 44.1.
What is the average house price in the South West?
£302,298 in July 2026 on the UK House Price Index, 0.2% lower than a year earlier.
What is the unemployment rate in the South West?
3.9% in May to July 2026, second lowest of the English regions. The live figure above refreshes after each ONS release.
Which counties are in the South West of England?
Cornwall (with the Isles of Scilly), Devon, Somerset, Dorset, Wiltshire, Gloucestershire and the Bristol area. Plymouth, Torbay, Swindon, and Bournemouth, Christchurch and Poole are separate unitary councils within the region.
Related questions
- Is the UK population ageing?
- How many second homes are there in England?
- What is the average salary in the UK?
- What is the average house price in the UK?
- How do I find life expectancy in my area?
- What is the population of Wales?
Official sources: ONS labour market in the regions of the UK · Nomis labour market profile: South West · ONS population estimates for England and Wales · ONS regional GVA by industry · West of England Combined Authority · Devon and Torbay Combined County Authority
Other regions: East Midlands · East of England · London · North East · North West · South East · West Midlands · Yorkshire and the Humber