South West · England
Exeter area guide
Population
138,399
ONS 2024
Avg. house price
£287,013
-2.4% /yr
Avg. rent (pcm)
£1,314
+1.8% /yr
Rental yield
5.5%
gross
Sources: ONS mid-2024 population, HM Land Registry / ONS house prices and ONS private rents.
About Exeter
Exeter is the county town of Devon, in South West England, sitting on the River Exe a short distance inland from the Jurassic Coast. It has a long history stretching back to Roman times, when it was known as Isca Dumnoniorum, and its compact centre still reflects this layered past, from remnants of the Roman wall to the medieval Exeter Cathedral. Today it combines this historic character with a growing, modern economy, and is often regarded as a regional hub for the wider South West.
Schools & education
Exeter's best-known institution is the University of Exeter, a Russell Group university with its main campus at Streatham and a second campus at St Luke's, drawing students from across the UK and overseas. The city is also home to Exeter College, a large further education college offering academic and vocational courses, along with a range of primary and secondary schools serving local families. The presence of the university brings a significant student population and contributes to the city's cultural and research life.
Transport & airports
Exeter is well connected by rail, with Exeter St David's serving as the main station on the line between London Paddington and the South West, and Exeter Central providing a more central-city stop. The city lies close to the M5 motorway, with the A30 and A38 also linking it to Devon, Cornwall and beyond. Exeter Airport, just outside the city, offers domestic and some international flights, making it the nearest major airport for local residents.
Economy & jobs
Exeter's economy is diverse, with strengths in the public sector, retail, professional services and education. The Met Office, the UK's national weather service, is headquartered in the city, and the University of Exeter is itself a major employer. The Princesshay shopping centre anchors the retail offer in the city centre, while nearby business parks support a range of smaller firms and service-sector employers. Healthcare is also significant locally, with the Royal Devon and Exeter Hospital serving the wider area.
Living in Exeter
Exeter is often described as offering a good balance between city amenities and access to countryside and coast, with Dartmoor and the Jurassic Coast both within easy reach. The presence of the university gives it a youthful, lively feel in parts, alongside a more traditional, historic character in areas such as the Cathedral Close and quayside. It tends to appeal to a mix of families, professionals and students, and is generally regarded as a comfortable, if increasingly sought-after, place to live in the South West.
Exeter FAQs
What is the population of Exeter?
According to ONS mid-2024 figures, Exeter's population is 138,399.
What is the nearest airport to Exeter?
Exeter Airport, located just outside the city, is the nearest airport and offers a range of domestic and some international flights.
What is the main university in Exeter?
The University of Exeter, a Russell Group institution, is the city's main university, with campuses at Streatham and St Luke's.
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This guide is provided for general information. Statistics are from official sources on the dates shown; other details are an overview and may change. Browse all UK city guides →