Dawlish is a town on the south coast of Devon, 12 miles from Exeter, with a population of around 13,500 people. During the eighteenth century, it grew from a small fishing port to become a well-known seaside resort.

The old town is situated atop red cliffs, while the coast to the North East, known as Dawlish Warren, is sandy. Dawlish is also known for its black swans (Cygnus atratus), introduced from Western Australia.

The town of Dawlish took its name from a local stream with a Brythonic name, once spelt 'Deawlisc', meaning 'Devil Water' (the name came from heavy rains churning up the red cliffs, making the brook run red). An alternative meaning proposed is 'black stream', cognate with Welsh du (g)lais. Several other spellings and meanings are found later in the Domesday Book and in documents from Exeter Cathedral.

Key Stats

• The market town area has seen a 14% growth in population since 1991, compared to a growth within the district of 17%. There is little variation between Dawlish and the surrounding hinterland. The population of Dawlish is around 13,500.
• The level of households occupied by individuals in the market town area is similar to the district and county averages.
• Unemployment in the area is generally about level with the district and county averages and below the national figure.
• There is a higher proportion of people working in health & social work jobs in the area than in the district or county but a lower proportion working in manufacturing and wholesale & retail trade.
• The market town area as a whole has a high percentage of households with an annual income of less than £20,000.
• The percentage of pupils obtaining five or more GCSEs at grade A* to C in the market town area are below the county and national averages.
• Dawlish market town area has more people with no qualifications and less with higher qualifications (Level 4) than the county and National averages.
• Select here for more statistics about Dawlish and surrounding area. (866KB - pdf help)