Is Exeter safe to live in?

Exeter is a relatively safe city. Crime rates are moderate and below the national average for most categories. The city centre and university areas are generally safe. The residential areas around St Leonards and Heavitree are very popular and safe.

Like any urban area, safety in Exeter varies enormously by street and postcode. The crime rate two streets apart can be completely different — which is why it's always worth checking the specific postcode rather than relying on a general impression of the area.

Crime in Exeter by type

The most common crime types to check when researching Exeter are:

• Antisocial behaviour — often higher in town centre and nightlife areas
• Vehicle crime — varies by street, check specific postcodes near where you'd park
• Burglary — important for families and homeowners
• Violent crime — tends to be concentrated around nightlife areas
• Theft — higher in busy commercial areas

Know My Postcode pulls live Police UK data for all crime categories for any specific postcode, so you can see exactly what's happening in the streets you're considering.

Safest postcodes in Exeter

Rather than giving a single safety rating for Exeter as a whole, it's far more useful to check the specific postcode you're considering. Click any of the postcodes below to get an instant free report:

What else to check before moving to Exeter

Safety is important but it's just one factor. Before moving to Exeter, also consider:

• Flood risk — Exeter has varying flood risk by postcode
• Schools — Ofsted ratings vary significantly across Exeter
• Transport links — check actual walking distance to stations
• House prices — Land Registry data for the specific postcode
• Local amenities — GPs, supermarkets, parks within walking distance

Know My Postcode pulls all of this data together in one free instant report for any Exeter postcode.

Frequently asked questions

Is Exeter safe at night?
Safety at night in Exeter depends on the specific area. Nightlife zones tend to have more antisocial behaviour late at night. Residential streets are generally safe. Always check the specific postcode for live crime data.

Is Exeter safe for families?
Exeter has many family-friendly streets and neighbourhoods. School quality and proximity to parks are as important as crime rates for families. Use Know My Postcode to check schools, parks and crime data for specific postcodes in Exeter.

Has Exeter improved in recent years?
Many parts of Exeter have seen significant regeneration and improvement. Crime trends are visible in our reports — check the 6-month data to see current patterns.