Local economy - reports and forecasts

The population of Exeter is 117,800 (2011 National Census) and around half a million people live within a 45-minute catchment of the city, including a labour force of around 300,000.

The Labour Market profiles below compile data from several sources and provide detailed information on the resident population, economic activity, qualifications, earnings, job centre vacancies and numbers of VAT registered businesses for Exeter, East Devon, Mid Devon and Teignbridge and the neighbouring districts of the functional economic area known as Exeter and the Heart of Devon (EHOD).

• Exeter Labour Market Profile
• East Devon Labour Market Profile
• Mid Devon Labour Market Profile
• Teignbridge Labour Market Profile

As a Regional Capital, Exeter has much to offer companies and organisations looking to relocate to a dynamic and innovative location. Please visit our Business relocation pages for more details.

For Exeter the Labour Market profiles shows that the city has a number of outstanding plus points including:

• A significantly higher proportion of individuals with academic qualifications and skills at al levels. Skill levels in Exeter are one of the city's major draws. The EHOD Employment and Skills Board work with local public, private and education partners to continue to provide the labour force with skills and training to equip them to work in a wide variety of roles. Visit the Exeter & Heart of Devon Employment and Skills Board for further information.
• A high level of employment in professional, managerial and skilled occupations
• A high economic activity rate. This is the proportion of the traditional working age population (16 to 64) that are in or are looking for work. The rate would be even higher but for the high number of students in the city (approx. 18,000) who do not figure in economic activity rates

Exeter and Heart of Devon Economic Development Strategy - Objectives & Plans for Economic Development Strategy