Facts and Figures

Facts
Figures

Facts

Wealden is a predominantly rural district with a high proportion of micro-businesses and self-employment. Local sector strengths include land based industries and construction and, to a lesser extent, manufacturing and personal services.

Business start-up rates in Wealden (2006/07) were close to the regional average and survival rates (to 2006) were better than average.

Over a ten year period (1998-2007) growth in both business stocks and employment locally has outstripped national (England) averages. Employment growth in business services and construction has been particularly strong. Local factors account for more than half of this growth.

The labour market and economy have close links to London (in the north of the District) and to Eastbourne (in the south).  There are significant levels of out-commuting, particularly of more highly skilled and highly paid workers.

Despite the recession, claimant unemployment remains below the regional average.

The age profile of the resident population suggests significant employment and entrepreneurship opportunities amongst older people (age 55-64 and 65-74). There are relatively few young working age people in the District (15-24 or 25-34 year olds).

Figures

• Area 83,502 hectares/835 km2

• Population 145, 882

• No. of households 62,068

• Projected population for 2026 152, 769 (policy based) 164,500 (trend based)

• Population Density 1.7 persons per hectare

• Life expectancy women 83.8 years / men 80.4 years

• Mean age of population 42.5 years

• No. of dwellings 63,667

• Average house price £263,868 (2009,Q2)

• Total economically active 66,500

• Average household income (2008) £37,425

• Number of Benefit Claimants (Nov. 2009) 1,486 1.9%

• Legal Information
• Accessibility
• Site Map
• Web stats & availability