Devizes vs Melksham
Which is better to live in? Distance: 6.4 miles apart.
The verdict
Property in Melksham is about 12% cheaper on average. Devizes has the lower crime rate of the two. For families, Melksham edges ahead on school quality.
Avg House Price
Devizes
£353,642
Melksham
£316,592
Crime Rate
Devizes
48.8
Melksham
48.8
Top-Two School Inspection Bands
Devizes
80.0%
Melksham
100.0%
Avg Download Speed
Devizes
244.3
Melksham
328.9
EPC Rating
Devizes
69.2
Melksham
69.2
Median Income
Devizes
£29,209
Melksham
£29,209
House Prices (2025)
Most affordable in South WestThe average house price in Melksham is £316,592, which is 12% less than Devizes at £353,642. The most affordable entry point in Devizes is a flat at £161,823, while in Melksham it is a flat at £138,625.
Average Price by Property Type (2025)
Biggest gap: flat homes are 17% pricier in Devizes (£161,823 vs £138,625).
Price Trend (11 Years)
Over the last 9 years, Melksham prices grew faster — 27% vs 25%.
Crime & Safety
Safest in South WestWith 48.8 offences per 1,000 people, Devizes is the safer of the two – 0% lower than Melksham's 48.8 per 1,000. The most common crime category in Devizes is violent-crime, while in Melksham it is violent-crime.
Crime Rate by Category (per 1,000 residents)
Both towns share the same top crime category: violent crime.
Schools & Education
Best for schools in South WestMelksham has 100% of schools in the top two inspection bands, compared to 80% in Devizes. Devizes has 7 schools in total, while Melksham has 4.
Devizes School Inspection Breakdown
80% of 7 schools (6 primary, 1 secondary) sit in the top two inspection bands.
Melksham School Inspection Breakdown
100% of 4 schools (4 primary) sit in the top two inspection bands.
| Metric | Devizes | Melksham |
|---|---|---|
| Total Schools | 7 | 4 |
| Primary | 6 | 4 |
| Secondary | 1 | 0 |
| % Top two bands | 80% | 100% |
Broadband & Connectivity
Melksham offers faster average downloads at 328.9 Mbps, compared to 244.3 Mbps in Devizes. Superfast coverage (30 Mbps+) reaches 91.5% of premises in Devizes and 92.4% in Melksham. Gigabit availability stands at 40.3% in Devizes and 60.4% in Melksham.
Melksham is the faster of the two by 35% on average download speed (329 vs 244 Mbps).
Energy Efficiency & Running Costs
Homes in Devizes are more energy-efficient on average, with an EPC score of 69.2 (band C) versus 69.2 (band C) in Melksham. Estimated annual energy costs average £1,297 in Devizes and £1,297 in Melksham. 60.1% of homes in Devizes have an EPC rating of C or above, compared to 60.1% in Melksham.
Devizes has more energy-efficient housing — 60.1% reach band C or above, vs 60.1% in the other.
Demographics & Economy
Median household income is £29,209 in Devizes and £29,209 in Melksham. The median age is 45.5 in Devizes and 45.5 in Melksham. Employment rates stand at 60.2% in Devizes and 60.2% in Melksham. Owner-occupancy is 66.8% in Devizes versus 66.8% in Melksham.
| Indicator | Devizes | Melksham |
|---|---|---|
| Population | 19,491 | 18,277 |
| Median Age | 45.5 | 45.5 |
| Median Household Income | £29,209 | £29,209 |
| Employment Rate | 60.2% | 60.2% |
| Owner Occupied | 66.8% | 66.8% |
| Degree-Level Qualified | 34.2% | 34.2% |
Location
Common questions
Frequently asked questions
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