Kingsteignton is a town with a population around 15,000. It has a mixture of large estates surrounding an old town centre, a variety of local facilities and businesses, and is served by a secondary school and two primary schools.

Although Kingsteignton is not considered a tourist attraction, the tourism areas of Dawlish, Teignmouth and Torbay affect the town. It is ideally located for commuting to the cities of Exeter or Plymouth whilst only a few miles from the sea or moorland.

Kingsteignton is situated at the head of the Teign estuary; the town is the long established centre of the clay industry. A quirk of geology deposited fine quality ball clays on the eastern edge of the Bovey Basin some 30 - 40 million years ago. Their exploitation was boosted in 1791 when Josiah Wedgewood first purchased Kingsteignton clay. Over the past 200 years clay mining has brought continued employment and prosperity to the town.

In 1509 the Manor of Kingsteignton, which had been a crown demense until the 13th century, passed into the hands of the Clifford family who still hold the title of Lord of the Manor.

The Newton Abbot Racecourse is situated in the Kingsteignton Parish Area and apart from race days other events are held here on a regular basis.