Dorset spans about 2,634 km² (1,017 sq mi) in England.
Outline from Office for National Statistics and Ordnance Survey data, Open Government Licence v3.0.
Living in Dorset
Dorset is a county on the south coast of England, known for its gently rolling countryside, rural villages and long stretches of coastline. The landscape is largely shaped by farmland, chalk hills and river valleys, giving much of the county a calm and traditional feel. Its coastal position has also played an important role in Dorset’s history, influencing settlement, trade and everyday life over many centuries.
The county includes towns such as Dorchester, Weymouth, Poole and Bournemouth, each with its own character and function. Dorchester serves as the county town, while coastal towns have grown through fishing, trade and tourism. Inland, smaller market towns and villages remain closely tied to agriculture, contributing to a strong sense of local continuity across the county.
Dorset is especially valued for its natural environment, with a coastline that includes cliffs, bays and long sandy beaches, as well as inland areas of open countryside. Walking, coastal activities and outdoor leisure are widely enjoyed throughout the year. Taken together, Dorset offers a steady blend of rural landscape, coastal influence and historic settlement, giving it a quietly enduring place within southern England.
Dorset at a Glance
House Prices in Dorset
The average sold price in Dorset is £381,543 across 27,806 recorded sales, making it the 13th most expensive of 69 counties.
Source: HM Land Registry Price Paid Data. Figures are averages of recorded sales.
People & Demographics
Age structure
Housing tenure
Source: ONS Census 2021 and model-based income estimates.
Schools in Dorset 263
Source: Department for Education and Ofsted.
Amenities & Getting Around
Source: NHS, National Rail and Open Charge Map.
Frequently Asked Questions
How much are houses in Dorset?
The average sold price in Dorset is around £381,543. A detached home averages £519,608, a terraced home £287,906 and a flat £236,967.
What is the population of Dorset?
Dorset has a population of about 775,383 people, at a density of 294 per square kilometre.
What is the average income in Dorset?
The average household income in Dorset is around £52,022 a year.
How many schools are there in Dorset?
There are 263 schools in Dorset.
Largest Towns in Dorset 12
Location
Elevation & Terrain
Dorset stretches from -3 ft at Weymouth up to 781 ft at Folly, a span of 784 ft across 798 towns and villages. This reflects notably varied terrain, with clear contrasts between lower valleys and higher ground.
Deprivation Index (IMD)
Average deprivation scores across 44 postcode areas in Dorset. Higher deciles (closer to 10) indicate less deprivation.
Main Towns in Dorset 60
Dorset has 798 towns, villages and localities in total. The main towns are shown below. You can also browse the full A to Z of every place in Dorset.
Postcode Areas in Dorset 6
Dorset is served by 6 postcode areas. Each area contains multiple postcode districts covering different parts of the county.