About Acton

Acton is a village located in the county of Dorset, in southern England. It lies within the BH19 postcode area and is situated near the border with Somerset. The village is characterised by its rural setting, with a mix of traditional stone and brick houses surrounded by open countryside. Acton is part of the wider Dorset landscape, known for its rolling hills and agricultural fields. The local community is small and close-knit, with a range of amenities including a village hall and a pub. The area offers access to walking trails and is popular with those who enjoy the outdoors. The village is well connected to nearby towns and has a regular bus service. Acton maintains a quiet, peaceful atmosphere typical of the English countryside.

School Ratings in Acton

There are 8 schools in and around Acton. A further 3 schools hold a Good rating.

House Prices in Acton

The average property price is £421K, with flats making up the majority of the housing stock at around £260K.

Crime and Anti-Social Behaviour in Acton

Recorded crime levels are lower than the national average. Anti-social behaviour is prevalent across Acton, with 11 recorded incidents in January 2026.

Deprivation and Employment in Acton

Acton sits around the middle of the national deprivation scale, according to the 2025 Index of Multiple Deprivation. Employment levels are broadly typical for the area, sitting close to the national average. Household incomes are broadly in line with the national average.

Broadband and Mobile Internet in Acton

Broadband availability in Acton includes superfast options in many areas, though speeds can vary. Mobile coverage is generally adequate on 4G, but 5G and indoor reception may be limited in some spots. For the latest speed predictions, visit Ofcom's broadband checker.

Property Prices 2,274 sales

Average Price £421K
£1K £14.47M
Detached £599K 706
Semi £391K 296
Terraced £363K 334
Flat £260K 733

Deprivation and Employment in Acton IMD 2025

Acton sits around the national average for deprivation according to the 2025 Index of Multiple Deprivation. Employment and income levels are broadly typical, reflecting a mixed local economy. The area offers a balance of residential and commercial activity common to most parts of England.

Overall Deprivation
6/10
Income
6/10
Employment
5/10
Education
5/10
Health
6/10
Housing
4/10
Living Environment
5/10
1,505 Children (0-15) 12%
6,693 Working Age 53%
5,766 Older (60+) 46%
Average Child Poverty (IDACI) 32.3% of children in income-deprived families
Average Older Person Poverty (IDAOPI) 12.2% of over-60s in income-deprived households
Data from English Indices of Deprivation 2025 · Contains public sector information licensed under the Open Government Licence v3.0

Crime in Acton 43 crimes · January 2026

Low Crime Area

Acton records relatively low levels of reported crime compared to national averages. Violence & sexual offences is the most commonly logged offence type, though overall numbers remain modest. The area is generally considered a safe and settled small town with a strong sense of community.

16 Violence & Sexual Offences
11 Anti-Social Behaviour
10 Shoplifting
3 Other Theft
1 Burglary
1 Criminal Damage & Arson
1 Public Order
Data from data.police.uk · Contains public sector information licensed under the Open Government Licence v3.0
Crime figures depend on reporting by individual police forces and may not reflect the full picture in all areas.

Nearest Train Stations 6 stations

Wareham (Dorset) Train Station 7.2 miles
Holton Heath Train Station 8 miles
Poole Train Station 8 miles
Hamworthy Train Station 8.3 miles
Parkstone (Dorset) Train Station 8.7 miles
Branksome Train Station 9.5 miles

Location

Local Government

District Dorset
Ward Swanage
Constituency South Dorset
Parish Swanage
Region South West

Notable & Famous People from Acton 7 people

Adam Faith
Actor
English singer, actor and financial journalist (1940–2003)
Alan Rickman
Screenwriter
British actor and director (1946–2016)
Asma al-Assad
Financial analyst
First Lady of Syrian Arab Republic (2000-2024)
Geoffrey Ashe
Writer
British historian (1923–2022)
Kit Harington
Stage actor
British actor
Les Ferdinand
Association football coach
English association football player (born 1966)
Percy Wyn-Harris
Mountaineer
Governor of Gambia