Bishop's Down on the map

Location in DorsetBishop's Down sits where the marker shows within the county.

23,160
Population
9,121
Households
6 / 10
Deprivation decile
Around average
12
Schools nearby
£51,505
Avg. household income
1,080
Businesses
125
People per km²
Create a free area profile for Bishop's DownDownload or embed an infographic of these statistics

About Bishop's Down

Bishop's Down is a residential area located in the county of Dorset, in southern England. It lies just to the north of the town of Bournemouth, within the wider Bournemouth, Christchurch and Poole borough. The area is characterised by a mix of housing types, including detached and semi-detached homes, many of which are set on gently sloping ground. The surrounding landscape offers views towards the coast and the South Downs, with open spaces and footpaths providing access to the countryside. The postcode area for Bishop's Down is DT9, which covers parts of the Bournemouth region. The area is well-connected by road and is within easy reach of local amenities, shops, and schools. It is a quiet, family-friendly neighbourhood with a strong sense of community.

School Ratings in Bishop's Down

Families in Bishop's Down have access to 13 local schools. A further 5 schools hold a Good rating.

House Prices in Bishop's Down

Homes sell for an average of £404K locally. Most of the housing is made up of detached homes, averaging £519K.

Crime and Anti-Social Behaviour in Bishop's Down

Crime in the area is lower than the national average. Anti-social behaviour is the leading concern across Bishop's Down, with 12 incidents recorded in May 2026.

Deprivation and Employment in Bishop's Down

The 2025 Index of Multiple Deprivation places Bishop's Down around the national average for deprivation. Employment rates locally are in line with what is seen across England. Average incomes in the area are typical for England.

Property Prices 3,422 sales

Average Price £404K
£750 , £19.58M
Detached £519K 1,211
Semi £311K 776
Terraced £285K 931
Flat £177K 284

Household Income in Bishop's Down ONS 2023

The average total household income in Bishop's Down is approximately £51,505 a year before tax, 7% below the national average of £55,302. After tax and benefits, the average disposable (net) household income is around £40,153. These are modelled estimates from the Office for National Statistics for the financial year ending 2023.

Bishop's Down £51,505
England & Wales avg. £55,302

Net (after tax) household income averages £40,153.

Businesses in Bishop's Down ONS 2025

There are approximately 1,080 active businesses based in Bishop's Down, around 47 for every 1,000 residents. The local economy is dominated by small firms: about 89% are micro-businesses employing fewer than 10 people, while 16 are larger employers with 50 or more staff. Figures are from the Office for National Statistics UK Business Counts.

1,080 Total businesses
47 Per 1,000 residents
Micro, 0-9 89%
Small, 10-49 9%
Medium, 50-249 1%
Large, 250+ 1%

Deprivation and Employment in Bishop's Down IMD 2025

Deprivation levels in Bishop's Down are around the national average based on the 2025 Index of Multiple Deprivation. Employment is accessible for most residents and household incomes reflect the broader national picture. The area maintains a steady balance between affordability and quality of life.

Overall Deprivation
6/10
Income
7/10
Employment
7/10
Education
7/10
Health
8/10
Housing
3/10
Living Environment
4/10
Children 0-15 16%
Working age 52%
Older 65+ 32%
3,692 Children (0-15) 16%
12,131 Working Age 52%
7,334 Older (65+) 32%
Average Child Poverty (IDACI) 25.8% of children in income-deprived families
Above Average Older Person Poverty (IDAOPI) 9.8% 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 Bishop's Down 54 crimes · May 2026

Low Crime Area

Crime levels in Bishop's Down are lower than the England and Wales average. While violence & sexual offences is the most frequently recorded category, the overall picture is one of a settled and secure town where serious incidents remain uncommon.

Violence & Sexual Offences 27
Anti-Social Behaviour 12
Shoplifting 7
Burglary 2
Other Theft 2
Public Order 2
Robbery 1
Other Crime 1
Local Policing
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

Chetnole Train Station 2.4 miles
Sherborne Train Station 3.1 miles
Thornford Train Station 3.8 miles
Yetminster Train Station 4.9 miles
Yeovil Junction Train Station 6.5 miles
Templecombe Train Station 6.6 miles

Location

Local Government

District Dorset
County Somerset
Ward Sherborne East
Constituency West Dorset
Parish Sherborne
Region South West

Home Ownership in Bishop's Down

Of the 10,395 households in and around Bishop's Down, 69% are owned, 14% are socially rented and 17% are privately rented. Home ownership here is higher than the England and Wales average of 63%.

Owned 69% Social rented 14% Private rented 17%

Tenure from the 2021 Census (ONS), for the postcode districts covering Bishop's Down.

Frequently Asked Questions about Bishop's Down

What is the population of Bishop's Down?
Bishop's Down has a population of approximately 23,160 residents, based on the latest census figures for the surrounding postcode area.
What is the average house price in Bishop's Down?
The average property in and around Bishop's Down sold for about £403,959, based on HM Land Registry Price Paid records. That is around 16% above the England and Wales average of £349,091.
Is Bishop's Down a deprived area?
Bishop's Down sits around the national average for deprivation, with an Index of Multiple Deprivation decile of 6 out of 10, where 1 is the most deprived and 10 the least deprived.
What postcodes cover Bishop's Down?
Bishop's Down is covered by the DT9 postcode district.
How many schools are there in Bishop's Down?
There are 12 schools within easy reach of Bishop's Down, spanning primary, secondary and other phases.
Where is the nearest train station to Bishop's Down?
The nearest railway station to Bishop's Down is Chetnole Train Station, about 2.4 miles away.