Blackdown on the map
Location in DorsetBlackdown sits where the marker shows within the county.
About Blackdown
Blackdown is a small village located in the county of Dorset, in southern England. It lies within the Blackdown Hills Area of Outstanding Natural Beauty, offering views of rolling countryside and wooded slopes. The village is situated near the border with Somerset, and the surrounding area is known for its rural character and agricultural land. The postcode area for Blackdown is DT8, which covers parts of west Dorset and the adjacent region. The landscape is marked by gentle hills and traditional hedgerows, with several footpaths and bridleways providing access to the surrounding countryside. The village itself is modest in size, with a mix of period cottages and modern homes. It is a peaceful location, ideal for those seeking a quiet rural lifestyle.
School Ratings in Blackdown
Blackdown is served by 13 schools. A further 4 schools hold a Good rating.
House Prices in Blackdown
Property prices average £397K across the area, and detached homes are the most common property type, typically selling for £460K.
Crime and Anti-Social Behaviour in Blackdown
Local crime rates sit lower than national averages. Anti-social behaviour accounts for the highest share in Blackdown, with 1 incidents logged in May 2026.
Deprivation and Employment in Blackdown
Based on the 2025 Index of Multiple Deprivation, Blackdown falls within the mid-range nationally for overall deprivation. Working-age employment is around the national average for the area. Income levels locally sit close to the national average.
Local Data for Blackdown
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Property Prices 1,031 sales
Schools & Education 12 nearby View all schools
Ofsted ratings for schools in the DT8 postcode area.
Household Income in Blackdown ONS 2023
The average total household income in Blackdown is approximately £47,765 a year before tax, 14% below the national average of £55,302. After tax and benefits, the average disposable (net) household income is around £37,048. These are modelled estimates from the Office for National Statistics for the financial year ending 2023.
Net (after tax) household income averages £37,048.
Businesses in Blackdown ONS 2025
There are approximately 352 active businesses based in Blackdown, around 58 for every 1,000 residents. The local economy is dominated by small firms: about 93% are micro-businesses employing fewer than 10 people, while 3 are larger employers with 50 or more staff. Figures are from the Office for National Statistics UK Business Counts.
Deprivation and Employment in Blackdown IMD 2025
The 2025 Index of Multiple Deprivation places Blackdown in the mid-range nationally. Employment and income levels are close to the England average, with a mix of opportunities across sectors. Overall living conditions are comparable to similar areas across the country.
Crime in Blackdown 7 crimes · May 2026
Reported crime in Blackdown falls below the national average, suggesting a comparatively safe environment. Violence & sexual offences tops the list of recorded incidents, but figures are low overall. Residents and visitors alike tend to find this a quiet and reassuring small town.
Crime figures depend on reporting by individual police forces and may not reflect the full picture in all areas.
Nearest Train Stations 2 stations
Location
Nearby Towns & Villages 12 found
Local Government
Home Ownership in Blackdown
Of the 2,839 households in and around Blackdown, 70% are owned, 14% are socially rented and 15% are privately rented. Home ownership here is higher than the England and Wales average of 63%.
Tenure from the 2021 Census (ONS), for the postcode districts covering Blackdown.