Blandford Forum on the map
Built-up area3.2 km² (1.2 sq mi)
Location in DorsetBlandford Forum sits where the marker shows within the county.
About Blandford Forum
Blandford Forum is a market town in Dorset, England, located in the DT11 postcode area. It lies on the River Stour, approximately 12 miles north of Dorchester. The town has a long history, with evidence of settlement dating back to Roman times. The current layout of Blandford Forum was established after a major fire in 1731, which led to the rebuilding of the town in a regular grid pattern using local stone. This gives the town a distinctive and orderly appearance. The town centre features a mix of historic and modern buildings, including the 18th-century Market Hall and the Church of St Peter and St Paul. Blandford Forum is known for its annual Blandford Festival, which includes a range of cultural events. The town is well connected by road and rail, with Blandford railway station providing regular services to nearby towns and cities.
School Ratings in Blandford Forum
Blandford Forum is served by 16 schools. A further 7 schools hold a Good rating.
House Prices in Blandford Forum
Property prices average £380K across the area, and detached homes are the most common property type, typically selling for £496K.
Crime and Anti-Social Behaviour in Blandford Forum
Local crime rates sit lower than national averages. Anti-social behaviour accounts for the highest share in Blandford Forum, with 18 incidents logged in April 2026.
Deprivation and Employment in Blandford Forum
Based on the 2025 Index of Multiple Deprivation, Blandford Forum 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.
Healthcare in Blandford Forum
There are 2 GP surgeries within three miles of Blandford Forum, the nearest being The Blandford Group Practice (136 yards away).
Local Data for Blandford Forum
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Property Prices 3,941 sales
Schools & Education 12 nearby View all schools
Ofsted ratings for schools in the DT11 postcode area.
Household Income in Blandford Forum ONS 2023
The average total household income in Blandford Forum is approximately £56,217 a year before tax, in line with the national average of £55,302. After tax and benefits, the average disposable (net) household income is around £41,746. These are modelled estimates from the Office for National Statistics for the financial year ending 2023.
Net (after tax) household income averages £41,746.
Businesses in Blandford Forum ONS 2025
There are approximately 1,459 active businesses based in Blandford Forum, around 48 for every 1,000 residents. The local economy is dominated by small firms: about 92% are micro-businesses employing fewer than 10 people, while 18 are larger employers with 50 or more staff. Figures are from the Office for National Statistics UK Business Counts.
Deprivation and Employment in Blandford Forum IMD 2025
The 2025 Index of Multiple Deprivation places Blandford Forum 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 Blandford Forum 75 crimes · April 2026
Reported crime in Blandford Forum 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 town.
Crime figures depend on reporting by individual police forces and may not reflect the full picture in all areas.
Location
Nearby Towns & Villages 12 found
Local Government
Home Ownership in Blandford Forum
Of the 12,560 households in and around Blandford Forum, 68% are owned, 15% are socially rented and 17% 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 Blandford Forum.