Boscombe on the map

Location in DorsetBoscombe sits where the marker shows within the county.

10,149
Population
5,457
Households
4 / 10
Deprivation decile
Around average
12
Schools nearby
£44,278
Avg. household income
413
Businesses
6,383
People per km²
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About Boscombe

Boscombe is a seaside area within the town of Bournemouth, located in Dorset, England. It lies just to the west of Bournemouth town centre and is known for its long sandy beach and promenade. The area has a mix of residential properties and holiday accommodation, with a range of cafes, restaurants, and shops along the seafront. Boscombe Pier, though no longer operational, remains a notable landmark. The beach is popular with visitors and locals alike, particularly during the summer months. The postcode area for Boscombe is BH5, which covers the surrounding neighbourhoods. The area has a relaxed atmosphere and is well-served by public transport, including regular bus services and a nearby railway station.

School Ratings in Boscombe

Boscombe is served by 96 schools. A further 2 schools hold a Good rating.

House Prices in Boscombe

Property prices average £306K across the area, and flats are the most common property type, typically selling for £238K.

Crime and Anti-Social Behaviour in Boscombe

Local crime rates sit higher than national averages. Anti-social behaviour accounts for the highest share in Boscombe, with 207 incidents logged in April 2026.

Deprivation and Employment in Boscombe

Based on the 2025 Index of Multiple Deprivation, Boscombe 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 Boscombe

There are 25 GP surgeries within three miles of Boscombe, the nearest being Shelley Manor Holdenhurst Medical Centre (0.2 miles away).

Property Prices 2,208 sales

Average Price £306K
£1K , £10M
Detached £628K 236
Semi £357K 100
Terraced £365K 60
Flat £238K 1,679

Household Income in Boscombe ONS 2023

The average total household income in Boscombe is approximately £44,278 a year before tax, 20% below the national average of £55,302. After tax and benefits, the average disposable (net) household income is around £34,027. These are modelled estimates from the Office for National Statistics for the financial year ending 2023.

Boscombe £44,278
England & Wales avg. £55,302

Net (after tax) household income averages £34,027.

Businesses in Boscombe ONS 2025

There are approximately 413 active businesses based in Boscombe, around 41 for every 1,000 residents. The local economy is dominated by small firms: about 92% 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.

413 Total businesses
41 Per 1,000 residents
Micro, 0-9 92%
Small, 10-49 7%
Medium, 50-249 1%
Large, 250+ 0%

Deprivation and Employment in Boscombe IMD 2025

The 2025 Index of Multiple Deprivation places Boscombe 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.

Overall Deprivation
4/10
Income
4/10
Employment
4/10
Education
5/10
Health
4/10
Housing
5/10
Living Environment
4/10
Children 0-15 15%
Working age 68%
Older 65+ 17%
1,513 Children (0-15) 15%
6,854 Working Age 68%
1,783 Older (65+) 18%
Average Child Poverty (IDACI) 37.7% of children in income-deprived families
Average Older Person Poverty (IDAOPI) 30.5% 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 Boscombe 761 crimes · April 2026

High Crime Area

Reported crime in Boscombe is above the national average when measured per capita. Anti-social behaviour dominates the figures, a trend mirrored in many urban centres. Local policing teams work actively in the area, and community initiatives continue to address key concerns.

Anti-Social Behaviour 207
Violence & Sexual Offences 200
Criminal Damage & Arson 72
Vehicle Crime 61
Other Theft 45
Shoplifting 44
Public Order 35
Drugs 28
Burglary 25
Bicycle Theft 16
Robbery 13
Weapons 8
Theft from Person 4
Other Crime 3
Local Policing
Dorset Bournemouth East - West Visit force website →
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

Pokesdown Train Station 0.8 miles
Christchurch Train Station 2.6 miles
Branksome Train Station 3.6 miles
Parkstone (Dorset) Train Station 4.8 miles
Hinton Admiral Train Station 5.8 miles
Poole Train Station 6.3 miles

Location

Local Government

District Bournemouth, Christchurch and Poole
Ward Boscombe West
Constituency Bournemouth East
Parish Bournemouth, Christchurch and Poole, unparished area
Region South West

Home Ownership in Boscombe

Of the 4,925 households in and around Boscombe, 47% are owned, 6% are socially rented and 48% are privately rented. Home ownership here is lower than the England and Wales average of 63%.

Owned 47% Social rented 6% Private rented 48%

Tenure from the 2021 Census (ONS), for the postcode districts covering Boscombe.

Frequently Asked Questions about Boscombe

What is the population of Boscombe?
Boscombe has a population of approximately 10,149 residents, based on the latest census figures for the surrounding postcode area.
What is the average house price in Boscombe?
The average property in and around Boscombe sold for about £306,413, based on HM Land Registry Price Paid records. That is around 12% below the England and Wales average of £349,091.
Is Boscombe a deprived area?
Boscombe sits around the national average for deprivation, with an Index of Multiple Deprivation decile of 4 out of 10, where 1 is the most deprived and 10 the least deprived.
What postcodes cover Boscombe?
Boscombe is covered by the BH5 postcode district.
How many schools are there in Boscombe?
There are 12 schools within easy reach of Boscombe, spanning primary, secondary and other phases.
Where is the nearest train station to Boscombe?
The nearest railway station to Boscombe is Pokesdown Train Station, about 0.8 miles away.