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 £305K across the area, and flats are the most common property type, typically selling for £241K.

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 148 incidents logged in January 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.

Broadband and Mobile Internet in Boscombe

Superfast broadband reaches parts of Boscombe, though coverage is not uniform. 4G mobile signal is available in most areas, with 5G access more limited. For the latest speed predictions, visit Ofcom's broadband checker.

Property Prices 2,430 sales

Average Price £305K
£1K £10M
Detached £611K 238
Semi £348K 120
Terraced £378K 53
Flat £241K 1,878

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
3,345 Children (0-15) 16%
14,271 Working Age 70%
4,050 Older (60+) 20%
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 687 crimes · January 2026

High Crime Area

Reported crime in Boscombe is above the national average when measured per capita. Violence & sexual offences 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.

224 Violence & Sexual Offences
148 Anti-Social Behaviour
65 Shoplifting
53 Vehicle Crime
42 Criminal Damage & Arson
42 Other Theft
34 Burglary
28 Public Order
18 Drugs
7 Bicycle Theft
7 Robbery
7 Theft from Person
7 Other Crime
5 Weapons
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

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