Cerne Abbas on the map

Cerne Abbas built-up area

Built-up area0.4 km² (0.2 sq mi)

Location in DorsetCerne Abbas sits where the marker shows within the county.

25,889
Population
10,688
Households
6 / 10
Deprivation decile
Around average
4
Schools nearby
£54,943
Avg. household income
1,556
Businesses
49
People per km²
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About Cerne Abbas

Cerne Abbas is a village in Dorset, England, located in the county of Dorset. It is known for the large hill figure of a naked man, known as the Cerne Abbas Giant, which is carved into the chalk hillside. The village lies in the valley of the River Cerne, and the surrounding landscape is typical of the Dorset countryside, with rolling hills and farmland. The area is part of the South West England region and falls within the DT2 postcode area. The village has a long history, with evidence of human settlement dating back to the Iron Age. The nearby town of Dorchester is approximately 10 miles to the north.

School Ratings in Cerne Abbas

Families in Cerne Abbas have access to 4 local schools. A further 8 schools hold a Good rating.

House Prices in Cerne Abbas

Homes sell for an average of £426K locally. Most of the housing is made up of detached homes, averaging £515K.

Crime and Anti-Social Behaviour in Cerne Abbas

Crime in the area is lower than the national average. Vehicle crime is the leading concern across Cerne Abbas, with 2 incidents recorded in May 2026.

Deprivation and Employment in Cerne Abbas

The 2025 Index of Multiple Deprivation places Cerne Abbas 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.

Healthcare in Cerne Abbas

There is 1 GP surgery within three miles of Cerne Abbas, the nearest being Cerne Abbas Surgery (0.2 miles away).

Property Prices 3,700 sales

Average Price £426K
£1K , £7M
Detached £515K 1,552
Semi £343K 815
Terraced £285K 783
Flat £189K 225

Household Income in Cerne Abbas ONS 2023

The average total household income in Cerne Abbas is approximately £54,943 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 £41,303. These are modelled estimates from the Office for National Statistics for the financial year ending 2023.

Cerne Abbas £54,943
England & Wales avg. £55,302

Net (after tax) household income averages £41,303.

Businesses in Cerne Abbas ONS 2025

There are approximately 1,556 active businesses based in Cerne Abbas, around 60 for every 1,000 residents. The local economy is dominated by small firms: about 92% 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.

1,556 Total businesses
60 Per 1,000 residents
Micro, 0-9 92%
Small, 10-49 7%
Medium, 50-249 1%
Large, 250+ 0%

Deprivation and Employment in Cerne Abbas IMD 2025

Deprivation levels in Cerne Abbas 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
6/10
Health
8/10
Housing
1/10
Living Environment
3/10
Children 0-15 15%
Working age 56%
Older 65+ 29%
3,904 Children (0-15) 15%
14,375 Working Age 56%
7,609 Older (65+) 29%
Average Child Poverty (IDACI) 24.6% of children in income-deprived families
Above Average Older Person Poverty (IDAOPI) 8.7% 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 Cerne Abbas 12 crimes · May 2026

Low Crime Area

Crime levels in Cerne Abbas 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 7
Vehicle Crime 2
Criminal Damage & Arson 1
Other Theft 1
Public Order 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

Maiden Newton Train Station 4.7 miles
Chetnole Train Station 6.2 miles
Dorchester West Train Station 7.1 miles
Yetminster Train Station 7.2 miles
Dorchester South Train Station 7.3 miles
Thornford Train Station 8.3 miles

Location

Local Government

District Dorset
Ward Eggardon
Constituency West Dorset
Parish Maiden Newton
Region South West

Home Ownership in Cerne Abbas

Of the 11,333 households in and around Cerne Abbas, 73% are owned, 10% are socially rented and 17% are privately rented. Home ownership here is higher than the England and Wales average of 63%.

Owned 73% Social rented 10% Private rented 17%

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

Frequently Asked Questions about Cerne Abbas

What is the population of Cerne Abbas?
Cerne Abbas has a population of approximately 25,889 residents, based on the latest census figures for the surrounding postcode area.
What is the average house price in Cerne Abbas?
The average property in and around Cerne Abbas sold for about £425,522, based on HM Land Registry Price Paid records. That is around 22% above the England and Wales average of £349,091.
Is Cerne Abbas a deprived area?
Cerne Abbas 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 Cerne Abbas?
Cerne Abbas is covered by the DT2 postcode district.
How many schools are there in Cerne Abbas?
There are 4 schools within easy reach of Cerne Abbas, spanning primary, secondary and other phases.
Where is the nearest train station to Cerne Abbas?
The nearest railway station to Cerne Abbas is Maiden Newton Train Station, about 4.7 miles away.