East Melbury on the map

Location in DorsetEast Melbury sits where the marker shows within the county.

14,889
Population
5,752
Households
6 / 10
Deprivation decile
Around average
12
Schools nearby
£53,977
Avg. household income
795
Businesses
132
People per km²
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About East Melbury

East Melbury is a small village located in the county of Dorset, England. It falls within the SP7 postcode area and is situated near the town of Shaftesbury. The village is primarily residential, offering a quiet atmosphere for its inhabitants. Surrounding the area are fields and woodlands, providing opportunities for walking and enjoying nature.

The village is close to several local amenities in Shaftesbury, where one can find shops, cafés, and services. East Melbury is also conveniently located for exploring the wider Dorset region, including attractions such as the historic town of Dorchester and the scenic coastline. The community is small and close-knit, making it a pleasant place for those seeking a slower pace of life.

School Ratings in East Melbury

There are 14 schools in and around East Melbury. A further 7 schools hold a Good rating.

House Prices in East Melbury

The average property price is £393K, with detached homes making up the majority of the housing stock at around £516K.

Crime and Anti-Social Behaviour in East Melbury

Recorded crime levels are lower than the national average. Anti-social behaviour is prevalent across East Melbury, with 14 recorded incidents in April 2026.

Deprivation and Employment in East Melbury

East Melbury sits around the middle of the national deprivation scale, according to the 2025 Index of Multiple Deprivation. Employment levels are broadly typical for the area, sitting close to the national average. Household incomes are broadly in line with the national average.

Healthcare in East Melbury

There is 1 GP surgery within three miles of East Melbury, the nearest being Hmp Guys Marsh (2.4 miles away).

Property Prices 2,694 sales

Average Price £393K
£371 , £10.05M
Detached £516K 1,004
Semi £301K 596
Terraced £239K 632
Flat £180K 274

Household Income in East Melbury ONS 2023

The average total household income in East Melbury is approximately £53,977 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 £40,984. These are modelled estimates from the Office for National Statistics for the financial year ending 2023.

East Melbury £53,977
England & Wales avg. £55,302

Net (after tax) household income averages £40,984.

Businesses in East Melbury ONS 2025

There are approximately 795 active businesses based in East Melbury, around 53 for every 1,000 residents. The local economy is dominated by small firms: about 91% are micro-businesses employing fewer than 10 people, while 10 are larger employers with 50 or more staff. Figures are from the Office for National Statistics UK Business Counts.

795 Total businesses
53 Per 1,000 residents
Micro, 0-9 91%
Small, 10-49 8%
Medium, 50-249 1%
Large, 250+ 0%

Deprivation and Employment in East Melbury IMD 2025

East Melbury sits around the national average for deprivation according to the 2025 Index of Multiple Deprivation. Employment and income levels are broadly typical, reflecting a mixed local economy. The area offers a balance of residential and commercial activity common to most parts of England.

Overall Deprivation
6/10
Income
7/10
Employment
7/10
Education
6/10
Health
8/10
Housing
3/10
Living Environment
5/10
Children 0-15 17%
Working age 58%
Older 65+ 25%
2,497 Children (0-15) 17%
8,592 Working Age 58%
3,807 Older (65+) 26%
Average Child Poverty (IDACI) 22.6% of children in income-deprived families
Above Average Older Person Poverty (IDAOPI) 8.3% 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 East Melbury 53 crimes · April 2026

Low Crime Area

East Melbury records relatively low levels of reported crime compared to national averages. Violence & sexual offences is the most commonly logged offence type, though overall numbers remain modest. The area is generally considered a safe and settled small town with a strong sense of community.

Violence & Sexual Offences 16
Anti-Social Behaviour 14
Shoplifting 11
Criminal Damage & Arson 5
Vehicle Crime 3
Public Order 2
Burglary 1
Other Theft 1
Local Policing
Dorset North Dorset Rural 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 2 stations

Gillingham (Dorset) Train Station 5.8 miles
Tisbury Train Station 6.5 miles

Location

Local Government

District Dorset
Ward Beacon
Constituency North Dorset
Parish Cann
Region South West

Home Ownership in East Melbury

Of the 6,442 households in and around East Melbury, 69% are owned, 13% are socially rented and 18% are privately rented. Home ownership here is higher than the England and Wales average of 63%.

Owned 69% Social rented 13% Private rented 18%

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

Frequently Asked Questions about East Melbury

What is the population of East Melbury?
East Melbury has a population of approximately 14,889 residents, based on the latest census figures for the surrounding postcode area.
What is the average house price in East Melbury?
The average property in and around East Melbury sold for about £392,551, based on HM Land Registry Price Paid records. That is around 12% above the England and Wales average of £349,091.
Is East Melbury a deprived area?
East Melbury 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 East Melbury?
East Melbury is covered by the SP7 postcode district.
How many schools are there in East Melbury?
There are 12 schools within easy reach of East Melbury, spanning primary, secondary and other phases.
Where is the nearest train station to East Melbury?
The nearest railway station to East Melbury is Gillingham (Dorset) Train Station, about 5.8 miles away.