Folly on the map

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

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

Folly is a small settlement located in the county of Dorset, England, within the DT2 postcode area. This area is characterised by its rural landscape, offering a peaceful environment for residents and visitors alike. The surrounding countryside features fields and woodlands, making it suitable for leisurely walks and enjoying nature.

The village is not far from larger towns, providing access to local amenities and services. Folly's location allows for easy exploration of the Dorset region, including nearby attractions such as historical sites and coastal areas. This makes it a convenient base for those looking to experience the beauty of Dorset while enjoying a quieter lifestyle.

School Ratings in Folly

Families in Folly have access to 6 local schools. A further 8 schools hold a Good rating.

House Prices in Folly

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 Folly

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

Deprivation and Employment in Folly

The 2025 Index of Multiple Deprivation places Folly 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.

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 Folly ONS 2023

The average total household income in Folly 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.

Folly £54,943
England & Wales avg. £55,302

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

Businesses in Folly ONS 2025

There are approximately 1,556 active businesses based in Folly, 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 Folly IMD 2025

Deprivation levels in Folly 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 Folly 12 crimes · May 2026

Low Crime Area

Crime levels in Folly 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

Chetnole Train Station 7.1 miles
Dorchester West Train Station 8.6 miles
Maiden Newton Train Station 8.6 miles
Dorchester South Train Station 8.6 miles
Yetminster Train Station 9.2 miles
Thornford Train Station 9.4 miles

Location

Local Government

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

Home Ownership in Folly

Of the 11,333 households in and around Folly, 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 Folly.

Frequently Asked Questions about Folly

What is the population of Folly?
Folly 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 Folly?
The average property in and around Folly 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 Folly a deprived area?
Folly 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 Folly?
Folly is covered by the DT2 postcode district.
How many schools are there in Folly?
There are 6 schools within easy reach of Folly, spanning primary, secondary and other phases.
Where is the nearest train station to Folly?
The nearest railway station to Folly is Chetnole Train Station, about 7.1 miles away.