Herston on the map

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

10,961
Population
5,275
Households
6 / 10
Deprivation decile
Around average
8
Schools nearby
£46,345
Avg. household income
605
Businesses
148
People per km²
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About Herston

Herston is a small village located in Dorset, England, within the postcode area BH19. It lies just a short distance from the coastal town of Swanage, making it a convenient spot for those looking to explore the nearby beaches and attractions. The village features a selection of residential homes and local amenities, providing a quiet atmosphere for residents and visitors alike.

The surrounding countryside offers opportunities for walking and enjoying the natural landscape. Herston is well-connected to nearby towns, allowing for easy access to shops, restaurants, and other facilities. The village serves as a peaceful retreat while still being close to the attractions of the Jurassic Coast, a UNESCO World Heritage Site known for its geological significance and scenic views.

School Ratings in Herston

There are 8 schools in and around Herston. A further 3 schools hold a Good rating.

House Prices in Herston

The average property price is £436K, with flats making up the majority of the housing stock at around £270K.

Crime and Anti-Social Behaviour in Herston

Recorded crime levels are broadly in line with the national average. Anti-social behaviour is prevalent across Herston, with 11 recorded incidents in May 2026.

Deprivation and Employment in Herston

Herston 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 Herston

There is 1 GP surgery within three miles of Herston, the nearest being Swanage Medical Practice (0.9 miles away).

Property Prices 2,161 sales

Average Price £436K
£1K , £14.47M
Detached £628K 682
Semi £399K 282
Terraced £359K 311
Flat £270K 715

Household Income in Herston ONS 2023

The average total household income in Herston is approximately £46,345 a year before tax, 16% below the national average of £55,302. After tax and benefits, the average disposable (net) household income is around £35,488. These are modelled estimates from the Office for National Statistics for the financial year ending 2023.

Herston £46,345
England & Wales avg. £55,302

Net (after tax) household income averages £35,488.

Businesses in Herston ONS 2025

There are approximately 605 active businesses based in Herston, around 55 for every 1,000 residents. The local economy is dominated by small firms: about 87% are micro-businesses employing fewer than 10 people, while 7 are larger employers with 50 or more staff. Figures are from the Office for National Statistics UK Business Counts.

605 Total businesses
55 Per 1,000 residents
Micro, 0-9 87%
Small, 10-49 13%
Medium, 50-249 1%
Large, 250+ 0%

Deprivation and Employment in Herston IMD 2025

Herston 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
6/10
Employment
5/10
Education
5/10
Health
6/10
Housing
4/10
Living Environment
5/10
Children 0-15 12%
Working age 52%
Older 65+ 36%
1,347 Children (0-15) 12%
5,673 Working Age 52%
3,947 Older (65+) 36%
Average Child Poverty (IDACI) 32.3% of children in income-deprived families
Average Older Person Poverty (IDAOPI) 12.2% 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 Herston 45 crimes · May 2026

Average Crime Area

Reported crime levels in Herston sit broadly in line with national averages for a small town of this size. Violence & sexual offences accounts for the largest share of recorded offences. The profile is typical of a well-populated area with a mix of residential and commercial activity.

Violence & Sexual Offences 17
Anti-Social Behaviour 11
Criminal Damage & Arson 5
Burglary 3
Shoplifting 3
Public Order 2
Drugs 1
Weapons 1
Theft from Person 1
Vehicle Crime 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

Poole Train Station 7.8 miles
Parkstone (Dorset) Train Station 8.2 miles
Wareham (Dorset) Train Station 8.4 miles
Hamworthy Train Station 8.5 miles
Holton Heath Train Station 8.7 miles
Branksome Train Station 8.7 miles

Location

Local Government

District Dorset
Ward Swanage
Constituency South Dorset
Parish Swanage
Region South West

Home Ownership in Herston

Of the 5,203 households in and around Herston, 71% are owned, 12% are socially rented and 17% are privately rented. Home ownership here is higher than the England and Wales average of 63%.

Owned 71% Social rented 12% Private rented 17%

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

Frequently Asked Questions about Herston

What is the population of Herston?
Herston has a population of approximately 10,961 residents, based on the latest census figures for the surrounding postcode area.
What is the average house price in Herston?
The average property in and around Herston sold for about £435,798, based on HM Land Registry Price Paid records. That is around 25% above the England and Wales average of £349,091.
Is Herston a deprived area?
Herston 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 Herston?
Herston is covered by the BH19 postcode district.
How many schools are there in Herston?
There are 8 schools within easy reach of Herston, spanning primary, secondary and other phases.
Where is the nearest train station to Herston?
The nearest railway station to Herston is Poole Train Station, about 7.8 miles away.