Higher Whatcombe, Dorset | Local Guide & Postcodes

About Higher Whatcombe

Higher Whatcombe is a small hamlet located in the county of Dorset, England, within the postcode area DT11. The area is primarily rural, characterised by its agricultural landscape and open fields. It is situated near the town of Blandford Forum, which offers additional amenities and services. The surrounding countryside provides opportunities for outdoor activities such as walking and cycling, making it a suitable spot for those who appreciate nature.

The hamlet itself is composed of a few residential properties, with a focus on a peaceful lifestyle. Higher Whatcombe is well-connected to nearby villages and towns, allowing for easy access to local shops and dining options. The area is also close to various historical sites and attractions in Dorset, providing visitors with a chance to explore the region's heritage and natural beauty.

School Ratings in Higher Whatcombe

Families in Higher Whatcombe have access to 14 local schools. A further 7 schools hold a Good rating.

House Prices in Higher Whatcombe

Homes sell for an average of £380K locally. Most of the housing is made up of detached homes, averaging £496K.

Crime and Anti-Social Behaviour in Higher Whatcombe

Crime in the area is lower than the national average. Anti-social behaviour is the leading concern across Higher Whatcombe, with 19 incidents recorded in May 2026.

Deprivation and Employment in Higher Whatcombe

The 2025 Index of Multiple Deprivation places Higher Whatcombe 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 Higher Whatcombe

There is 1 GP surgery within three miles of Higher Whatcombe, the nearest being Milton Abbas Surgery (1.7 miles away).

Local Data for Higher Whatcombe

Dig deeper into the area around Higher Whatcombe with our free postcode tools.

Food Hygiene Ratings Hygiene scores for cafes, takeaways and shops Nearest GP Surgery Find the GP surgeries closest to a postcode Compare Areas Put two areas head to head House Prices Recent sale prices and trends

Property Prices 3,941 sales

Average Price £380K

£500 , £20.23M

Detached £496K 1,415

Semi £326K 828

Terraced £269K 981

Flat £151K 390

Schools & Education 12 nearby View all schools

8 Primary

1 Secondary

5 Other

Good 7

Requires improvement 2

Ofsted ratings for schools in the DT11 postcode area.

Dunbury Church of England Academy Primary Good 0.6 miles The Luccombe Hub Not applicable Good 1.2 miles Milton Abbey School Not applicable 2.3 miles Milborne St Andrew First School Primary 3.1 miles Blandford St Mary Church of England Primary School Primary Good 3.9 miles Bryanston School Not applicable 4.3 miles The Blandford School Secondary Good 4.4 miles Milldown CofE Academy Primary Good 4.5 miles The Forum Centre Not applicable Good 4.5 miles Durweston Church of England Primary School Primary 4.7 miles Cheselbourne Village School Primary Good 4.7 miles Blandford 4.7 miles

Household Income in Higher Whatcombe ONS 2023

The average total household income in Higher Whatcombe is approximately £56,217 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 £41,746. These are modelled estimates from the Office for National Statistics for the financial year ending 2023.

Higher Whatcombe £56,217

England & Wales avg. £55,302

Net (after tax) household income averages £41,746.

Businesses in Higher Whatcombe ONS 2025

There are approximately 1,459 active businesses based in Higher Whatcombe, around 48 for every 1,000 residents. The local economy is dominated by small firms: about 92% are micro-businesses employing fewer than 10 people, while 18 are larger employers with 50 or more staff. Figures are from the Office for National Statistics UK Business Counts.

1,459 Total businesses

48 Per 1,000 residents

Micro, 0-9 92%

Small, 10-49 7%

Medium, 50-249 1%

Large, 250+ 0%

Deprivation and Employment in Higher Whatcombe IMD 2025

Deprivation levels in Higher Whatcombe 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

2/10

Living Environment

4/10

Children 0-15 17%

Working age 57%

Older 65+ 26%

5,167 Children (0-15) 17%

17,221 Working Age 57%

7,698 Older (65+) 26%

Average Child Poverty (IDACI) 26.3% of children in income-deprived families

Average Older Person Poverty (IDAOPI) 11.1% 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 Higher Whatcombe 68 crimes · May 2026

Low Crime Area

Crime levels in Higher Whatcombe 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 23

Anti-Social Behaviour 19

Other Theft 6

Criminal Damage & Arson 5

Shoplifting 5

Drugs 4

Public Order 3

Vehicle Crime 2

Burglary 1

Local Policing

Dorset North Dorset Rural [email protected] 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 4 stations

Moreton (Dorset) Train Station 8.4 miles

Wool Train Station 9.1 miles

Holton Heath Train Station 9.5 miles

Wareham (Dorset) Train Station 9.8 miles

Location

Nearby Towns & Villages 12 found

Lower Whatcombe 0.6 miles Winterborne Whitechurch 0.6 miles Winterborne Clenston 0.6 miles Milton Abbas 1.9 miles Winterborne Stickland 1.9 miles Winterborne Houghton 2.2 miles Thornicombe 2.8 miles Winterborne Kingston 3.1 miles Milborne St Andrew 3.1 miles Hedge End 3.2 miles Hilton 3.3 miles Winterborne Muston 3.5 miles

Local Government

District Dorset

Ward Puddletown & Lower Winterborne

Constituency North Dorset

Parish Winterborne Whitechurch

Region South West

Home Ownership in Higher Whatcombe

Of the 12,560 households in and around Higher Whatcombe, 68% are owned, 15% are socially rented and 17% are privately rented. Home ownership here is higher than the England and Wales average of 63%.

Owned 68% Social rented 15% Private rented 17%

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

Frequently Asked Questions about Higher Whatcombe

What is the population of Higher Whatcombe?

Higher Whatcombe has a population of approximately 30,087 residents, based on the latest census figures for the surrounding postcode area.

What is the average house price in Higher Whatcombe?

The average property in and around Higher Whatcombe sold for about £380,408, based on HM Land Registry Price Paid records. That is around 9% above the England and Wales average of £349,091.

Is Higher Whatcombe a deprived area?

Higher Whatcombe 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 Higher Whatcombe?

Higher Whatcombe is covered by the DT11 postcode district.

How many schools are there in Higher Whatcombe?

There are 12 schools within easy reach of Higher Whatcombe, spanning primary, secondary and other phases.

Where is the nearest train station to Higher Whatcombe?

The nearest railway station to Higher Whatcombe is Moreton (Dorset) Train Station, about 8.4 miles away.

Streets in DT11 30 shown View all streets

A31 7 A350 9 A354 8 A357 6 Abbey View 1 Albert Place 1 Albert Street 3 Alexandra Street 7 Alfred Street 5 Allen Close 1 Alner Road 1 Anchor Gateway 1 Andrew Close 1 Angus Close 1 Anne Close 1 Anvil Road 1 Aplands Close 1 Apple Acre 1 Arlecks Lane 1 Ashley Wood Road 1 Ashmore Close 1 Athelstan Cottages 1 Athelstan Way 1 Augustan Avenue 2 B3075 1 Back Lane 1 Badbury Drive 1 Badger Sett 1 Bagwood Road 1 Balmer Road 1

Postcodes in DT11 50 shown View all postcodes

DT11 0AA DT11 0AB DT11 0AD DT11 0AE DT11 0AF DT11 0AG DT11 0AH DT11 0AJ DT11 0AL DT11 0AN DT11 0AP DT11 0AQ DT11 0AR DT11 0AS DT11 0AT DT11 0AU DT11 0AW DT11 0AX DT11 0AY DT11 0AZ DT11 0BA DT11 0BB DT11 0BD DT11 0BE DT11 0BH DT11 0BJ DT11 0BL DT11 0BN DT11 0BP DT11 0BQ DT11 0BS DT11 0BT DT11 0BU DT11 0BW DT11 0BX DT11 0BY DT11 0BZ DT11 0DA DT11 0DB DT11 0DD DT11 0DE DT11 0DF DT11 0DG DT11 0DH DT11 0DJ DT11 0DL DT11 0DN DT11 0DP DT11 0DQ DT11 0DR

Higher Whatcombe on the map