Highwood on the map

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

20,657
Population
8,566
Households
6 / 10
Deprivation decile
Around average
9
Schools nearby
£51,344
Avg. household income
1,238
Businesses
87
People per km²
Create a free area profile for HighwoodDownload or embed an infographic of these statistics

About Highwood

Highwood is a small village located in Dorset, England, within the BH20 postcode area. It is surrounded by the natural beauty of the Dorset countryside, providing a peaceful atmosphere for residents and visitors alike. The village features a mix of traditional and modern architecture, with several local amenities available for everyday needs.

The area is well-connected, making it easy to access nearby towns and attractions. Outdoor enthusiasts will find plenty of opportunities for walking and exploring the surrounding landscape. Highwood is also conveniently situated for those wishing to visit the larger towns of Wareham and Dorchester, both of which offer a range of shops, restaurants, and cultural activities.

School Ratings in Highwood

Families in Highwood have access to 9 local schools. A further 6 schools hold a Good rating.

House Prices in Highwood

Homes sell for an average of £408K locally. Most of the housing is made up of detached homes, averaging £517K.

Crime and Anti-Social Behaviour in Highwood

Crime in the area is lower than the national average. Anti-social behaviour is the leading concern across Highwood, with 9 incidents recorded in April 2026.

Deprivation and Employment in Highwood

The 2025 Index of Multiple Deprivation places Highwood 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 Highwood

There are 2 GP surgeries within three miles of Highwood, the nearest being The Wellbridge Practice (1.6 miles away).

Property Prices 2,347 sales

Average Price £408K
£1K , £8.2M
Detached £517K 897
Semi £340K 488
Terraced £306K 531
Flat £204K 248

Household Income in Highwood ONS 2023

The average total household income in Highwood is approximately £51,344 a year before tax, 7% below the national average of £55,302. After tax and benefits, the average disposable (net) household income is around £38,390. These are modelled estimates from the Office for National Statistics for the financial year ending 2023.

Highwood £51,344
England & Wales avg. £55,302

Net (after tax) household income averages £38,390.

Businesses in Highwood ONS 2025

There are approximately 1,238 active businesses based in Highwood, around 60 for every 1,000 residents. The local economy is dominated by small firms: about 89% are micro-businesses employing fewer than 10 people, while 17 are larger employers with 50 or more staff. Figures are from the Office for National Statistics UK Business Counts.

1,238 Total businesses
60 Per 1,000 residents
Micro, 0-9 89%
Small, 10-49 11%
Medium, 50-249 1%
Large, 250+ 0%

Deprivation and Employment in Highwood IMD 2025

Deprivation levels in Highwood 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
6/10
Employment
6/10
Education
5/10
Health
7/10
Housing
3/10
Living Environment
5/10
Children 0-15 16%
Working age 57%
Older 65+ 27%
3,262 Children (0-15) 16%
11,685 Working Age 57%
5,707 Older (65+) 28%
Average Child Poverty (IDACI) 29% of children in income-deprived families
Average Older Person Poverty (IDAOPI) 12.3% 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 Highwood 29 crimes · April 2026

Low Crime Area

Crime levels in Highwood 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 10
Anti-Social Behaviour 9
Shoplifting 6
Other Theft 2
Burglary 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

Wool Train Station 1.5 miles
Wareham (Dorset) Train Station 3.8 miles
Moreton (Dorset) Train Station 5.8 miles
Holton Heath Train Station 5.8 miles
Hamworthy Train Station 8.6 miles
Poole Train Station 9.8 miles

Location

Local Government

District Dorset
Ward Wareham
Constituency Mid Dorset and North Poole
Parish Wareham Town
Region South West

Home Ownership in Highwood

Of the 8,886 households in and around Highwood, 65% are owned, 16% are socially rented and 19% are privately rented. Home ownership here is in line with the England and Wales average of 63%.

Owned 65% Social rented 16% Private rented 19%

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

Frequently Asked Questions about Highwood

What is the population of Highwood?
Highwood has a population of approximately 20,657 residents, based on the latest census figures for the surrounding postcode area.
What is the average house price in Highwood?
The average property in and around Highwood sold for about £407,897, based on HM Land Registry Price Paid records. That is around 17% above the England and Wales average of £349,091.
Is Highwood a deprived area?
Highwood 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 Highwood?
Highwood is covered by the BH20 postcode district.
How many schools are there in Highwood?
There are 9 schools within easy reach of Highwood, spanning primary, secondary and other phases.
Where is the nearest train station to Highwood?
The nearest railway station to Highwood is Wool Train Station, about 1.5 miles away.