Holywell on the map

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

25,889
Population
10,688
Households
6 / 10
Deprivation decile
Around average
4
Schools nearby
£44,095
Avg. household income
725
Businesses
219
People per km²
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About Holywell

Holywell is a small village located in Dorset, England, within the DT2 postcode area. It is situated near the River Frome, offering a pleasant rural setting. The village features a range of traditional stone cottages and local architecture that reflects the character of the region. Holywell is surrounded by fields and countryside, making it a suitable spot for those who enjoy walking and exploring the outdoors.

The village is close to the larger town of Dorchester, which provides additional amenities and services. Holywell is also near various historical sites, including ancient burial mounds and remnants of past settlements. Visitors can appreciate the local landscape and the sense of community that comes with small village life. The area is accessible by road and is a convenient base for exploring the wider attractions of Dorset.

School Ratings in Holywell

Holywell is served by 4 schools. A further 8 schools hold a Good rating.

House Prices in Holywell

Property prices average £426K across the area, and detached homes are the most common property type, typically selling for £515K.

Crime and Anti-Social Behaviour in Holywell

Local crime rates sit lower than national averages. Anti-social behaviour accounts for the highest share in Holywell, with 24 incidents logged in April 2026.

Deprivation and Employment in Holywell

Based on the 2025 Index of Multiple Deprivation, Holywell falls within the mid-range nationally for overall deprivation. Working-age employment is around the national average for the area. Income levels locally sit close to the national average.

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 Holywell ONS 2023

The average total household income in Holywell is approximately £44,095 a year before tax, 20% below the national average of £55,302. After tax and benefits, the average disposable (net) household income is around £34,818. These are modelled estimates from the Office for National Statistics for the financial year ending 2023.

Holywell £44,095
England & Wales avg. £55,302

Net (after tax) household income averages £34,818.

Businesses in Holywell ONS 2025

There are approximately 725 active businesses based in Holywell, around 28 for every 1,000 residents. The local economy is dominated by small firms: about 90% are micro-businesses employing fewer than 10 people, while 8 are larger employers with 50 or more staff. Figures are from the Office for National Statistics UK Business Counts.

725 Total businesses
28 Per 1,000 residents
Micro, 0-9 90%
Small, 10-49 8%
Medium, 50-249 1%
Large, 250+ 1%

Deprivation and Employment in Holywell IMD 2025

The 2025 Index of Multiple Deprivation places Holywell in the mid-range nationally. Employment and income levels are close to the England average, with a mix of opportunities across sectors. Overall living conditions are comparable to similar areas across the country.

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 18%
Working age 60%
Older 65+ 22%
3,864 Children (0-15) 18%
13,234 Working Age 60%
4,978 Older (65+) 23%
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 Holywell 87 crimes · April 2026

Low Crime Area

Reported crime in Holywell falls below the national average, suggesting a comparatively safe environment. Violence & sexual offences tops the list of recorded incidents, but figures are low overall. Residents and visitors alike tend to find this a quiet and reassuring town.

Violence & Sexual Offences 35
Anti-Social Behaviour 24
Criminal Damage & Arson 7
Other Theft 6
Drugs 4
Public Order 4
Shoplifting 2
Vehicle Crime 2
Bicycle Theft 1
Robbery 1
Other 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

Yetminster Train Station 4 miles
Maiden Newton Train Station 4.1 miles
Chetnole Train Station 4.9 miles
Thornford Train Station 6 miles
Yeovil Junction Train Station 6.2 miles
Yeovil Pen Mill Train Station 7.5 miles

Location

Local Government

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

Home Ownership in Holywell

Of the 8,726 households in and around Holywell, 69% are owned, 17% are socially rented and 13% are privately rented. Home ownership here is higher than the England and Wales average of 63%.

Owned 69% Social rented 17% Private rented 13%

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

Frequently Asked Questions about Holywell

What is the population of Holywell?
Holywell 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 Holywell?
The average property in and around Holywell 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 Holywell a deprived area?
Holywell 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 Holywell?
Holywell is covered by the CH8 postcode district.
How many schools are there in Holywell?
There are 4 schools within easy reach of Holywell, spanning primary, secondary and other phases.
Where is the nearest train station to Holywell?
The nearest railway station to Holywell is Yetminster Train Station, about 4 miles away.