Leigh on the map

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

44,289
Population
16,866
Households
8 / 10
Deprivation decile
Among least deprived
12
Schools nearby
£39,410
Avg. household income
1,368
Businesses
2,176
People per km²
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About Leigh

Leigh is a village located in Dorset, England, within the BH21 postcode area. It is situated near the River Allen, providing a scenic backdrop for the local community. The village is primarily residential, with a mix of traditional and modern homes. There are local amenities available, including a pub and a few shops, catering to the needs of residents and visitors alike.

The surrounding countryside offers opportunities for walking and enjoying the outdoors. Leigh is conveniently located for access to nearby towns, making it a suitable base for exploring the wider Dorset area. The village's location allows for easy travel to attractions such as the historic market town of Wimborne Minster, which is just a short drive away.

School Ratings in Leigh

Families in Leigh have access to 95 local schools. A further 16 schools hold a Good rating.

House Prices in Leigh

Homes sell for an average of £461K locally. Most of the housing is made up of detached homes, averaging £546K.

Crime and Anti-Social Behaviour in Leigh

Crime in the area is lower than the national average. Shoplifting is the leading concern across Leigh, with 1 incidents recorded in April 2026.

Deprivation and Employment in Leigh

The 2025 Index of Multiple Deprivation places Leigh among the least deprived neighbourhoods in England. Working-age employment in the area is well above the national average. Residents in the area generally earn above the national average.

Healthcare in Leigh

There are 4 GP surgeries within three miles of Leigh, the nearest being The Quarter Jack Surgery (0.8 miles away).

Property Prices 6,191 sales

Average Price £461K
£500 , £33.63M
Detached £546K 2,929
Semi £372K 1,271
Terraced £328K 912
Flat £222K 614

Household Income in Leigh ONS 2023

The average total household income in Leigh is approximately £39,410 a year before tax, 29% below the national average of £55,302. After tax and benefits, the average disposable (net) household income is around £31,156. These are modelled estimates from the Office for National Statistics for the financial year ending 2023.

Leigh £39,410
England & Wales avg. £55,302

Net (after tax) household income averages £31,156.

Businesses in Leigh ONS 2025

There are approximately 1,368 active businesses based in Leigh, around 31 for every 1,000 residents. The local economy is dominated by small firms: about 88% are micro-businesses employing fewer than 10 people, while 21 are larger employers with 50 or more staff. Figures are from the Office for National Statistics UK Business Counts.

1,368 Total businesses
31 Per 1,000 residents
Micro, 0-9 88%
Small, 10-49 9%
Medium, 50-249 1%
Large, 250+ 2%

Deprivation and Employment in Leigh IMD 2025

According to the 2025 Index of Multiple Deprivation, Leigh experiences very low levels of deprivation. The local economy supports strong employment and incomes are above the national average. Access to services, education and healthcare in the area is generally good.

Overall Deprivation
8/10
Income
8/10
Employment
8/10
Education
7/10
Health
8/10
Housing
4/10
Living Environment
8/10
Children 0-15 19%
Working age 63%
Older 65+ 18%
9,339 Children (0-15) 19%
31,658 Working Age 63%
8,871 Older (65+) 18%
Above Average Child Poverty (IDACI) 19.3% of children in income-deprived families
Above Average Older Person Poverty (IDAOPI) 8.2% 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 Leigh 1 crimes · April 2026

Low Crime Area

Crime levels in Leigh are lower than the England and Wales average. While shoplifting is the most frequently recorded category, the overall picture is one of a settled and secure town where serious incidents remain uncommon.

Shoplifting 1
Local Policing
Dorset East Dorset Urban 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 6 stations

Parkstone (Dorset) Train Station 5 miles
Branksome Train Station 5.1 miles
Poole Train Station 5.3 miles
Hamworthy Train Station 5.3 miles
Holton Heath Train Station 7.5 miles
Pokesdown Train Station 7.6 miles

Location

Local Government

District Dorset
Ward Wimborne Minster
Constituency Mid Dorset and North Poole
Parish Wimborne Minster
Region South West

Home Ownership in Leigh

Of the 22,196 households in and around Leigh, 60% are owned, 19% are socially rented and 21% are privately rented. Home ownership here is lower than the England and Wales average of 63%.

Owned 60% Social rented 19% Private rented 21%

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

Frequently Asked Questions about Leigh

What is the population of Leigh?
Leigh has a population of approximately 44,289 residents, based on the latest census figures for the surrounding postcode area.
What is the average house price in Leigh?
The average property in and around Leigh sold for about £461,234, based on HM Land Registry Price Paid records. That is around 32% above the England and Wales average of £349,091.
Is Leigh a deprived area?
Leigh sits among the least deprived areas in England, with an Index of Multiple Deprivation decile of 8 out of 10, where 1 is the most deprived and 10 the least deprived.
What postcodes cover Leigh?
Leigh is covered by the WN7 postcode district.
How many schools are there in Leigh?
There are 12 schools within easy reach of Leigh, spanning primary, secondary and other phases.
Where is the nearest train station to Leigh?
The nearest railway station to Leigh is Parkstone (Dorset) Train Station, about 5 miles away.