Leigh on the map

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

30,087
Population
12,115
Households
6 / 10
Deprivation decile
Around average
11
Schools nearby
£39,410
Avg. household income
1,368
Businesses
1,478
People per km²
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About Leigh

Leigh is a small village located in the county of Dorset, England, within the DT11 postcode area. The village is surrounded by the beautiful countryside, offering various walking paths and opportunities to enjoy nature. The local architecture features traditional stone cottages, which reflect the character of the area.

In Leigh, you will find a parish church that dates back to the 12th century, showcasing historical architecture. The village is also home to a primary school, which serves the local community. Although it is a quiet place, Leigh provides a sense of community with its local events and gatherings, making it a pleasant spot for those looking to experience rural life in Dorset.

School Ratings in Leigh

There are 11 schools in and around Leigh. A further 7 schools hold a Good rating.

House Prices in Leigh

The average property price is £380K, with detached homes making up the majority of the housing stock at around £496K.

Crime and Anti-Social Behaviour in Leigh

Recorded crime levels are lower than the national average. Shoplifting is prevalent across Leigh, with 1 recorded incidents in April 2026.

Deprivation and Employment in Leigh

Leigh 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.

Property Prices 3,941 sales

Average Price £380K
£500 , £20.23M
Detached £496K 1,415
Semi £326K 828
Terraced £269K 981
Flat £151K 390

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 45 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
45 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

Leigh 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
7/10
Employment
7/10
Education
6/10
Health
8/10
Housing
2/10
Living Environment
4/10
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%
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 Leigh 1 crimes · April 2026

Low Crime Area

Leigh records relatively low levels of reported crime compared to national averages. Shoplifting is the most commonly logged offence type, though overall numbers remain modest. The area is generally considered a safe and settled town with a strong sense of community.

Shoplifting 1
Local Policing
Dorset North Dorset Rural 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 2 stations

Chetnole Train Station 9.2 miles
Templecombe Train Station 9.9 miles

Location

Local Government

District Dorset
Ward Puddletown & Lower Winterborne
Constituency North Dorset
Parish Winterborne Whitechurch
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 30,087 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 £380,408, based on HM Land Registry Price Paid records. That is around 9% above the England and Wales average of £349,091.
Is Leigh a deprived area?
Leigh 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 Leigh?
Leigh is covered by the WN7 postcode district.
How many schools are there in Leigh?
There are 11 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 Chetnole Train Station, about 9.2 miles away.