Leigh on the map

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

23,160
Population
9,121
Households
6 / 10
Deprivation decile
Around average
8
Schools nearby
£39,410
Avg. household income
1,368
Businesses
1,138
People per km²
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About Leigh

Leigh is a small village located in Dorset, England, within the DT9 postcode area. It is situated approximately three miles east of the larger town of Sherborne. The village features a mix of traditional stone buildings and more modern homes, creating a varied architectural landscape. The surrounding countryside offers opportunities for walking and enjoying the natural scenery typical of this part of England.

The village is served by a local pub, which provides a place for residents and visitors to gather. Leigh is also close to several notable attractions, including the historic Sherborne Abbey and the beautiful gardens at Sherborne Castle. The community is characterised by a friendly atmosphere, making it a pleasant place for those looking to experience rural life in Dorset.

School Ratings in Leigh

Leigh is served by 8 schools. A further 5 schools hold a Good rating.

House Prices in Leigh

Property prices average £404K across the area, and detached homes are the most common property type, typically selling for £519K.

Crime and Anti-Social Behaviour in Leigh

Local crime rates sit lower than national averages. Shoplifting accounts for the highest share in Leigh, with 1 incidents logged in April 2026.

Deprivation and Employment in Leigh

Based on the 2025 Index of Multiple Deprivation, Leigh 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.

Healthcare in Leigh

There is 1 GP surgery within three miles of Leigh, the nearest being Yetminster Health Centre (1.8 miles away).

Property Prices 3,422 sales

Average Price £404K
£750 , £19.58M
Detached £519K 1,211
Semi £311K 776
Terraced £285K 931
Flat £177K 284

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 59 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
59 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

The 2025 Index of Multiple Deprivation places Leigh 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
7/10
Health
8/10
Housing
3/10
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) 25.8% of children in income-deprived families
Above Average Older Person Poverty (IDAOPI) 9.8% 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

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

Shoplifting 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 1.9 miles
Chetnole Train Station 2.2 miles
Thornford Train Station 3.4 miles
Yeovil Junction Train Station 4.4 miles
Sherborne Train Station 5 miles
Yeovil Pen Mill Train Station 5.6 miles

Location

Local Government

District Dorset
County Somerset
Ward Sherborne East
Constituency West Dorset
Parish Sherborne
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 23,160 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 £403,959, based on HM Land Registry Price Paid records. That is around 16% 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 8 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 Yetminster Train Station, about 1.9 miles away.