Melbury Sampford on the map

Location in DorsetMelbury Sampford sits where the marker shows within the county.

25,889
Population
10,688
Households
6 / 10
Deprivation decile
Around average
7
Schools nearby
£54,943
Avg. household income
1,556
Businesses
49
People per km²
Create a free area profile for Melbury SampfordDownload or embed an infographic of these statistics

About Melbury Sampford

Melbury Sampford is a small village located in Dorset, England, within the postcode area DT2. The village is surrounded by the beautiful countryside typical of the region, offering a peaceful environment for residents and visitors alike. The local architecture features traditional stone buildings, reflecting the area’s rural character.

The village is situated near the River Cerne, which adds to its natural appeal. Melbury Sampford is also close to several walking trails, making it an excellent spot for those who enjoy outdoor activities. The nearby town of Dorchester provides additional amenities and services, ensuring that essential needs are easily met while still allowing for a quiet village lifestyle.

School Ratings in Melbury Sampford

There are 7 schools in and around Melbury Sampford. A further 8 schools hold a Good rating.

House Prices in Melbury Sampford

The average property price is £426K, with detached homes making up the majority of the housing stock at around £515K.

Crime and Anti-Social Behaviour in Melbury Sampford

Recorded crime levels are lower than the national average. Vehicle crime is prevalent across Melbury Sampford, with 2 recorded incidents in May 2026.

Deprivation and Employment in Melbury Sampford

Melbury Sampford 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.

Healthcare in Melbury Sampford

There is 1 GP surgery within three miles of Melbury Sampford, the nearest being Yetminster Health Centre (2.9 miles away).

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 Melbury Sampford ONS 2023

The average total household income in Melbury Sampford is approximately £54,943 a year before tax, in line with the national average of £55,302. After tax and benefits, the average disposable (net) household income is around £41,303. These are modelled estimates from the Office for National Statistics for the financial year ending 2023.

Melbury Sampford £54,943
England & Wales avg. £55,302

Net (after tax) household income averages £41,303.

Businesses in Melbury Sampford ONS 2025

There are approximately 1,556 active businesses based in Melbury Sampford, around 60 for every 1,000 residents. The local economy is dominated by small firms: about 92% are micro-businesses employing fewer than 10 people, while 16 are larger employers with 50 or more staff. Figures are from the Office for National Statistics UK Business Counts.

1,556 Total businesses
60 Per 1,000 residents
Micro, 0-9 92%
Small, 10-49 7%
Medium, 50-249 1%
Large, 250+ 0%

Deprivation and Employment in Melbury Sampford IMD 2025

Melbury Sampford 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
1/10
Living Environment
3/10
Children 0-15 15%
Working age 56%
Older 65+ 29%
3,904 Children (0-15) 15%
14,375 Working Age 56%
7,609 Older (65+) 29%
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 Melbury Sampford 12 crimes · May 2026

Low Crime Area

Melbury Sampford records relatively low levels of reported crime compared to national averages. Violence & sexual offences 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.

Violence & Sexual Offences 7
Vehicle Crime 2
Criminal Damage & Arson 1
Other Theft 1
Public Order 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 3 miles
Yeovil Junction Train Station 4.7 miles
Chetnole Train Station 4.9 miles
Thornford Train Station 5.3 miles
Maiden Newton Train Station 5.5 miles
Yeovil Pen Mill Train Station 6.1 miles

Location

Local Government

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

Home Ownership in Melbury Sampford

Of the 11,333 households in and around Melbury Sampford, 73% are owned, 10% are socially rented and 17% are privately rented. Home ownership here is higher than the England and Wales average of 63%.

Owned 73% Social rented 10% Private rented 17%

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

Frequently Asked Questions about Melbury Sampford

What is the population of Melbury Sampford?
Melbury Sampford 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 Melbury Sampford?
The average property in and around Melbury Sampford 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 Melbury Sampford a deprived area?
Melbury Sampford 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 Melbury Sampford?
Melbury Sampford is covered by the DT2 postcode district.
How many schools are there in Melbury Sampford?
There are 7 schools within easy reach of Melbury Sampford, spanning primary, secondary and other phases.
Where is the nearest train station to Melbury Sampford?
The nearest railway station to Melbury Sampford is Yetminster Train Station, about 3 miles away.