Melplash on the map

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

23,061
Population
10,168
Households
6 / 10
Deprivation decile
Around average
12
Schools nearby
£46,871
Avg. household income
1,173
Businesses
145
People per km²
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About Melplash

Melplash is a small village located in the county of Dorset, England, within the postcode area DT6. It is situated near the larger town of Bridport, offering a peaceful rural setting. The village is surrounded by beautiful countryside, making it a suitable spot for those who enjoy walking and exploring nature.

The local community is close-knit, with a few amenities available for residents and visitors. Melplash is primarily residential, with a mix of traditional and modern homes. The village is well-connected to nearby towns and attractions, providing easy access to the wider area of Dorset, known for its scenic landscapes and coastal features.

School Ratings in Melplash

Families in Melplash have access to 14 local schools. A further 5 schools hold a Good rating.

House Prices in Melplash

Homes sell for an average of £407K locally. Most of the housing is made up of detached homes, averaging £538K.

Crime and Anti-Social Behaviour in Melplash

Crime in the area is lower than the national average. Anti-social behaviour is the leading concern across Melplash, with 24 incidents recorded in May 2026.

Deprivation and Employment in Melplash

The 2025 Index of Multiple Deprivation places Melplash around the national average for deprivation. Employment rates locally are in line with what is seen across England. Average incomes in the area are typical for England.

Healthcare in Melplash

There are 2 GP surgeries within three miles of Melplash, the nearest being Barton House Med Practice (1.8 miles away).

Property Prices 3,553 sales

Average Price £407K
£300 , £7.6M
Detached £538K 1,345
Semi £343K 542
Terraced £287K 810
Flat £200K 598

Household Income in Melplash ONS 2023

The average total household income in Melplash is approximately £46,871 a year before tax, 15% below the national average of £55,302. After tax and benefits, the average disposable (net) household income is around £36,264. These are modelled estimates from the Office for National Statistics for the financial year ending 2023.

Melplash £46,871
England & Wales avg. £55,302

Net (after tax) household income averages £36,264.

Businesses in Melplash ONS 2025

There are approximately 1,173 active businesses based in Melplash, around 51 for every 1,000 residents. The local economy is dominated by small firms: about 87% are micro-businesses employing fewer than 10 people, while 15 are larger employers with 50 or more staff. Figures are from the Office for National Statistics UK Business Counts.

1,173 Total businesses
51 Per 1,000 residents
Micro, 0-9 87%
Small, 10-49 12%
Medium, 50-249 1%
Large, 250+ 0%

Deprivation and Employment in Melplash IMD 2025

Deprivation levels in Melplash are around the national average based on the 2025 Index of Multiple Deprivation. Employment is accessible for most residents and household incomes reflect the broader national picture. The area maintains a steady balance between affordability and quality of life.

Overall Deprivation
6/10
Income
6/10
Employment
6/10
Education
5/10
Health
7/10
Housing
3/10
Living Environment
4/10
Children 0-15 13%
Working age 52%
Older 65+ 35%
2,998 Children (0-15) 13%
11,928 Working Age 52%
8,135 Older (65+) 35%
Average Child Poverty (IDACI) 32.8% of children in income-deprived families
Average Older Person Poverty (IDAOPI) 12.8% 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 Melplash 84 crimes · May 2026

Low Crime Area

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

Anti-Social Behaviour 24
Violence & Sexual Offences 20
Shoplifting 15
Criminal Damage & Arson 10
Public Order 4
Burglary 3
Vehicle Crime 3
Other Theft 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 2 stations

Crewkerne Train Station 6.5 miles
Maiden Newton Train Station 7 miles

Location

Local Government

District Dorset
Ward Bridport
Constituency West Dorset
Parish Bridport
Region South West

Home Ownership in Melplash

Of the 11,056 households in and around Melplash, 70% are owned, 14% are socially rented and 16% are privately rented. Home ownership here is higher than the England and Wales average of 63%.

Owned 70% Social rented 14% Private rented 16%

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

Frequently Asked Questions about Melplash

What is the population of Melplash?
Melplash has a population of approximately 23,061 residents, based on the latest census figures for the surrounding postcode area.
What is the average house price in Melplash?
The average property in and around Melplash sold for about £407,070, based on HM Land Registry Price Paid records. That is around 17% above the England and Wales average of £349,091.
Is Melplash a deprived area?
Melplash 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 Melplash?
Melplash is covered by the DT6 postcode district.
How many schools are there in Melplash?
There are 12 schools within easy reach of Melplash, spanning primary, secondary and other phases.
Where is the nearest train station to Melplash?
The nearest railway station to Melplash is Crewkerne Train Station, about 6.5 miles away.