New Town on the map

Location in DorsetNew Town sits where the marker shows within the county.

15,134
Population
6,311
Households
7 / 10
Deprivation decile
Around average
12
Schools nearby
£51,083
Avg. household income
688
Businesses
173
People per km²
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About New Town

New Town is a small area located in Dorset, England, within the postcode area SP8. It is part of the larger town of Gillingham and offers a mix of residential and local amenities. The area is primarily characterised by its modern housing developments and community facilities, making it suitable for families and individuals alike.

In terms of transport, New Town is conveniently situated near the A303, providing easy access to other parts of Dorset and beyond. The local railway station in Gillingham offers services to London and other destinations, enhancing connectivity for commuters. The surrounding countryside offers opportunities for outdoor activities, with various walking paths and green spaces available for residents and visitors to enjoy.

School Ratings in New Town

New Town is served by 19 schools. A further 2 schools hold a Good rating.

House Prices in New Town

Property prices average £337K across the area, and detached homes are the most common property type, typically selling for £415K.

Crime and Anti-Social Behaviour in New Town

Local crime rates sit lower than national averages. Anti-social behaviour accounts for the highest share in New Town, with 7 incidents logged in April 2026.

Deprivation and Employment in New Town

Based on the 2025 Index of Multiple Deprivation, New Town 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.

Property Prices 2,577 sales

Average Price £337K
£1K , £20.02M
Detached £415K 979
Semi £265K 606
Terraced £220K 562
Flat £133K 274

Household Income in New Town ONS 2023

The average total household income in New Town is approximately £51,083 a year before tax, 8% below the national average of £55,302. After tax and benefits, the average disposable (net) household income is around £39,130. These are modelled estimates from the Office for National Statistics for the financial year ending 2023.

New Town £51,083
England & Wales avg. £55,302

Net (after tax) household income averages £39,130.

Businesses in New Town ONS 2025

There are approximately 688 active businesses based in New Town, around 45 for every 1,000 residents. The local economy is dominated by small firms: about 93% are micro-businesses employing fewer than 10 people, while 9 are larger employers with 50 or more staff. Figures are from the Office for National Statistics UK Business Counts.

688 Total businesses
45 Per 1,000 residents
Micro, 0-9 93%
Small, 10-49 6%
Medium, 50-249 1%
Large, 250+ 0%

Deprivation and Employment in New Town IMD 2025

The 2025 Index of Multiple Deprivation places New Town 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
7/10
Income
7/10
Employment
7/10
Education
6/10
Health
8/10
Housing
4/10
Living Environment
7/10
Children 0-15 16%
Working age 56%
Older 65+ 28%
2,380 Children (0-15) 16%
8,431 Working Age 56%
4,335 Older (65+) 29%
Average Child Poverty (IDACI) 24.3% of children in income-deprived families
Average Older Person Poverty (IDAOPI) 9.9% 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 New Town 36 crimes · April 2026

Low Crime Area

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

Violence & Sexual Offences 14
Anti-Social Behaviour 7
Criminal Damage & Arson 4
Burglary 3
Vehicle Crime 3
Drugs 1
Other Theft 1
Public Order 1
Shoplifting 1
Other Crime 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 4 stations

Templecombe Train Station 3.5 miles
Gillingham (Dorset) Train Station 3.5 miles
Sherborne Train Station 8.7 miles
Bruton Train Station 9.1 miles

Location

Local Government

District Dorset
Ward Gillingham
Constituency North Dorset
Parish Gillingham
Region South West

Home Ownership in New Town

Of the 6,797 households in and around New Town, 74% 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 74% Social rented 10% Private rented 17%

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

Frequently Asked Questions about New Town

What is the population of New Town?
New Town has a population of approximately 15,134 residents, based on the latest census figures for the surrounding postcode area.
What is the average house price in New Town?
The average property in and around New Town sold for about £336,703, based on HM Land Registry Price Paid records. That is around 4% below the England and Wales average of £349,091.
Is New Town a deprived area?
New Town sits around the national average for deprivation, with an Index of Multiple Deprivation decile of 7 out of 10, where 1 is the most deprived and 10 the least deprived.
What postcodes cover New Town?
New Town is covered by the SP8 postcode district.
How many schools are there in New Town?
There are 12 schools within easy reach of New Town, spanning primary, secondary and other phases.
Where is the nearest train station to New Town?
The nearest railway station to New Town is Templecombe Train Station, about 3.5 miles away.