Portesham on the map
Built-up area0.3 km² (0.1 sq mi)
Location in DorsetPortesham sits where the marker shows within the county.
About Portesham
Portesham is a village located in the county of Dorset, England, within the DT3 postcode area. It is situated approximately three miles from the coastal town of Weymouth and offers a glimpse into rural life in the English countryside. The village features a mix of traditional stone and brick buildings, reflecting its agricultural heritage. The nearby countryside provides opportunities for walking and enjoying the natural landscape.
The village is home to several local amenities, including a pub and a few shops, which cater to the needs of residents and visitors alike. Portesham is also close to notable attractions such as the historic Abbotsbury Swannery and the scenic Chesil Beach, making it a convenient base for exploring the surrounding area. The community is small and welcoming, offering a peaceful atmosphere away from the more tourist-heavy locations in Dorset.
School Ratings in Portesham
Families in Portesham have access to 10 local schools. Westfield Arts College is rated Outstanding by Ofsted. A further 6 schools hold a Good rating.
House Prices in Portesham
Homes sell for an average of £364K locally. Most of the housing is made up of detached homes, averaging £451K.
Crime and Anti-Social Behaviour in Portesham
Crime in the area is broadly in line with the national average. Anti-social behaviour is the leading concern across Portesham, with 35 incidents recorded in May 2026.
Deprivation and Employment in Portesham
The 2025 Index of Multiple Deprivation places Portesham 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.
Local Data for Portesham
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Property Prices 3,854 sales
Schools & Education 10 nearby View all schools
Ofsted ratings for schools in the DT3 postcode area.
Household Income in Portesham ONS 2023
The average total household income in Portesham is approximately £51,118 a year before tax, 8% below the national average of £55,302. After tax and benefits, the average disposable (net) household income is around £37,745. These are modelled estimates from the Office for National Statistics for the financial year ending 2023.
Net (after tax) household income averages £37,745.
Businesses in Portesham ONS 2025
There are approximately 777 active businesses based in Portesham, around 33 for every 1,000 residents. The local economy is dominated by small firms: about 91% are micro-businesses employing fewer than 10 people, while 7 are larger employers with 50 or more staff. Figures are from the Office for National Statistics UK Business Counts.
Deprivation and Employment in Portesham IMD 2025
Deprivation levels in Portesham 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.
Crime in Portesham 137 crimes · May 2026
Crime in Portesham is around the national average, with violence & sexual offences representing the most common offence type. These figures are characteristic of a town with an active centre and diverse population, and are neither unusually high nor particularly low.
Crime figures depend on reporting by individual police forces and may not reflect the full picture in all areas.
Nearest Train Stations 5 stations
Location
Nearby Towns & Villages 12 found
Local Government
Home Ownership in Portesham
Of the 10,511 households in and around Portesham, 74% are owned, 12% are socially rented and 14% are privately rented. Home ownership here is higher than the England and Wales average of 63%.
Tenure from the 2021 Census (ONS), for the postcode districts covering Portesham.