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 £366K 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 20 incidents recorded in January 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.

Broadband and Mobile Internet in Portesham

Portesham benefits from solid broadband infrastructure, including superfast and ultrafast services. Mobile reception across 4G and 5G is dependable in most locations. For the latest speed predictions, visit Ofcom's broadband checker.

Property Prices 3,792 sales

Average Price £366K
£1K £30.85M
Detached £451K 1,530
Semi £303K 827
Terraced £256K 917
Flat £202K 389

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.

Overall Deprivation
6/10
Income
6/10
Employment
6/10
Education
5/10
Health
6/10
Housing
4/10
Living Environment
7/10
5,033 Children (0-15) 14%
19,809 Working Age 57%
13,360 Older (60+) 38%
Average Child Poverty (IDACI) 31.4% of children in income-deprived families
Average Older Person Poverty (IDAOPI) 12.5% 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 Portesham 116 crimes · January 2026

Average Crime Area

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.

47 Violence & Sexual Offences
20 Anti-Social Behaviour
13 Public Order
12 Shoplifting
5 Other Theft
4 Burglary
4 Criminal Damage & Arson
4 Vehicle Crime
2 Weapons
2 Other Crime
1 Drugs
1 Robbery
1 Theft from Person
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 5 stations

Upwey Train Station 4.3 miles
Dorchester West Train Station 5.7 miles
Weymouth Train Station 5.9 miles
Dorchester South Train Station 6 miles
Maiden Newton Train Station 7.7 miles

Location

Local Government

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