Preston on the map
Location in DorsetPreston sits where the marker shows within the county.
About Preston
Preston is a village located in Dorset, England, within the DT3 postcode area. It is situated close to the coast, making it a convenient spot for those wishing to explore the nearby beaches. The village offers a range of local amenities, including shops and eateries, catering to both residents and visitors.
The surrounding countryside provides opportunities for walking and enjoying the natural landscape. Preston is also near the larger town of Weymouth, which offers additional facilities and attractions. The area is well-connected by road, making it accessible for day trips and excursions to other parts of Dorset.
School Ratings in Preston
Preston is served by 38 schools. Westfield Arts College is rated Outstanding by Ofsted. A further 6 schools hold a Good rating.
House Prices in Preston
Property prices average £244K across the area, and semi-detached homes are the most common property type, typically selling for £190K.
Crime and Anti-Social Behaviour in Preston
Local crime rates sit broadly in line with national averages. Anti-social behaviour accounts for the highest share in Preston, with 237 incidents logged in April 2026.
Deprivation and Employment in Preston
Based on the 2025 Index of Multiple Deprivation, Preston 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.
Healthcare in Preston
There are 2 GP surgeries within three miles of Preston, the nearest being West Cluster Iagps (2.5 miles away).
Local Data for Preston
Dig deeper into the area around Preston with our free postcode tools.
Property Prices 46,814 sales
Schools & Education 12 nearby View all schools
Ofsted ratings for schools in the DT3 postcode area.
Household Income in Preston ONS 2023
The average total household income in Preston is approximately £48,170 a year before tax, 13% below the national average of £55,302. After tax and benefits, the average disposable (net) household income is around £35,745. These are modelled estimates from the Office for National Statistics for the financial year ending 2023.
Net (after tax) household income averages £35,745.
Businesses in Preston ONS 2025
There are approximately 12,167 active businesses based in Preston, around 41 for every 1,000 residents. The local economy is dominated by small firms: about 89% are micro-businesses employing fewer than 10 people, while 237 are larger employers with 50 or more staff. Figures are from the Office for National Statistics UK Business Counts.
Deprivation and Employment in Preston IMD 2025
The 2025 Index of Multiple Deprivation places Preston 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.
Crime in Preston 1,634 crimes · April 2026
Preston experiences crime rates that are roughly comparable to the national picture. Violence & sexual offences is the most reported category, consistent with broader patterns across similar communities. Day-to-day life here reflects the usual mix of challenges found in any established city.
Crime figures depend on reporting by individual police forces and may not reflect the full picture in all areas.
Nearest Train Stations 6 stations
Location
Nearby Towns & Villages 12 found
Local Government
Home Ownership in Preston
Of the 125,852 households in and around Preston, 69% are owned, 13% are socially rented and 18% 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 Preston.