Ridge on the map

Ridge built-up area

Built-up area0.2 km² (0.1 sq mi)

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

20,657
Population
8,566
Households
6 / 10
Deprivation decile
Around average
12
Schools nearby
£51,344
Avg. household income
1,238
Businesses
87
People per km²
Create a free area profile for RidgeDownload or embed an infographic of these statistics

About Ridge

Ridge is a small village located in Dorset, England, within the BH20 postcode area. The village is primarily residential, offering a peaceful environment for its inhabitants. It is surrounded by the natural beauty of the Dorset countryside, making it a suitable location for those who appreciate rural living.

The village is conveniently situated near larger towns, providing access to various amenities and services. Ridge is well-connected by local roads, facilitating travel to nearby attractions and areas of interest. The community is characterised by a mix of traditional and modern homes, reflecting the village's development over the years. Visitors can enjoy the scenic landscapes that Dorset is known for, as well as the opportunity to explore the surrounding countryside on foot or by bike.

School Ratings in Ridge

Families in Ridge have access to 17 local schools. A further 6 schools hold a Good rating.

House Prices in Ridge

Homes sell for an average of £408K locally. Most of the housing is made up of detached homes, averaging £517K.

Crime and Anti-Social Behaviour in Ridge

Crime in the area is lower than the national average. Anti-social behaviour is the leading concern across Ridge, with 9 incidents recorded in April 2026.

Deprivation and Employment in Ridge

The 2025 Index of Multiple Deprivation places Ridge 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 Ridge

There are 2 GP surgeries within three miles of Ridge, the nearest being Wareham Surgery (1.2 miles away).

Property Prices 2,347 sales

Average Price £408K
£1K , £8.2M
Detached £517K 897
Semi £340K 488
Terraced £306K 531
Flat £204K 248

Household Income in Ridge ONS 2023

The average total household income in Ridge is approximately £51,344 a year before tax, 7% below the national average of £55,302. After tax and benefits, the average disposable (net) household income is around £38,390. These are modelled estimates from the Office for National Statistics for the financial year ending 2023.

Ridge £51,344
England & Wales avg. £55,302

Net (after tax) household income averages £38,390.

Businesses in Ridge ONS 2025

There are approximately 1,238 active businesses based in Ridge, around 60 for every 1,000 residents. The local economy is dominated by small firms: about 89% are micro-businesses employing fewer than 10 people, while 17 are larger employers with 50 or more staff. Figures are from the Office for National Statistics UK Business Counts.

1,238 Total businesses
60 Per 1,000 residents
Micro, 0-9 89%
Small, 10-49 11%
Medium, 50-249 1%
Large, 250+ 0%

Deprivation and Employment in Ridge IMD 2025

Deprivation levels in Ridge 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
5/10
Children 0-15 16%
Working age 57%
Older 65+ 27%
3,262 Children (0-15) 16%
11,685 Working Age 57%
5,707 Older (65+) 28%
Average Child Poverty (IDACI) 29% of children in income-deprived families
Average Older Person Poverty (IDAOPI) 12.3% 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 Ridge 29 crimes · April 2026

Low Crime Area

Crime levels in Ridge are lower than the England and Wales average. While violence & sexual offences is the most frequently recorded category, the overall picture is one of a settled and secure town where serious incidents remain uncommon.

Violence & Sexual Offences 10
Anti-Social Behaviour 9
Shoplifting 6
Other Theft 2
Burglary 1
Vehicle 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 6 stations

Wareham (Dorset) Train Station 1.4 miles
Holton Heath Train Station 2.6 miles
Hamworthy Train Station 4.7 miles
Wool Train Station 5.6 miles
Poole Train Station 5.6 miles
Parkstone (Dorset) Train Station 7 miles

Location

Local Government

District Dorset
Ward Wareham
Constituency Mid Dorset and North Poole
Parish Wareham Town
Region South West

Home Ownership in Ridge

Of the 8,886 households in and around Ridge, 65% are owned, 16% are socially rented and 19% are privately rented. Home ownership here is in line with the England and Wales average of 63%.

Owned 65% Social rented 16% Private rented 19%

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

Frequently Asked Questions about Ridge

What is the population of Ridge?
Ridge has a population of approximately 20,657 residents, based on the latest census figures for the surrounding postcode area.
What is the average house price in Ridge?
The average property in and around Ridge sold for about £407,897, based on HM Land Registry Price Paid records. That is around 17% above the England and Wales average of £349,091.
Is Ridge a deprived area?
Ridge 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 Ridge?
Ridge is covered by the BH20 postcode district.
How many schools are there in Ridge?
There are 12 schools within easy reach of Ridge, spanning primary, secondary and other phases.
Where is the nearest train station to Ridge?
The nearest railway station to Ridge is Wareham (Dorset) Train Station, about 1.4 miles away.