Sandford Orcas on the map

Location in DorsetSandford Orcas sits where the marker shows within the county.

23,160
Population
9,121
Households
6 / 10
Deprivation decile
Around average
31
Schools nearby
£51,505
Avg. household income
1,080
Businesses
125
People per km²
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About Sandford Orcas

Sandford Orcas is a small village located in the county of Dorset, England, within the DT9 postcode area. The village is primarily known for its rural setting and the surrounding countryside, which offers opportunities for walking and enjoying nature. The local architecture features traditional stone buildings, giving the village a distinctive character.

In Sandford Orcas, you will find the parish church of St. Nicholas, which dates back to the 12th century and is an important landmark in the area. The village is also home to a few local residences and farms, reflecting the agricultural heritage of the region. Visitors can appreciate the peaceful atmosphere and explore the nearby landscapes that define this part of Dorset.

School Ratings in Sandford Orcas

Sandford Orcas is served by 31 schools. A further 5 schools hold a Good rating.

House Prices in Sandford Orcas

Property prices average £404K across the area, and detached homes are the most common property type, typically selling for £519K.

Crime and Anti-Social Behaviour in Sandford Orcas

Local crime rates sit lower than national averages. Anti-social behaviour accounts for the highest share in Sandford Orcas, with 16 incidents logged in April 2026.

Deprivation and Employment in Sandford Orcas

Based on the 2025 Index of Multiple Deprivation, Sandford Orcas 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 Sandford Orcas

There are 3 GP surgeries within three miles of Sandford Orcas, the nearest being The Grove Medical Centre (2.2 miles away).

Property Prices 3,422 sales

Average Price £404K
£750 , £19.58M
Detached £519K 1,211
Semi £311K 776
Terraced £285K 931
Flat £177K 284

Household Income in Sandford Orcas ONS 2023

The average total household income in Sandford Orcas is approximately £51,505 a year before tax, 7% below the national average of £55,302. After tax and benefits, the average disposable (net) household income is around £40,153. These are modelled estimates from the Office for National Statistics for the financial year ending 2023.

Sandford Orcas £51,505
England & Wales avg. £55,302

Net (after tax) household income averages £40,153.

Businesses in Sandford Orcas ONS 2025

There are approximately 1,080 active businesses based in Sandford Orcas, around 47 for every 1,000 residents. The local economy is dominated by small firms: about 89% are micro-businesses employing fewer than 10 people, while 16 are larger employers with 50 or more staff. Figures are from the Office for National Statistics UK Business Counts.

1,080 Total businesses
47 Per 1,000 residents
Micro, 0-9 89%
Small, 10-49 9%
Medium, 50-249 1%
Large, 250+ 1%

Deprivation and Employment in Sandford Orcas IMD 2025

The 2025 Index of Multiple Deprivation places Sandford Orcas 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
6/10
Income
7/10
Employment
7/10
Education
7/10
Health
8/10
Housing
3/10
Living Environment
4/10
Children 0-15 16%
Working age 52%
Older 65+ 32%
3,692 Children (0-15) 16%
12,131 Working Age 52%
7,334 Older (65+) 32%
Average Child Poverty (IDACI) 25.8% of children in income-deprived families
Above Average Older Person Poverty (IDAOPI) 9.8% 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 Sandford Orcas 44 crimes · April 2026

Low Crime Area

Reported crime in Sandford Orcas 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 town.

Violence & Sexual Offences 18
Anti-Social Behaviour 16
Burglary 3
Criminal Damage & Arson 3
Public Order 2
Other Theft 1
Other 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

Sherborne Train Station 2.8 miles
Thornford Train Station 4.1 miles
Yeovil Pen Mill Train Station 4.3 miles
Yeovil Junction Train Station 5.2 miles
Templecombe Train Station 5.3 miles
Chetnole Train Station 5.9 miles

Location

Local Government

District Dorset
County Somerset
Ward Sherborne East
Constituency West Dorset
Parish Sherborne
Region South West

Home Ownership in Sandford Orcas

Of the 10,395 households in and around Sandford Orcas, 69% are owned, 14% are socially rented and 17% are privately rented. Home ownership here is higher than the England and Wales average of 63%.

Owned 69% Social rented 14% Private rented 17%

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

Frequently Asked Questions about Sandford Orcas

What is the population of Sandford Orcas?
Sandford Orcas has a population of approximately 23,160 residents, based on the latest census figures for the surrounding postcode area.
What is the average house price in Sandford Orcas?
The average property in and around Sandford Orcas sold for about £403,959, based on HM Land Registry Price Paid records. That is around 16% above the England and Wales average of £349,091.
Is Sandford Orcas a deprived area?
Sandford Orcas 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 Sandford Orcas?
Sandford Orcas is covered by the DT9 postcode district.
How many schools are there in Sandford Orcas?
There are 31 schools within 5 miles of Sandford Orcas, spanning primary, secondary and other phases.
Where is the nearest train station to Sandford Orcas?
The nearest railway station to Sandford Orcas is Sherborne Train Station, about 2.8 miles away.