Sandhills on the map

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

23,160
Population
9,121
Households
6 / 10
Deprivation decile
Around average
8
Schools nearby
£51,505
Avg. household income
1,080
Businesses
125
People per km²
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About Sandhills

Sandhills is a small area located in Dorset, England, within the DT9 postcode area. This part of the country is known for its natural landscapes and proximity to the coast. The area features a mix of residential homes and open spaces, making it a pleasant place for those who enjoy outdoor activities.

Nearby, visitors can explore the surrounding countryside, which offers various walking paths and opportunities for nature observation. The local amenities cater to everyday needs, providing convenience for residents and visitors alike. Sandhills serves as a suitable base for exploring the wider attractions of Dorset, including its picturesque coastline and historical sites.

School Ratings in Sandhills

Sandhills is served by 8 schools. A further 5 schools hold a Good rating.

House Prices in Sandhills

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 Sandhills

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

Deprivation and Employment in Sandhills

Based on the 2025 Index of Multiple Deprivation, Sandhills 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.

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 Sandhills ONS 2023

The average total household income in Sandhills 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.

Sandhills £51,505
England & Wales avg. £55,302

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

Businesses in Sandhills ONS 2025

There are approximately 1,080 active businesses based in Sandhills, 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 Sandhills IMD 2025

The 2025 Index of Multiple Deprivation places Sandhills 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 Sandhills 44 crimes · April 2026

Low Crime Area

Reported crime in Sandhills 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

Chetnole Train Station 2.9 miles
Sherborne Train Station 4.5 miles
Thornford Train Station 4.8 miles
Yetminster Train Station 5.5 miles
Yeovil Junction Train Station 7.4 miles
Templecombe Train Station 7.6 miles

Location

Local Government

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

Home Ownership in Sandhills

Of the 10,395 households in and around Sandhills, 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 Sandhills.

Frequently Asked Questions about Sandhills

What is the population of Sandhills?
Sandhills 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 Sandhills?
The average property in and around Sandhills 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 Sandhills a deprived area?
Sandhills 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 Sandhills?
Sandhills is covered by the DT9 postcode district.
How many schools are there in Sandhills?
There are 8 schools within easy reach of Sandhills, spanning primary, secondary and other phases.
Where is the nearest train station to Sandhills?
The nearest railway station to Sandhills is Chetnole Train Station, about 2.9 miles away.