St James on the map
Location in DorsetSt James sits where the marker shows within the county.
About St James
St James is a small area located in Dorset, England, within the postcode area SP7. It is primarily a residential community, offering a peaceful environment for its inhabitants. The area is conveniently situated near the town of Shaftesbury, which provides access to various local amenities, including shops, schools, and recreational facilities.
Surrounding St James are the rolling hills and countryside typical of Dorset, making it an appealing location for those who enjoy outdoor activities. The area is well-connected by road, allowing for easy travel to nearby towns and attractions. St James serves as a quiet retreat for families and individuals seeking a slower pace of life while remaining close to the conveniences of urban living.
School Ratings in St James
St James is served by 18 schools. A further 7 schools hold a Good rating.
House Prices in St James
Property prices average £393K across the area, and detached homes are the most common property type, typically selling for £516K.
Crime and Anti-Social Behaviour in St James
Local crime rates sit broadly in line with national averages. Anti-social behaviour accounts for the highest share in St James, with 19 incidents logged in May 2026.
Deprivation and Employment in St James
Based on the 2025 Index of Multiple Deprivation, St James 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 St James
There is 1 GP surgery within three miles of St James, the nearest being Hmp Guys Marsh (1.7 miles away).
Local Data for St James
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Property Prices 2,694 sales
Schools & Education 12 nearby View all schools
Ofsted ratings for schools in the SP7 postcode area.
Household Income in St James ONS 2023
The average total household income in St James is approximately £53,977 a year before tax, in line with the national average of £55,302. After tax and benefits, the average disposable (net) household income is around £40,984. These are modelled estimates from the Office for National Statistics for the financial year ending 2023.
Net (after tax) household income averages £40,984.
Businesses in St James ONS 2025
There are approximately 795 active businesses based in St James, around 53 for every 1,000 residents. The local economy is dominated by small firms: about 91% are micro-businesses employing fewer than 10 people, while 10 are larger employers with 50 or more staff. Figures are from the Office for National Statistics UK Business Counts.
Deprivation and Employment in St James IMD 2025
The 2025 Index of Multiple Deprivation places St James 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 St James 69 crimes · May 2026
St James experiences crime rates that are roughly comparable to the national picture. Anti-social behaviour 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 small town.
Crime figures depend on reporting by individual police forces and may not reflect the full picture in all areas.
Nearest Train Stations 3 stations
Location
Nearby Towns & Villages 12 found
Local Government
Home Ownership in St James
Of the 6,442 households in and around St James, 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 St James.