West Howe on the map

Location in DorsetWest Howe sits where the marker shows within the county.

20,375
Population
8,497
Households
4 / 10
Deprivation decile
Around average
12
Schools nearby
£44,857
Avg. household income
583
Businesses
2,539
People per km²
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About West Howe

West Howe is a suburb located in the county of Dorset, England, within the postcode area BH11. It is primarily a residential area, offering a mix of housing types, including family homes and flats. The suburb is well-connected to nearby towns and cities, making it accessible for commuters. Local amenities include shops, schools, and parks, providing essential services for residents.

The area is situated close to Bournemouth, which is known for its beaches and leisure activities. West Howe is also near the scenic landscapes of the Dorset countryside, offering opportunities for outdoor pursuits. Public transport options are available, ensuring easy travel to surrounding areas. Overall, West Howe serves as a convenient location for those seeking a suburban lifestyle while remaining close to the attractions of the south coast.

School Ratings in West Howe

Families in West Howe have access to 136 local schools. A further 5 schools hold a Good rating.

House Prices in West Howe

Homes sell for an average of £320K locally. Most of the housing is made up of detached homes, averaging £362K.

Crime and Anti-Social Behaviour in West Howe

Crime in the area is higher than the national average. Anti-social behaviour is the leading concern across West Howe, with 125 incidents recorded in May 2026.

Deprivation and Employment in West Howe

The 2025 Index of Multiple Deprivation places West Howe 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 West Howe

There are 18 GP surgeries within three miles of West Howe, the nearest being Talbot Medical Centre (0.9 miles away).

Property Prices 2,547 sales

Average Price £320K
£740 , £13.4M
Detached £362K 980
Semi £289K 728
Terraced £266K 506
Flat £176K 255

Household Income in West Howe ONS 2023

The average total household income in West Howe is approximately £44,857 a year before tax, 19% below the national average of £55,302. After tax and benefits, the average disposable (net) household income is around £34,735. These are modelled estimates from the Office for National Statistics for the financial year ending 2023.

West Howe £44,857
England & Wales avg. £55,302

Net (after tax) household income averages £34,735.

Businesses in West Howe ONS 2025

There are approximately 583 active businesses based in West Howe, around 29 for every 1,000 residents. The local economy is dominated by small firms: about 90% are micro-businesses employing fewer than 10 people, while 9 are larger employers with 50 or more staff. Figures are from the Office for National Statistics UK Business Counts.

583 Total businesses
29 Per 1,000 residents
Micro, 0-9 90%
Small, 10-49 8%
Medium, 50-249 2%
Large, 250+ 0%

Deprivation and Employment in West Howe IMD 2025

Deprivation levels in West Howe 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
4/10
Income
4/10
Employment
4/10
Education
3/10
Health
4/10
Housing
5/10
Living Environment
8/10
Children 0-15 19%
Working age 61%
Older 65+ 20%
3,821 Children (0-15) 19%
12,424 Working Age 61%
4,125 Older (65+) 20%
Average Child Poverty (IDACI) 40.4% of children in income-deprived families
Average Older Person Poverty (IDAOPI) 23.9% 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 West Howe 437 crimes · May 2026

High Crime Area

Crime figures for West Howe are higher than the England and Wales average, with violence & sexual offences the most prevalent offence recorded. Urban density and footfall contribute to elevated reporting in areas like this. Ongoing investment in policing and community safety programmes aims to improve the picture.

Violence & Sexual Offences 128
Anti-Social Behaviour 125
Criminal Damage & Arson 48
Public Order 39
Shoplifting 27
Vehicle Crime 19
Other Theft 17
Burglary 15
Drugs 9
Robbery 4
Other Crime 3
Bicycle Theft 1
Weapons 1
Theft from Person 1
Local Policing
Dorset Bournemouth North - West Visit force website →
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

Branksome Train Station 2.2 miles
Parkstone (Dorset) Train Station 2.7 miles
Poole Train Station 3.8 miles
Pokesdown Train Station 4.7 miles
Hamworthy Train Station 4.7 miles
Christchurch Train Station 6.3 miles

Location

Local Government

District Bournemouth, Christchurch and Poole
Ward Kinson
Constituency Bournemouth West
Parish Bournemouth, Christchurch and Poole, unparished area
Region South West

Home Ownership in West Howe

Of the 8,593 households in and around West Howe, 61% are owned, 26% are socially rented and 13% are privately rented. Home ownership here is in line with the England and Wales average of 63%.

Owned 61% Social rented 26% Private rented 13%

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

Frequently Asked Questions about West Howe

What is the population of West Howe?
West Howe has a population of approximately 20,375 residents, based on the latest census figures for the surrounding postcode area.
What is the average house price in West Howe?
The average property in and around West Howe sold for about £320,014, based on HM Land Registry Price Paid records. That is around 8% below the England and Wales average of £349,091.
Is West Howe a deprived area?
West Howe sits around the national average for deprivation, with an Index of Multiple Deprivation decile of 4 out of 10, where 1 is the most deprived and 10 the least deprived.
What postcodes cover West Howe?
West Howe is covered by the BH11 postcode district.
How many schools are there in West Howe?
There are 12 schools within easy reach of West Howe, spanning primary, secondary and other phases.
Where is the nearest train station to West Howe?
The nearest railway station to West Howe is Branksome Train Station, about 2.2 miles away.