West Southbourne on the map

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

22,819
Population
10,270
Households
7 / 10
Deprivation decile
Around average
12
Schools nearby
£55,796
Avg. household income
753
Businesses
3,331
People per km²
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About West Southbourne

West Southbourne is a coastal suburb located in Dorset, England, within the BH6 postcode area. It lies to the east of Bournemouth and offers easy access to the sandy beaches along the coast. The area features a mix of residential properties, local shops, and cafes, providing a convenient environment for both residents and visitors.

The nearby Southbourne Beach is a popular spot for families and individuals looking to enjoy the seaside. There are various amenities available, including beach huts and places to eat. The area also has a number of parks and green spaces, making it suitable for outdoor activities. Public transport links are available, connecting West Southbourne to Bournemouth and other surrounding areas.

School Ratings in West Southbourne

Families in West Southbourne have access to 82 local schools. St Katharine's Church of England Primary School is rated Outstanding by Ofsted. A further 2 schools hold a Good rating.

House Prices in West Southbourne

Homes sell for an average of £411K locally. Most of the housing is made up of flats, averaging £253K.

Crime and Anti-Social Behaviour in West Southbourne

Crime in the area is higher than the national average. Anti-social behaviour is the leading concern across West Southbourne, with 93 incidents recorded in April 2026.

Deprivation and Employment in West Southbourne

The 2025 Index of Multiple Deprivation places West Southbourne 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 Southbourne

There are 23 GP surgeries within three miles of West Southbourne, the nearest being Southbourne Practice (0.3 miles away).

Property Prices 3,747 sales

Average Price £411K
£1K , £2.63M
Detached £583K 1,504
Semi £413K 369
Terraced £370K 139
Flat £253K 1,614

Household Income in West Southbourne ONS 2023

The average total household income in West Southbourne is approximately £55,796 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 £40,846. These are modelled estimates from the Office for National Statistics for the financial year ending 2023.

West Southbourne £55,796
England & Wales avg. £55,302

Net (after tax) household income averages £40,846.

Businesses in West Southbourne ONS 2025

There are approximately 753 active businesses based in West Southbourne, around 33 for every 1,000 residents. The local economy is dominated by small firms: about 93% are micro-businesses employing fewer than 10 people, while 5 are larger employers with 50 or more staff. Figures are from the Office for National Statistics UK Business Counts.

753 Total businesses
33 Per 1,000 residents
Micro, 0-9 93%
Small, 10-49 6%
Medium, 50-249 1%
Large, 250+ 0%

Deprivation and Employment in West Southbourne IMD 2025

Deprivation levels in West Southbourne 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
7/10
Income
6/10
Employment
6/10
Education
7/10
Health
6/10
Housing
6/10
Living Environment
5/10
Children 0-15 16%
Working age 59%
Older 65+ 25%
3,565 Children (0-15) 16%
13,506 Working Age 59%
5,756 Older (65+) 25%
Average Child Poverty (IDACI) 23.4% of children in income-deprived families
Average Older Person Poverty (IDAOPI) 19.4% 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 Southbourne 394 crimes · April 2026

High Crime Area

Crime figures for West Southbourne 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 116
Anti-Social Behaviour 93
Criminal Damage & Arson 41
Vehicle Crime 33
Other Theft 25
Shoplifting 25
Public Order 18
Burglary 14
Bicycle Theft 12
Drugs 9
Robbery 4
Theft from Person 2
Weapons 1
Other Crime 1
Local Policing
Dorset Bournemouth East - East 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

Pokesdown Train Station 0.7 miles
Christchurch Train Station 1.2 miles
Hinton Admiral Train Station 4.4 miles
Branksome Train Station 4.9 miles
Parkstone (Dorset) Train Station 6.1 miles
New Milton Train Station 6.9 miles

Location

Local Government

District Bournemouth, Christchurch and Poole
Ward East Southbourne & Tuckton
Constituency Bournemouth East
Parish Bournemouth, Christchurch and Poole, unparished area
Region South West

Home Ownership in West Southbourne

Of the 10,423 households in and around West Southbourne, 68% are owned, 7% are socially rented and 25% are privately rented. Home ownership here is higher than the England and Wales average of 63%.

Owned 68% Social rented 7% Private rented 25%

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

Frequently Asked Questions about West Southbourne

What is the population of West Southbourne?
West Southbourne has a population of approximately 22,819 residents, based on the latest census figures for the surrounding postcode area.
What is the average house price in West Southbourne?
The average property in and around West Southbourne sold for about £411,284, based on HM Land Registry Price Paid records. That is around 18% above the England and Wales average of £349,091.
Is West Southbourne a deprived area?
West Southbourne sits around the national average for deprivation, with an Index of Multiple Deprivation decile of 7 out of 10, where 1 is the most deprived and 10 the least deprived.
What postcodes cover West Southbourne?
West Southbourne is covered by the BH6 postcode district.
How many schools are there in West Southbourne?
There are 12 schools within easy reach of West Southbourne, spanning primary, secondary and other phases.
Where is the nearest train station to West Southbourne?
The nearest railway station to West Southbourne is Pokesdown Train Station, about 0.7 miles away.