Merry Oak on the map

Location in HampshireMerry Oak sits where the marker shows within the county.

58,497
Population
23,947
Households
4 / 10
Deprivation decile
Around average
12
Schools nearby
£49,985
Avg. household income
1,209
Businesses
5,119
People per km²
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About Merry Oak

Merry Oak is a residential area located in Hampshire, England, within the SO19 postcode area. It is situated near the city of Southampton, providing easy access to the amenities and services available in the larger urban centre. The area features a mix of housing, including family homes and flats, catering to a diverse community. Local shops, schools, and parks are within reach, making it a practical choice for residents.

The surrounding landscape includes green spaces, offering opportunities for outdoor activities and leisure. Merry Oak is well-connected by public transport, with bus services linking it to nearby areas and the city centre. This accessibility makes it a convenient location for those commuting for work or leisure. Overall, Merry Oak provides a balanced environment for families and individuals alike, with essential facilities and a community feel.

School Ratings in Merry Oak

Families in Merry Oak have access to 169 local schools. Thornhill Sure Start Childrens Centre, Weston Sure Start Childrens Centre and Itchen College are each rated Outstanding by Ofsted. A further 7 schools hold a Good rating.

House Prices in Merry Oak

Homes sell for an average of £247K locally. Most of the housing is made up of semi-detached homes, averaging £269K.

Crime and Anti-Social Behaviour in Merry Oak

Crime in the area is higher than the national average. Anti-social behaviour is the leading concern across Merry Oak, with 101 incidents recorded in May 2026.

Deprivation and Employment in Merry Oak

The 2025 Index of Multiple Deprivation places Merry Oak 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 Merry Oak

There are 38 GP surgeries within three miles of Merry Oak, the nearest being West End Road Surgery (0.6 miles away).

Property Prices 7,065 sales

Average Price £247K
£100 , £17.3M
Detached £324K 1,229
Semi £269K 2,137
Terraced £233K 1,818
Flat £152K 1,676

Household Income in Merry Oak ONS 2023

The average total household income in Merry Oak is approximately £49,985 a year before tax, 10% below the national average of £55,302. After tax and benefits, the average disposable (net) household income is around £37,897. These are modelled estimates from the Office for National Statistics for the financial year ending 2023.

Merry Oak £49,985
England & Wales avg. £55,302

Net (after tax) household income averages £37,897.

Businesses in Merry Oak ONS 2025

There are approximately 1,209 active businesses based in Merry Oak, around 21 for every 1,000 residents. The local economy is dominated by small firms: about 95% 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.

1,209 Total businesses
21 Per 1,000 residents
Micro, 0-9 95%
Small, 10-49 5%
Medium, 50-249 0%
Large, 250+ 0%

Deprivation and Employment in Merry Oak IMD 2025

Deprivation levels in Merry Oak 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
4/10
Health
3/10
Housing
6/10
Living Environment
6/10
Children 0-15 20%
Working age 64%
Older 65+ 16%
11,784 Children (0-15) 20%
37,271 Working Age 64%
9,450 Older (65+) 16%
Average Child Poverty (IDACI) 39.9% of children in income-deprived families
Average Older Person Poverty (IDAOPI) 22.2% 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 Merry Oak 784 crimes · May 2026

High Crime Area

Crime figures for Merry Oak 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 346
Anti-Social Behaviour 101
Public Order 74
Criminal Damage & Arson 56
Shoplifting 50
Other Theft 49
Drugs 25
Vehicle Crime 25
Burglary 22
Robbery 14
Other Crime 10
Weapons 9
Bicycle Theft 3
Local Policing
Hampshire Peartree and Woolston 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

Bitterne Train Station 0.7 miles
Woolston Train Station 0.8 miles
Sholing Train Station 0.9 miles
St Denys Train Station 1.2 miles
Swaythling Train Station 2.2 miles
Netley Train Station 2.7 miles

Location

Local Government

District Southampton
County Hampshire
Ward Bitterne
Constituency Southampton, Itchen
Parish Southampton, unparished area
Region South East

Home Ownership in Merry Oak

Of the 25,179 households in and around Merry Oak, 57% are owned, 25% are socially rented and 18% are privately rented. Home ownership here is lower than the England and Wales average of 63%.

Owned 57% Social rented 25% Private rented 18%

Tenure from the 2021 Census (ONS), for the postcode districts covering Merry Oak.

Frequently Asked Questions about Merry Oak

What is the population of Merry Oak?
Merry Oak has a population of approximately 58,497 residents, based on the latest census figures for the surrounding postcode area.
What is the average house price in Merry Oak?
The average property in and around Merry Oak sold for about £246,828, based on HM Land Registry Price Paid records. That is around 29% below the England and Wales average of £349,091.
Is Merry Oak a deprived area?
Merry Oak 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 Merry Oak?
Merry Oak is covered by the SO19 postcode district.
How many schools are there in Merry Oak?
There are 12 schools within easy reach of Merry Oak, spanning primary, secondary and other phases.
Where is the nearest train station to Merry Oak?
The nearest railway station to Merry Oak is Bitterne Train Station, about 0.7 miles away.