Dorchester on the map

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

47,247
Population
19,139
Households
8 / 10
Deprivation decile
Among least deprived
12
Schools nearby
£53,974
Avg. household income
2,486
Businesses
88
People per km²
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About Dorchester

Dorchester is a village located in Oxfordshire, England, within the OX10 postcode area. It is situated on the banks of the River Thames, providing a scenic backdrop for the local community. The village features a range of historical buildings, including the 12th-century St. Birinus Church, which is notable for its architectural details and stained glass windows. The surrounding countryside offers opportunities for walking and enjoying the natural landscape.

The village is also home to various amenities, including a local shop and a pub, which serve the needs of residents and visitors alike. Dorchester is well-connected by road, making it accessible for those travelling to nearby towns and cities. The area is characterised by its rural charm, with fields and woodlands that contribute to the village's character and appeal.

School Ratings in Dorchester

There are 41 schools in and around Dorchester. A further 9 schools hold a Good rating.

House Prices in Dorchester

The average property price is £385K, with detached homes making up the majority of the housing stock at around £521K.

Crime and Anti-Social Behaviour in Dorchester

Recorded crime levels are lower than the national average. Anti-social behaviour is prevalent across Dorchester, with 22 recorded incidents in April 2026.

Deprivation and Employment in Dorchester

According to the 2025 Index of Multiple Deprivation, Dorchester ranks among the least deprived areas in England. Employment levels are strong, with low rates of working-age exclusion from the labour market. Household incomes are generally above the national average.

Healthcare in Dorchester

There are 2 GP surgeries within three miles of Dorchester, the nearest being Berinsfield Health Centre (1.2 miles away).

Property Prices 7,732 sales

Average Price £385K
£1K , £9.05M
Detached £521K 2,152
Semi £359K 1,384
Terraced £316K 1,966
Flat £232K 1,655

Household Income in Dorchester ONS 2023

The average total household income in Dorchester is approximately £53,974 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 £41,380. These are modelled estimates from the Office for National Statistics for the financial year ending 2023.

Dorchester £53,974
England & Wales avg. £55,302

Net (after tax) household income averages £41,380.

Businesses in Dorchester ONS 2025

There are approximately 2,486 active businesses based in Dorchester, around 53 for every 1,000 residents. The local economy is dominated by small firms: about 89% are micro-businesses employing fewer than 10 people, while 36 are larger employers with 50 or more staff. Figures are from the Office for National Statistics UK Business Counts.

2,486 Total businesses
53 Per 1,000 residents
Micro, 0-9 89%
Small, 10-49 10%
Medium, 50-249 1%
Large, 250+ 0%

Deprivation and Employment in Dorchester IMD 2025

Dorchester is one of the least deprived areas in England according to the 2025 Index of Multiple Deprivation. Employment opportunities are widely accessible and household incomes tend to sit comfortably above the national average. The area benefits from strong local services and a settled, established community.

Overall Deprivation
8/10
Income
8/10
Employment
8/10
Education
8/10
Health
9/10
Housing
4/10
Living Environment
7/10
Children 0-15 15%
Working age 56%
Older 65+ 29%
7,275 Children (0-15) 15%
26,410 Working Age 56%
13,562 Older (65+) 29%
Above Average Child Poverty (IDACI) 17% of children in income-deprived families
Above Average Older Person Poverty (IDAOPI) 8.6% 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 Dorchester 120 crimes · April 2026

Low Crime Area

Dorchester records relatively low levels of reported crime compared to national averages. Violence & sexual offences is the most commonly logged offence type, though overall numbers remain modest. The area is generally considered a safe and settled town with a strong sense of community.

Violence & Sexual Offences 39
Anti-Social Behaviour 22
Shoplifting 19
Criminal Damage & Arson 10
Public Order 8
Vehicle Crime 6
Other Theft 5
Drugs 3
Burglary 2
Weapons 2
Robbery 2
Bicycle Theft 1
Other Crime 1
Local Policing
Thames Valley Wallingford, Berinsfield and Cholsey 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

Culham Train Station 2.9 miles
Appleford Train Station 3.6 miles
Didcot Parkway Train Station 3.9 miles
Radley Train Station 4.2 miles
Cholsey Train Station 5.3 miles
Goring And Streatley Train Station 8.9 miles

Location

Local Government

District South Oxfordshire
County Oxfordshire
Ward Wallingford
Constituency Wantage
Parish Wallingford
Region South East

Home Ownership in Dorchester

Of the 21,333 households in and around Dorchester, 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 Dorchester.

Frequently Asked Questions about Dorchester

What is the population of Dorchester?
Dorchester has a population of approximately 47,247 residents, based on the latest census figures for the surrounding postcode area.
What is the average house price in Dorchester?
The average property in and around Dorchester sold for about £384,556, based on HM Land Registry Price Paid records. That is around 10% above the England and Wales average of £349,091.
Is Dorchester a deprived area?
Dorchester sits among the least deprived areas in England, with an Index of Multiple Deprivation decile of 8 out of 10, where 1 is the most deprived and 10 the least deprived.
What postcodes cover Dorchester?
Dorchester is covered by the DT1, DT2 postcode districts.
How many schools are there in Dorchester?
There are 12 schools within easy reach of Dorchester, spanning primary, secondary and other phases.
Where is the nearest train station to Dorchester?
The nearest railway station to Dorchester is Culham Train Station, about 2.9 miles away.