Affordability in Dorset
Homes in Dorset cost about 9.9× the typical full-time salary, versus 7.6× across England & Wales. That makes it harder to afford than most of the country.
Based on ONS house-price to workplace-earnings ratios, 2025. The England & Wales median is 7.6×.
Who lives in Dorset
Census 2021 figures, averaged across the area's neighbourhoods.
71.5%
Owner-occupied
Homes owned outright or with a mortgage
16.2%
Privately rented
Share of homes rented from a private landlord
31.5%
Degree-educated
Adults with a level-4+ qualification
15.1%
Children
Residents aged under 16
33.3%
Retired
Residents who are retired
28.3%
Work from home
Workers based mainly at home
13.4%
Car-free homes
Households with no car or van
Frequently asked
What is the average house price in Dorset?
The median house price in Dorset is £349,000 (ONS, 2025), about 9.9× the typical full-time salary.
Where does this Dorset data come from?
House prices and affordability ratios come from ONS. Rents come from ONS/VOA private-rental statistics. Demographics are Census 2021 figures aggregated to local-authority level. England & Wales only.
Explore Dorset
Affordability CheckerHow house prices compare to local salariesSold Price SearchSee what nearby homes actually sold forCrime CheckerRecent recorded crime by neighbourhoodSchool Catchment CheckerNearby schools, Ofsted ratings and catchmentsFlood Risk CheckerEnvironment Agency flood-risk bandsCouncil Tax LookupBand charges for the local authority