Dorchester
Keep Museum, Dorchester DT1 1RN
Dorchester (DT) Postcode Area
Dorchester: Historic county town of Dorset, Roman origins, Georgian architecture, Thomas Hardy connections, and surrounded by picturesque countryside. A charming blend of history and natural beauty.
Dorchester Postcode Area includes:
Dorchester, Weymouth, Portland, Bridport, Lyme Regis, Beaminster, Sherborne, Sturminster Newton, Blandford Forum.
Discover everything you need to know about Dorchester with PostcodeArea. Scroll down to uncover demographics, property prices, crime stats, amenities and more.
Most Desirable Postcodes
Here are the top 10 most desirable postcode areas in Dorchester (DT), based on a unique scoring system that weighs key factors like safety, schools, diversity, and affordability.
Whether you're a renter, homebuyer, or property investor, this tool lets you customise the score to focus on what matters most to you, helping you make smarter, data-driven decisions.
How are Desirability Scores calculated?
Our custom algorithm calculates a unique "Desirability Score" for any UK postcode by analysing a range of factors - including Census 2021 data, third-party insights, and socio-economic knowledge, to provide a tailored rating.
Explain more
Primary Industries
Discover the Dorchester heartbeat - these four industries are the most prevalent in the area, offering a snapshot of the local economy and its driving forces.
Construction
Dorchester has a strong presence of construction businesses, which usually means there's a lot of building going on - whether it's new homes, commercial spaces, or infrastructure. This can be a good sign that the Dorchester area is growing and attracting investment. It could also mean there's a strong local economy, with plenty of work available for builders and tradespeople. On the flip side, it might suggest there's a fair bit of property in need of repair or updating. Either way, it tells you the Dorchester area is pretty active and could be on the up.
Agriculture, Forestry & Fishing
The prevalance of agricultural industries (including forestry and fishing) in Dorchester suggests this is a lively and creative postcode sector. These kinds of businesses tend to pop up in areas that are known for their cultural scene, where people value things like theatres, galleries, music venues, and independent cinemas. It could mean the area attracts a mix of creatives, young professionals, and tourists, making it a vibrant and potentially trendy spot. This could also be a sign of a more laid-back, community-focused vibe, with lots of local events and activities in and around Dorchester. It might push property prices up if the area becomes particularly popular, but it's also a good indicator of a strong local identity and a thriving social scene.
Professional & Scientific
Dorchester has a large proportion of professional and scientific businesses, which makes it a hub for specialised industries like law firms, consulting agencies, tech companies, or research labs. This suggests a high level of expertise and innovation, attracting professionals such as engineers, scientists, lawyers, and consultants. The Dorchester area might have a more polished, business-focused atmosphere, with modern offices and co-working spaces. It's often well-connected, with good transport links and amenities to support a skilled workforce. Property prices could be higher, as these areas tend to attract well-paid professionals. It might not be the most vibrant or social place, but it will have a reputation for being smart, efficient, and future-focused.
Business Administration
If a postcode area such as DT has a lot of business administration services, such as accounting firms, HR consultancies, and management services, it's likely a centre for corporate and operational support. These businesses help other companies run smoothly, so the area might be more business-centric, attracting professionals like administrators, accountants, and consultants. The local economy could be quite strong, driven by a steady demand for services that keep companies ticking over. It's not necessarily the most exciting or creative environment, but it would be efficient, organised, and perhaps well-connected with reliable transport links. You'd expect to see a lot of office spaces in Dorchester and maybe even shared workspaces catering to small and medium-sized businesses. The area could feel more formal and professional, with less of a residential or leisure focus.
Major Employers
Major employers and businesses in the DT postcode area include:
Goulds
Retail, Dorchester
A local department store offering fashion, homewares, and gifts in the heart of Dorchester.
Postcode Location: DT1
Aster Group
Housing & Social Services, Dorchester
A housing association providing affordable homes and community services across the South West, with offices in Dorchester.
Postcode Location: DT1
Worldwise Foods
Food Manufacturing & Import, Dorchester
A global supplier of food products, including seafood, fruits, and ingredients, with operations in Dorset.
Postcode Location: DT1
Brewers Decorator Centres
Retail & Trade, Dorchester
A UK-wide chain of paint and decorating supply stores, serving both trade and retail customers.
Postcode Location: DT1
Palmer & Harvey
Logistics & Wholesale, Dorchester
A major UK wholesaler and distribution company serving the grocery and retail sectors.
Postcode Location: DT1
Bluebird Care
Healthcare & Social Services, Dorchester
A national provider of home care and live-in care services, supporting the elderly and vulnerable people in Dorset.
Postcode Location: DT1
Data showing the activity, size and location is from the Inter Departmental Business Register 2024, produced by the ONS.
Key Statistics
Dorchester DT, part of the ceremonial county of Dorset in England, presents a substantial geographical area with 11 outward codes (the first half of a postcode, e.g. DT 1AA). Its population stands at 221,019 individuals, reflecting a density of 1,088 people per square kilometre. The average household income here is £45,571 , which is 30.2% higher than the average UK median household income (£35,000), indicating a stable economic profile within the region.
Postcode Area
Dorchester
Total Outward Codes
Postcodes
Population
People
Population Density
People/km2
Average Income
Per household
What's Dorchester like to live and work in?
Keep Museum, Dorchester DT1 1RN
Adobe Stock
Nestled in Dorset, Dorchester is a charming town known for its historical significance and vibrant community. The DT postcode area encompasses a population of around 20,000. Dorchester boasts rich Roman heritage, scenic countryside, and landmarks like Maiden Castle. Its economy is supported by tourism, agriculture, and retail.
With excellent transport links, including the A35 road and regular train services, Dorchester offers a perfect blend of historical charm and modern convenience, making it an inviting place to live and explore.
This page contains a list of postcode districts for Dorchester area. Select a postcode to see the map location, demographics, house prices, local information, tourist guides and statistics:
Dorchester (DT) Postcode Districts
House Prices in Dorchester
How are property price trends?
The ONS (Office for National Statistics) regularly tracks and records average house prices and rents in this area (E06000059). Note that these estimates are based on local authority rather than postcode area. For more information about current house prices, choose an individual postcode below.
Dorset
The wider county
Long known as 'Thomas Hardy country' Dorset has everything from literary trails to Iron Age settlements, old-fashioned seaside resorts to beautiful Jurassic Coastline. Featuring a number of Blue Flag white sand beaches and ease of access from London, Dorset is popular in the UK for quick weekend trips to the sea.
But it is not just a county built around its coastline. Inland it also offers some quintessentially English landscapes, crossed by the chalk ranges of the South Dorset and North Dorset downs, agriculturally fertile valleys in Frome, Stour and the Vale of Blackmore and the famous marble quarries of Purbeck and Portland.
Read more about Dorset
Local Transport
Rail Transport
The DT postcode area boasts convenient rail connections. Stations like Dorchester South and Weymouth are serviced by South Western Railway, providing direct routes to London Waterloo, Southampton, and Bournemouth. If you’re traveling locally, Great Western Railway offers links to Bristol and beyond.
Air Travel
For air travel, Bournemouth Airport is the closest, just under an hour’s drive away. It offers flights to various UK and European destinations. A little further afield, Southampton and Exeter airports provide additional options for both domestic and international flights.
Commuting by Car
Commuters by car will find the A35 and A354 major routes convenient for travel within the area and to nearby cities. The bypasses and dual carriageways make for smoother drives during peak hours.
Bus Services
Local bus services operated by companies like First Wessex and Damory connect towns and villages across the DT area. Regular services make it easy to reach hospitals, shopping centres, and educational institutions without owning a car.
Train Stations
The following railway stations are within the DT postcode region:
Chetnole Railway Station
Dorchester South Railway Station
Dorchester West Railway Station
Maiden Newton Railway Station
Moreton (Dorset) Railway Station
Sherborne Railway Station
Thornford Railway Station
Upwey Railway Station
Weymouth Railway Station
Yetminster Railway Station
Local Authorities
DT Postcode area
Local Authorities are government organisations responsible for providing local services and facilities such as education, housing, and social services within a specific area. The DT postcode area includes the following local authorities:
East Devon
East Devon District Council promotes economic growth, rural development, and provides high-quality public services to support community well-being and enhance residents' quality of life in this scenic district.
East Dorset
East Dorset District Council manages a diverse area, focusing on community development, economic growth, and providing extensive public services to enhance residents' quality of life.
North Dorset
North Dorset District Council promotes economic growth, rural development, and provides high-quality public services to support community well-being and enhance residents' quality of life in this picturesque area.
GDP (Gross Domestic Product)
Economic Output
GDP (Gross Domestic Product) measures the total economic output of a country, region, or Local Authority. It tells us how much money is being made within a particular area. This includes everything from a business selling cars or consumers getting their hair cut.
This list of the Local Authorities within the Dorchester (DT) postcode town gives us a snapshot of how much money is being generated at current market prices, based on what people are spending and earning. It's an important way to understand the economic health and activity levels across the UK.
For comparison purposes, we've included the top and bottom two local authorities across the UK in terms of GDP.
Local Authority
GDP (£)
GDP trends over time
The graph below shows the total GDP values for all Local Authorities within the Dorchester (DT) area:
When we talk about GDP at current market prices, we're looking at the total value of all goods and services produced in an area, but the key bit here is "current market prices." This means it includes the value of goods and services as they're bought and sold right now, without adjusting for inflation or changes in prices over time.
So, for example a figure of £2,390 GDP means that, on average, each person within an area contributes this amount to the UK economy each year.
Republished from the ONS regional gross domestic product: local authorities under the Open Government Licence v3.0. Latest available data: April 2022.
Education
Highest Rated Schools in DT
As rated by Ofsted
- Westfield Arts College
Littlemoor Road, Weymouth, DT3 6AA
Secondary School (4-19)Outstanding - Yewstock School
Honeymead Lane, Sturminster Newton, DT10 1EW
Secondary School (2-19)Outstanding - The Thomas Hardye School
Queen's Avenue, Dorchester, DT1 2ET
Secondary School (13-18)Outstanding - Dorset Studio School
Kingston Maurward, Dorchester, DT2 8PX
Secondary School (11-16)Good - St Andrew's Church of England Primary School
Littlemoor Road, Weymouth, DT3 6AA
Primary School (3-11)Good - St Mary's Church of England Middle School, Puddletown
Coombe Road, Dorchester, DT2 8SA
Secondary School (9-13)Good - Atlantic Academy Portland
Maritime House, Portland, DT5 2NA
Secondary School (4-16)Good - Weymouth College
Cranford Avenue, Weymouth, DT4 7LQ
Secondary School (4-16)Good - Kingston Maurward College
, Dorchester, DT2 8PY
Secondary School (4-16)Good - Chickerell Primary Academy
Rashley Road, Weymouth, DT3 4AT
Primary School (4-11)Good
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