Southampton
Ocean Village Marina, a redeveloped neighborhood of Southampton on the Channel coast in southern England, UK
Southampton (SO) Postcode Area
Southampton: Historic port city, bustling waterfront, cultural diversity, vibrant arts scene, and gateway to the Isle of Wight. A city with a rich maritime heritage and modern charm on the south coast of England.
Southampton Postcode Area includes:
Southampton, Stockbridge, Winchester, Alresford, Lyndhurst, Lymington, Brockenhurst, Eastleigh, Romsey.
Discover everything you need to know about Southampton 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 Southampton (SO), 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
The Southampton postcode's economy in focus! Here are the top four industries that play a vital role in shaping local business and employment.
Professional & Scientific
Southampton 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 Southampton 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.
Construction
Southampton 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 Southampton 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 Southampton area is pretty active and could be on the up.
Business Administration
If a postcode area such as SO 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 Southampton 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.
Retail
Southampton area has a large quantity of retail businesses, making it a busy, commercial hub where people go to shop and socialise. High streets, shopping centres, and independent boutiques often thrive in these areas, making it a convenient place for residents and visitors alike. The presence of retail businesses can indicate that the local economy is fairly strong, with plenty of footfall and a demand for goods and services. This kind of area tends to have good transport links and a lively atmosphere, but it can also mean a bit more hustle and bustle, especially during weekends and sales events. If you're living in Southampton, it's handy for convenience, but it could also bring a lot of traffic and noise during peak shopping hours.
Major Employers
Major employers and businesses in the SO postcode area include:
Data showing the activity, size and location is from the Inter Departmental Business Register 2024, produced by the ONS.
Key Statistics
Southampton SO, part of the ceremonial county of Hampshire in England, presents a substantial geographical area with 23 outward codes (the first half of a postcode, e.g. SO 1AA). Its population stands at 699,993 individuals, reflecting a density of 2,744 people per square kilometre. The average household income here is £51,510 , which is 47.2% higher than the average UK median household income (£35,000), indicating a stable economic profile within the region.
Postcode Area
Southampton
Total Outward Codes
Postcodes
Population
People
Population Density
People/km2
Average Income
Per household
What's Southampton like to live and work in?
Ocean Village Marina, a redeveloped neighborhood of Southampton on the Channel coast in southern England, UK
Adobe Stock
Southampton, located on the south coast of England, has a population of approximately 253,000 and is known for its maritime heritage, vibrant cultural scene, and thriving economy.
The city boasts excellent transport links, including a major port, an international airport, and direct train services to London and other major cities. Southampton's demographics are diverse, with a significant student population due to the University of Southampton and Solent University.
The city offers a variety of amenities, including shopping centers, theatres, museums, and numerous parks. Key attractions include the historic docks, the SeaCity Museum, and the Southampton Common. The local economy is strong, driven by sectors such as maritime, education, and healthcare.
This page contains a list of postcode districts for Southampton area. Select a postcode to see the map location, demographics, house prices, local information, tourist guides and statistics:
Southampton (SO) Postcode Districts
Southampton SO postcode area contains 23 postcode districts within its boundary.
Click on an outward postal code (the first half of a postcode, i.e. SO*) to explore information about the area.
House Prices in Southampton
How are property price trends?
The ONS (Office for National Statistics) regularly tracks and records average house prices and rents in this area (E06000045). 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.
Hampshire
The wider county
The rolling chalk downs and lush agricultural valleys that have inspired so much great English literature still loom large over the county of Hampshire and still attract hikers and bikers, walkers and tourists to the region to this day. But Hampshire offers so much more than its downs, from the stunning cathedral city of Winchester to the world famous woodlands and heaths of the ancient New Forest. Sat on the south coast, Hampshire is also famous as being the birthplace of the Royal Navy and the maritime history of Portsmouth and Southampton is also one of the highlights of the region.
Indeed history is everywhere across the county, Hampshire having been attracting visitors to its chalk down lands since before the Neolithic era (as evidenced by the numerous forts such as the one at Winklebury.) It has also been invaded by the Romans, the Jutes, the Saxons and the Normans.
Read more about Hampshire
Local Transport
Transport Options in the SO Postal Area
The SO postal area in the UK is well-connected, making commuting and travelling straightforward and convenient. For rail travel, you have several key stations including Southampton, Winchester, and Eastleigh, offering frequent services to London, Bournemouth, and other major cities.
Southampton Airport is your go-to for air travel, located just a short drive from most parts of the SO area. It provides flights to a range of domestic and European destinations, making both business and leisure trips hassle-free.
Commuting by car is also smooth, thanks to major roads like the M3 and M27 running through the region. These motorways link you quickly to nearby cities and the scenic South Coast.
For those preferring public transport, the area boasts a reliable network of buses operated by companies like Bluestar and First Bus. With services covering local and regional routes, getting around is straightforward without needing a car.
Train Stations
The following railway stations are within the SO postcode region:
Ashurst New Forest Railway Station
Beaulieu Road Railway Station
Bitterne Railway Station
Botley Railway Station
Brockenhurst Railway Station
Bursledon Railway Station
Chandlers Ford Railway Station
Dunbridge Railway Station
Eastleigh Railway Station
Hamble Railway Station
Hedge End Railway Station
Lymington Pier Railway Station
Lymington Town Railway Station
Micheldever Railway Station
Millbrook (Hampshire) Railway Station
Netley Railway Station
Redbridge Railway Station
Romsey Railway Station
Shawford Railway Station
Sholing Railway Station
Southampton Airport (Parkway) Railway Station
Southampton Central Railway Station
St.Denys Railway Station
Swanwick Railway Station
Sway Railway Station
Swaythling Railway Station
Totton Railway Station
Winchester Railway Station
Woolston Railway Station
Local Authorities
SO 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 SO postcode area includes the following local authorities:
Basingstoke and Deane
Basingstoke and Deane Borough Council actively promotes community growth and economic development through strategic planning and delivery of essential public services to enhance resident welfare.
East Hampshire
East Hampshire District Council is dedicated to supporting its rural and urban communities with high-quality public services and initiatives that promote sustainable development and enhance quality of life.
Eastleigh
Eastleigh Borough Council focuses on sustainable community development, delivering effective public services that support economic growth and improve the overall living conditions for its residents.
+ 6 more
Eastleigh
Fareham
New Forest
Southampton
Test Valley
Wiltshire
Winchester
View all Local AuthoritiesGDP (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 Southampton (SO) 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 Southampton (SO) 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 £2,817 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 SO
As rated by Ofsted
- St Mary's Church of England Voluntary Controlled Primary School
Ascupart Street, Southampton, SO14 1LU
Primary School (3-11)Outstanding - Hounsdown School
Jacobs Gutter Lane, Southampton, SO40 9FT
Secondary School (11-16)Outstanding - Orchard Infant School
Water Lane, Southampton, SO45 4SB
Primary School (4-7)Outstanding - Hiltingbury Infant School
Hiltingbury Road, Eastleigh, SO53 5NP
Primary School (5-7)Outstanding - Lymington Church of England Infant School
Avenue Road, Lymington, SO41 9GP
Primary School (5-7)Outstanding - St Faith's Church of England Primary School
St Faith's Road, Winchester, SO23 9QB
Primary School (4-11)Outstanding - Our Lady and St Joseph Catholic Primary School - the Learning Federation Partnership of Schools
83a Ramley Road, Lymington, SO41 8GY
Primary School (4-11)Outstanding - Great Oaks School
Vermont Close, Southampton, SO16 7LT
Secondary School (11-19)Outstanding - New Forest School
Fawley Road, Hampshire, SO45 1FJ
Secondary School (7-18)Outstanding - Holy Family Catholic Primary School - Part of the Learning Federation Partnership of Schools
Mansel Road West, Southampton, SO16 9LP
Primary School (4-11)Outstanding
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