Dorset at a glance
This Council Plan is still in draft and has not yet been officially approved. Following further feedback and changes, the final version of the Council Plan will be adopted and published here in December.
Ageing population
65+ year olds in Dorset
Dorset has the greatest proportion of people aged 65 and over (30%) than any unitary authority in England. The average proportion of over 65s is 19%.
Average age in Dorset
The median age in Dorset is 51.6, up by 4 years since 2011, compared to 40.6 for England & Wales. An older age population means fewer people of working age and more people potentially requiring care.
Knowledge and experience
An ageing population provides a wealth of skills, experience, knowledge and a population that are often willing to give back to their communities through volunteering.
Economy
Working age population
Dorset’s working age population has fallen over the past ten years and this trend is projected to continue – in particular, we lose residents aged between 18 and 39.
Average weekly earnings
Dorset’s weekly earnings for residents is 90% of the national figure.
Value produced for every hour worked
Dorset’s local productivity is falling behind the rest of the UK, producing 15% less per hour than the national average.
Dorset businesses
Dorset businesses lead nationally on aquaculture, maritime automation and agri-tech. Our unique landscape offers huge potential for renewable energy. We produce far more renewable electricity than many authorities (328,383 MWH)
Housing
Median house prices
In the last ten years, median house prices have risen by £122,000 in Dorset and are higher than both the national and regional prices
Average property prices
Average house prices are 12 times higher than average salaries
Private rental prices
Private rental costs are on par with national rents but the gap between local housing allowance and rents has widened
Rurality
Connectivity
Dorset has poor connectivity – no motorways, 58% gigabit broadband compared to 84% nationally and 90% in BCP Council area, and among the worst mobile phone connectivity in the UK.
Access to services
46% of Dorset’s residents live in areas where they find it difficult to access services, compared to 18% across England.
Limited public transport
There is limited public transport in rural areas.
Services to rural areas
The council faces additional costs providing services to rural areas.
Native species living in Dorset
Dorset contains all six of Britain’s native reptile species, 93% of all mammal species and 90% of British Butterfly species.
Natural status
Dorset is home to England’s only World Heritage Site, the Jurassic Coast and has two National Landscape areas, covering 54% of the council area. Our unique landscape provides opportunities to expand the blue and green economy, and exploit the higher educational potential of studying the environment.
Health and deprivation
Deprived areas
There are 11 areas in Dorset within the top 20% most deprived nationally for multiple deprivation, up from 10 in 2015. 10 of these are in Weymouth and Portland.
Life expectancy gap
The gap in life expectancy between the most deprived and least deprived areas of Dorset is 6.3 years for men and 5.3 years for women.
Climate
Renewable energy production
Dorset’s renewable energy capacity continues to increase. It now stands at 347 MW (2022), an increase of 16% in a year.
Greenhouse gas emissions
Dorset's greenhouse gas emissions fell by over 4% from 2019-2021, and by a third since 2005.
Dorset's environmental economy
Dorset’s* environmental economy is worth between £0.9bn and £2.5bn per annum. It also supports between 17,000 and 61,000 jobs in the economy. *inc. BCP Council area.
Crime
Total crime per 1,000 people
Dorset has the fourth lowest total crime per 1,000 population of any unitary authority in England