Dorchester (Dorset) vs Fortuneswell
Which is better to live in? Distance: 10.4 miles apart.
The verdict
Dorchester (dorset) is the more affordable option, with average house prices around 19% lower. Dorchester (dorset) has the lower crime rate of the two.
Avg House Price
Dorchester (Dorset)
£406,621
Fortuneswell
£505,000
Crime Rate
Dorchester (Dorset)
44.9
Fortuneswell
45.0
Top-Two School Inspection Bands
Dorchester (Dorset)
60.0%
Fortuneswell
N/A
Avg Download Speed
Dorchester (Dorset)
468.1
Fortuneswell
390.6
EPC Rating
Dorchester (Dorset)
68.3
Fortuneswell
68.3
Median Income
Dorchester (Dorset)
£29,709
Fortuneswell
£29,709
House Prices (2025)
Most affordable in South WestAt £406,621, Dorchester (dorset) undercuts Fortuneswell (£505,000) by around 19% on average house prices.
Average Price by Property Type (2025)
Price Trend (11 Years)
Over the last 9 years, Fortuneswell prices grew faster — 249% vs 30%.
Crime & Safety
Safest in South WestDorchester (dorset) has a crime rate of 44.9 per 1,000 residents, which is 0% lower than Fortuneswell at 45 per 1,000. The most common crime category in Dorchester (dorset) is violent-crime, while in Fortuneswell it is violent-crime.
Crime Rate by Category (per 1,000 residents)
Both towns share the same top crime category: violent crime.
Schools & Education
Best for schools in South WestSchool quality data is not fully available for both Dorchester (dorset) and Fortuneswell. Dorchester (dorset) has 7 schools and Fortuneswell has 0 schools.
Dorchester (Dorset) School Inspection Breakdown
60% of 7 schools (4 primary, 3 secondary) sit in the top two inspection bands.
Fortuneswell School Inspection Breakdown
| Metric | Dorchester (Dorset) | Fortuneswell |
|---|---|---|
| Total Schools | 7 | 0 |
| Primary | 4 | 0 |
| Secondary | 3 | 0 |
| % Top two bands | 60% | N/A |
Broadband & Connectivity
Broadband in Dorchester (dorset) averages 468.1 Mbps – ahead of Fortuneswell's 390.6 Mbps. Superfast coverage (30 Mbps+) reaches 99.7% of premises in Dorchester (dorset) and 96.7% in Fortuneswell. Gigabit availability stands at 92.1% in Dorchester (dorset) and 74.1% in Fortuneswell.
Dorchester (dorset) is the faster of the two by 20% on average download speed (468 vs 391 Mbps).
Energy Efficiency & Running Costs
Energy efficiency favours Dorchester (dorset), scoring 68.3 on average (band C) compared to 68.3 (band C) in Fortuneswell. Estimated annual energy costs average £1,375 in Dorchester (dorset) and £1,375 in Fortuneswell. 56% of homes in Dorchester (dorset) have an EPC rating of C or above, compared to 56% in Fortuneswell.
Dorchester (dorset) has more energy-efficient housing — 56% reach band C or above, vs 56% in the other.
Demographics & Economy
Median household income is £29,709 in Dorchester (dorset) and £29,709 in Fortuneswell. The median age is 51.1 in Dorchester (dorset) and 51.1 in Fortuneswell. Employment rates stand at 52.1% in Dorchester (dorset) and 52.1% in Fortuneswell. Owner-occupancy is 70.4% in Dorchester (dorset) versus 70.4% in Fortuneswell. Dorchester (dorset) has a population of 21,358 and Fortuneswell has 4,554.
| Indicator | Dorchester (Dorset) | Fortuneswell |
|---|---|---|
| Population | 21,358 | 4,554 |
| Median Age | 51.1 | 51.1 |
| Median Household Income | £29,709 | £29,709 |
| Employment Rate | 52.1% | 52.1% |
| Owner Occupied | 70.4% | 70.4% |
| Degree-Level Qualified | 31.5% | 31.5% |
Location
Common questions
Frequently asked questions
How far apart are Dorchester (dorset) and Fortuneswell?
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